Ending up 2012

Back from a 1.5 weeks in Floyd and slowing rolling through a lazy Saturday. It's raining and we still have a car load (or two!) of stuff we didn't carry in last night from our trip. But there is a party! to prepare for and a roaring fire and Dan let me sleep in until 10 and he is getting the older three through a bath...we lost power for a bit this morning but the guys got the fire going and all is well.

We visited Angels in the Attic a couple times, walked around and ate on the Roanoke Market, had the Blackwell breakfast on Dec. 22, went shopping on Dec. 23 (and to Cracker Barrel!), had everyone to Judy's Dec. 24, and Grandma, Judy and Tracy to Mom's for Christmas Day lunch (with baked brie as a desset!). Logan, Ciera and Anna came over after Christmas Eve service at the Baptist church and again Christmas Day morning before she hosted her family for their first Christmas in their house.

Kids were delighted with their gifts. We were all amazed at the number as individually wrapped Attic finds can really add up! Zach didn't get his combine, but we were proud of how he reacted. We really didn't know it was tops on his list until too late, but he said he loved everything he got and it was fine. Especially his electric Cat train set and the slew of other tractors he got. Caleigh is awash in horses and books, just like she asked for. Caroline was very excited to get a cash register with money in it (and it talks!) and a horse trailer with her own couple horses. She immediately offered to share her trailer with Caleigh. ;-) Josiah loved his stacking cups. He was gifted Wiki Stix but the others loved playing with them hopefully he'll still be able to use them when he gets interested.

We listened to a lot of country Christmas CDs but didn't get out this year to a cantata. Josiah didn't make it through the Christmas Eve service so maybe next year he'll be ready for longer outings staying in church. The olders were excited to hold a candle, but Z just ended up blowing his out after I'd held it the whole time. Missed Grandma Gearheart at service this year, but blessed she could participate in the other events over those two days.

Got in a playdate with Mack and Krey Thurs afternoon after being stuck in the house two days with the ice storm. Lots of power out, but we only lost it Thursday a.m. for about 10 hours (midnight - 10). Josiah was a waking bear all night w/o his sound machine. It didn't help that Caleigh woke him up needing headache medicine at 2 and Caroline woke up screaming b/c of the dark at 4. Sigh.

Spent Friday a.m. touring around Meadows of Dan and Galax. ;-)