Putman Christmas

Well, another great Chrismtas in the books. We spent a great week and Nanny and Papadads with the Pitman crew and Granny enjoying lots of cousin madness! The kids had a blast with their new toys and playing (and fighting) with each other. We are so fortunate to have both all of family so close that we were able to see everyone over the holidays. We sure are blessed!

It's Christmas All Over Again

So it turns out that Santa DID come by the Patrick household last night and the kids racked up a pretty nice haul! It was a great morning for everyone, including Ellie. Next stop, Patrick breakfast then Lake Keowee for Putman Christmas...

Christmas Eve

The Christmas festivities started Christmas Eve night with Nan, Granddaddy, Uncle Charlie, and Aunt Kathy coming over for a delicious chicken and dumpling dinner. We exchanged gifts after eating and had such a sweet and peaceful evening with dear family. After the house was empty, our elves again delivered some matching family pj's, we read out traditional Christmas tales and the story of the first Christmas and tucked away for the evening. Hope Santa comes tonight!!!

NPB2011

It was another magical morning at the Griner's 3rd Annual North Pole Breakfast this year! The food was so yummy and the children did the entertaining this year with yet another re-enactment of Jesus' birth. What sweet kiddos they all were!

What a Lady!

After a fun week of having Granny hang out with us, we surprised the birthday girl today with a 80th Birthday Celebration at Lake Keowee. I think she was definitely not expecting it! It was a great night of family and meeting new friends! Happy Birthday, Granny!

Live Nativity

This year we were so sad that the live nativity in Bethlehem was cancelled due to threatening thunderstorms. Instead, we had supper at the Griners while the 4 kids put on their OWN version of a live nativity. Kinsey was Mary, Max was "Jofus," Jacob was Baby Jesus and John Scott was the narrator and musician.

We were at least able to keep the tradition of visiting the baby chicks and Jack's work however, which the kids always thoroughly enjoy!

Here We Come A'Caroling

It's official!!! I am on Christmas break for the next 9 working days--woo hoo! To start off the holiday, I had a basketball Christmas party after school and then Kinsey and I hosted her Brownie Troop in a Christmas Caroling Party. We had pizza and cookies, beat the rain with a few rounds of caroling, then snuggled back up in the house for a little Christmas movie watching.

Hopefully, my first day will greet me with a couple of late sleepers. But I seriously doubt it! :)

Flower Girl and Banner Boy

The kids were so fortunate to be able to be a part of my sweet friend Hillary's wedding this weekend. The whole event was just amazing--one of the prettiest wedding and receptions I've been to. The combination of beautiful wedding day, sweet service, and exquisite church and reception location in addition to the amazing colors and Christmas decor were just inspiring. And you couldn't have had a more GORGEOUS and happy bride! We all had the most fun all weekend, especially at the reception and the kids did so good at all the events! We love you Heery!

Polar Express PJ Party

Deck the Hollow

Fun "light night" out at Memorial Park Bear Hollow Zoo. Even got to see a Great Horned Owl.

Cubbies in Pajamas

Tonight was the Cubbies "Happy Birthday Jesus" party at church. He has been waiting for this night for weeks!

Gingerbread 2011

And so the tradition continues...