Saddlin' Up Skeeter

Skeeter came "home" (for now home is Papaw's house) shortly after the new year. Unfortunately, it rained and rained and rained so it was some time before the kids could ride him. We finally had a Saturday where it wasn't raining and Daddy was available. So we headed to Papaw's to see what Skeeter could do. Daddy rode him first and then it was Madisyn's turn.

Daddy stayed close by since we aren't completely confident in Skeeter's manners. ;-) Madisyn jumped on like an old pro. I guess riding a horse is kind of like riding a bike, you might get rusty but you don't completely forget. I'm pretty sure she has been trying to figure out a way to make it to lots of horse shows this year.

Ben wasn't much for horseback riding so he played in the sand pile instead. Any guesses what his clothes and boots did to the van when he got in? :-S

Mimi and Granddaddy had the Saturday free so they came over to see the kids in action. It was still cool out so Henry, Mary Claire, Mimi and I watched from the van.

It was finally Ty's turn and he did really well. He hasn't spent as much time on a horse as Madisyn but he isn't far behind.

Christmas #1

The Saturday before Christmas, Mary Claire made her big debut and met her cousins. We met at Mom and Dad's to celebrate Christmas.

Henry needed a little help opening gifts. I think by the time we were done he was starting to get the hang of it.

It can be a little chaotic when 17 people are involved!

Izzy was completely decked out in Christmas cheer. I loved her glittery shoes and tutu!

We decided not to exchange gifts among adults this year but the kids helped me make a photo calendar for the grandparents. Right now, all of their grandchildren have been born in a different month.

Mimi also got a laptop sleeve monogrammed just for her.

Aunt Robin and Raegen checked out the calendar as well.

Granddaddy had a good time snuggling the newest member of the family.

After opening gifts and eating lunch, the kids decorated a gingerbread house. I think it's becoming a tradition. Next year we might have to make it a gingerbread village as I'm sure Henry and Izzy (and possibly Lynden) won't be happy to just sit and watch.

I think half the candy ended up in bellies as opposed to the house.

These two were pretty good at sneaking candy!

Izzy was smart enough to avoid the hard, stale gingerbread house candy. I'm sure she was thinking "silly boys". LOL

After the gingerbread house, we visited Grandmother Sansoucie (Mom's mom). I think they nursing home was a bit overwhelmed with the sudden arrival of 6 children.

Thanksgiving

This year we had 3 Thanksgivings. First we headed to Mom and Dad's. We had a great time eating with cousins . . .

and Aunts and Uncles.

Afterwards we headed to Searcy and checked out the Christmas lights.

When Thanksgiving day actually rolled around the only cooking I did was keeping Mary Claire in the oven. ;-) We had a very relaxing day of watching movies and snacking.

Thanksgiving number 3 included friends that are like family. Madisyn and Clara Beth posed in their matching turkey dresses. She's very excited to have a little sister to dress alike now.

Henry was thinking he could get used to eating homemade Mac and Cheese and ham on a weekly basis.

Giddy Up!

Nothing like a good book to end the evening.

Happy Birthday, Mimi!

The end of October/ first of November is a busy time for birthdays in our family.

Mimi celebrated another year and was treated to lunch out with several of her grandkids. A kind gentleman paid a portion of our bill. Unfortunately, he asked the waiter to remain anonymous so we aren't even sure who he was but we were very thankful for his generosity.

Since Mimi was on lunch break, we opened gifts before our food arrived.

Henry's favorite part was the chips and dip. It doesn't matter what he's eating, it can always be improved with some type of dip.

Raegen, Lynden and Aunt Robin enjoyed the chips and salsa as well.

Hay-ving a good time

This year was a tough year to plan a hayride but I'm so glad we did. Most of our family and tons of our friends joined us for a good time.

We started the evening off with weenie cookin' and marshmallow roasting. The weather was perfect. Just warm enough you didn't need to bundle up but cool enough for no bugs and a fire was welcome.

The kids were super excited that Uncle Scott and Mrs. Hannah were going to make it. I think getting to be part of Clara Beth's first hayride might have had something to do with that. ;-)

We planned to have potato sack races but the tater sacks didn't make it. Griffin had a mini break down over the idea of no games. Thankfully, Daddy came to the rescue and suggested garbage bags. I don't think this will be a permanent change.

Garbage bags aren't made for the roughness of jumping people even though they are made to hold a falling piano. ;-)

Egg toss is another game we tend to play.

I think Uncle Scott and Uncle Kirk are training for the extreme egg toss games. ;-)

Since I was very pregnant and barely walking, I opted out of the hayride portion of the activities.

I have to say, it's a little more comfortable to stay behind. ;-)

But I do believe I missed out on a great time!

Last year, the picture I shared of Scott and Hannah was a newlywed shot. Now they are 3! What a difference a year makes. {Clara Beth is all bundled up under there.}