Three months later...

... I finally post these photos taken November 2, 2010 by the very talented Karen Johnson. If you go here, to her site, (at least right now, as I'm posting this) Andrew's photo pops up at the beginning of her page. :O)

Great Day for the Zoo

Due to snow-day make-ups, today now marks the last official non-weekend day "off" until the first day of our spring break (April 4). So, to get ready for the long haul, we enjoyed family time at the zoo this morning and ended up having some great animal encounters!

thing #895 to do when you have a million unexpected days off...

...ruin the hounds' day by giving an impromptu bath.

SNOW DAY!

Our district was wise to call this one early last night. It was my first official snow day since teaching in WV in 2005. Yay!

EJ showing the Beatles some love this morning

Great Wolf Lodge!

The other day, we awoke to this, but ended up doing this by 1:00 that afternoon. [insert relaxed sigh here] Gotta love contrast.

Our Christmas posse headed to the Great Wolf Lodge for some major wintertime water fun. We all had an amazing time.

The boys' section of our guest room was really cute. They had their own flat screen in this section, so there was much Sponge Bob to be had.

Jon and Ethan enjoyed the wave pool.

Andrew had more fun than anyone. His favorite phrase? "Let's do that a-GAIN!!"

Jon had his share of fun, too.

The giant bucket on top kept filling up with water and dumping every 10 minutes or so. There was a bell to warn of the deluge about to occur...

...so of course, the craziest folks gathered at the bottom with each clang. Although it LOOKS as if I am holding Andrew here against his will, we were really just being silly and totally excited about the drenching we were about to experience. We're looking up at the bucket...

Splashdown!

At a different moment, Jon was a glutton for punishment, as well.

Andrew was such a big guy, fearlessly tackling every slide all by himself.

Ethan had a lot of fun, too.

This place is so great. There was something really neat about sliding down a tube in 84-degree balminess while simultaneously looking out a window to see snow-covered Carolina pines. Here's to holidays and family time and great places to visit!

Merry Christmas to All!

We've had a great one and hope our blogger friends have, as well. Jon's sis and my mom are in town. It's been a nice few days full of family and friends, and it isn't stopping anytime soon! Andrew and I made cookies Christmas eve.

Here are all the children this morning.

Andrew scored a drum set. (WHAT WERE WE THINKING?!?)

Jon made Ethan this beautiful train table. What a great dad!

Santa also brought a super cool kitchen set. Here are Emeril and Bobby Flay in training...

Christmas dinner this evening