The Night Before Christmas

We hosted Christmas Eve this year at our house with gumbo and good cheer. I am hopeful that this was the first of a tradition that will be looked forward to by all of our families and friends every holiday season. I loved the planning and preparation of the food and sharing the company of people we love on one of the most special, magical nights of the year.

"I have how long until the party starts?!?! Better get in gear!"


Ready to party!


"I love your festive sweater, Nana."


GrandPattie has fur on her vest...



Through the years we all (plus a few more) will be together...


"And I told Santa EXACTLY what I wanted..."


I hope you had yourself a Merry Little Christmas as well! And here's to a prosperous New Year, cheers!

I Believe!

Santa Claus came to our house last night! He arrived at approximately 7:10pm and Brantley was great! He had to come this early in the month so that he could get the toy orders in to the elves at the North Pole to ensure shipping by the 24th...GrandPattie was in attendance for the event and we were all really impressed with how well Santa Claus was received. Of course, we have been looking at different pictures of him and she has a little Santa doll (but he has on a robe and carries a miniature Christmas tree, not your typical red suit with a sack) and in the last couple of days we have gotten her to say "Ho Ho Ho". And she lowers her voice to say it, adding to the hilarity. But here is our evening in pictures...
"Well, well, well who do we have here?"

"Santa Claus this is Brantley. Brantley, Santa Claus."

Santa produces a treat from his sack of goodies...

Santa produces a bigger treat from his sack of goodies...Mysteriously wrapped in the same paper that she has not been allowed to touch for a few days now.

Santa Claus lets Brantley ring the magic bell...

"Okay, time for you to go now Santa. Good bye! Thank you!"

Let's see what we have here...

'Twas the Night Before Christmas! With illustrations by Mary Engelbreit! How does Santa know these things?!!

Inscription reads "To Brantley Katherine Powell, From Santa Claus, December 2010"


Merry Christmas to All and to All a GOOD NIGHT!

Welcome to December!

We had a GREAT kick off weekend to December 2010! It started on Saturday morning with our dear friend Andrew's first birthday party at Main Street Books. His mother really outdid herself and it was an event enjoyed by young and old alike. Here is a picture of Brantley and me...


Later that day we met Andrew and his parents and his visiting grandparents Downtown for the Hattiesburg Christmas Parade. Then we all strolled over to the park for more Christmas festivities. It was a GREAT day!



We love spending our time with our family and friends and our friends' families! And December looks to be full of those opportunities this year! Life is good!