Where to begin? So Much has happened over the past month! We have had several lovely Christmas celebrations. Each different and special in their own way. The twins were spoiled rotten by all their Grandparents and relatives!!!
The Sawyer Family Christmas celebrated in Roddy each year where we get to visit with family we often do not see again until the next family gathering. This is year it was particularly interesting as Papa gave us a portrait of the Bellflower Family and their many Children and did his best to explain every detail he could remember about who was in the photo and their signifigance to our family.
Next we had a small gathering of Gabi's closest friends and exchanged gifts and ate a tasty Smoked meal that Hank made us in his new cooker his Dad got for him(Thanks, Gramps)!
On Christmas Eve, Kennedy had his adenoids removed and tubes put in his ears. He was an amazing patient! Kennedy wore his new Buzz Lightyear costume Mama Christy gave him! His surgery was so successful that I have not had to clean his nose since Christmas Eve!
We then Travelled to Tampa to have the FLaherty Family Christmas which is always an adventure! The kids have their own bedroom there and a huge playrrom that they always enjoy! This paticular Christmas was quite hilarious because Gabi walked in the front door and saw teh Christmas tree and asked Papy..." Where is the Star?" and since my parents never foudn the star for the Tree Topper thsi Year Pappy very quickly improvised a plan to put an elf hat over the top, which thankfully satisfied Gabi and her all too observant self. She and Kennedy were either engrossed in the gift they just opened or asking where they "nother" persent was. Gabi's favorite gift was a Tinker Bell Coloring and Drawing Activity pad. SHe stopped all celebration to have a hour and a half of coloring fairies! On the bright side she LOVED her present and it gave the adults an oportunity to open our gifts. Kennedy...not sure what was his favorite, but I would say his BuzzLightyear figure, and the doctor set that he and Gabi shared and the Mom's helper set of cleaning supplies were a huge hit!
We also spent time at Busch Gardens and Sea World this Season....and I have been going to these two parks since '91 and I must say I never saw the park as packed as it was this year. Patti and Hank took the big kids to Sea World one day and called back when they found that when they arrived the entrances were all completely blocked off due to the park reaching capacity! Wow! WHo knew that could happen!! Hank and Aunt Patti improvised and called later to check and see if it was open. It did reopen in the early evening and they went and enjoyed the park. WHich leads me to one of the best phrases from Gabi that week. Hank bought each of the kids and himself a lihgt SAber that lights up and when they got to the car at the end of the night the kids and Hank preteneded to Sword fight until Hank was defeated and fell on the ground to which Gabi said..."Dad, you're so weird"! What 3 year old tells their Dad they are weird!!!?!?!?! HILARIOUS!!!
Another highlight of this trip was the yummy Crab dinner we ate in one night! One of our Family Favorites!! Yum YUm!
We also took the kids to a movie and found a Wizard of Oz wooden NutCracker Set which included DOrothy, the Scarecrow, TInMan and Lion.
WE then ventured on home for a quick 45 minute unload and reload of the car and headed to Orange Park for the Fields FAmily Celelbration! Boy, did we arrive to a party! Lots of Family and close Friends were there having a great time. The guys all hung out by the Fire outside smoking cigars and the ladies chattered inside. Gabi & Kennedy were thrilled to see and play with their Cousins Grace & COnnor. the twins were with us too, of course, and Hank carried them alll around showing them off to everyone! WHat a proud Daddy! The last few days were spent just relaxing and having family time. Benny & Christy(with her adorable little baby belly) were able to be there the same time so we had a great tiem with them! Jennifer & I took the kids to the park, Uncle Kyle and Hank played with his new scooter and both got cornered by a nosy neighboorhood pain in the bum, who insisted that they were not allowed to drive the scooter around in the neighborhood. What a punk, it was a Christmas present and he had to learn to drive it...what did the guy expect...anyway....
Gabi & Kennedy went to Poppy's office and had their first Dental checkup and teeting counting!! They did great and enjoyed how fun Poppy made it!
I am getting sleepy so off for a little shut eye! Many pictures to come.....Thank you for a wonderful holiday and Praise for healthy Children!!!
