Decorations

Since we had the whole weekend with Daddy after Thanksgiving, we decided to put up the Christmas tree and lights.  

The girls loved it, especially Miriam.  Her excitement reminded me so much of how I felt as a little kid at Christmas time.

This year we added a smaller, second tree upstairs.

Now we can see a lighted three through the window when we pull into our garage and when we walk upstairs.

It was nice weather for putting up lights.  

And playing on bikes.

As much fun as Daddy had, I think we're going to have to get a taller ladder for next year if I ever want him to do it again.

Our ladder doesn't quite reach to the peak above the garage.  But doesn't it look pretty?

Thanksgiving

We had a special treat the week after Anna's wedding.  My sister Melissa and her daughter Abby came to visit us in Arkansas before they went home to Canada.  We all took turns hanging out with Melissa and spending time with her since we don't get to see her very often.  She hates having her picture taken though, so I don't have any photos except this one.

We called on her expertise in making mesh wreaths.  I think she was a pretty good teacher.

Jody made one for Anne for Christmas.

I made one for Halloween,

 and Christmas.

We had an early Thanksgiving dinner with Melissa before she headed home.  Jared has become the master at smoking.  His smoked turkey was delicious!

 On actual Thanksgiving Day several of us family enjoyed lunch at Jody's house.  Later that night Genny, Jody and I made a Black Friday run to Wal-mart.  I'd say we did okay... 

I am so thankful for every opportunity I get to spend with family.

Bowling

We decided to take the family bowling.  It was Eliza's first time and you can see what fascinated her the most:

 

 She did drop the ball a few times, thankfully none on her toes.

Miriam only dropped the ball once (unfortunately on her toes).  After attempting that 14 lb ball, she stuck to the 7s after that.

  

Daddy bowling with his usual flare. 

Eliza attempting some flare.

We all had a great time.  It was a fun way to spend a very COLD day inside.

Downtown Disney

We spent our last morning at Downtown Disney.  The girls loved the legos.

And building Mr. Potato Head.

About as much of a snowman that you'll see in Florida.

Everyone's favorite had to be the Ghirardelli ice cream parlor.  My mouth is watering just looking at it again.  The girls didn't even waste a drop this time, it was all gone!

I'm grateful Anna and Michael have chosen to live in such a fun (and yummy) spot of the country.  It gives us lots of excuses to come back often.

Wedding Day

And finally, the reason we all really came to Florida--Anna and Michael's Wedding.  They were engaged for 11 months and dated almost 2 years before that, so it was a few years in coming.

Don't they make a great couple?  Married in the Orlando, FL temple.

I let the photographer take most of the pictures (didn't even manage to get one of myself in the bridal party as a bridesmaid), but here are a few that Cace and I captured.

Gemma constantly taking off her shoes.

Miriam said Anna was a princess.

Later that afternoon they had a ring ceremony and reception at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast venue by a lake.

The Disney couple.

The evening ended with quite the dance party.  Although completely exhausted with no naps, Miriam and Eliza danced the night away like they'd just had an energy drink.

I'm so happy for Anna and Michael and wish them the best!