The next day at Callaway

The fun at Callaway Gardens continued after the Fantasy in Lights show with a stay at the nearby Mountain Creek Inn, where we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast the next morning. Then we were off to the Birds of Prey show to learn about owls, vultures, and such. Next, the butterfly exhibit captured our interest as we observed new creatures emerge from their cocoons and be released into their new environment. Caleb, as always, was especially fascinated with the fountains and waterfalls that flowed through the exhibit. While the butterflies were neat, they couldn't compete with throwing pennies into the fishpond!

Family Fun at Fantasy in Lights

Sunday night, our family shared a special event with my (Gracy's) parents--the Fantasy in Lights show at Callaway Gardens. It was a bit nostalgic for David and I since that was one of the activities we enjoyed together the first Christmas we were married. This time was perhaps even more meaningful for us, though, as we experienced it with our family. As we rode the trolley through the beautiful displays, Caleb added entertainment to the show, punctuating his favorite parts with squealing, dancing, laughter, and cheerful observations. When we passed the shimmering lake, he made sure to tell us, "We don't want to sit in that water!"

A Downtown Christmas

Monroe, GA was the place to be on Thursday evenings in December! Last week, we enjoyed Christmas festivities and including carolers, lights, cookies, window shopping, a pet goat, and a hayride. It was fun to make memories with family and to participate in our community's holiday fare!

More pictures of Christmas tree fun...

Deck the living room...

We had a really special family time last week as we decorated for the holidays. As we put up our pre-lit artificial tree (which I would highly recommend to everyone--it's so easy--no tangled messes, no faulty bulbs--it's great!), we explained to Caleb what the tree stands for and why we celebrate Christmas. A few of the lowest limbs grew heavy with small colorful plastic balls (no glass balls around 2 year olds!) as Caleb decorated to his little heart's content. After placing an ornament on, he would squeal and then say, "Another!" The highlight of course was lighting the tree, to which Caleb responded with a "Wook at the Christmas tree! Hee, hee, hee! Happy birthday, Jesus!"
We all know that change comes with the passing of time, and David and I have seen alot of changes in the last few years. As many of you have experienced, most of our childhood Christmas traditions are long past, only coming alive again as we reminisce and share special memories with one another. But we have a new joy now, and that is in the building of memories for Caleb. It's so neat to think that each day, each season, we are creating the special times that he will remember and treasure forever, just as we treasure our own childhood memories. Perhaps the greatest thing of all, though, especially in light of knowing how different next year's Christmas will be for us, is knowing that even though our lives change and traditions come and go, what Christmas means to us will always be the same.

New friends

Last Saturday, we traveled to Ringgold, GA, to meet with a group there upon the invitation of our good friend, an archaeologist (pictured with us). We were able to have dinner with a young couple and make some new friends, and David had an opportunity to speak to the group on Sunday morning. We really enjoyed our time there, and hope to have made some lasting connections.

First time bowling!

Caleb got to experience another "first" last week--bowling! Gracy's parents took us out for a game, and it was a blast! We took turns helping him bowl, and would all watch in anticipation as the ball rolled ever so slowly down the lane, back and forth between the guard rails. Jubilant squealing and happy-feet dancing always followed as Caleb expressed his unmeasured glee over the ball hitting the pins. I don't know who enjoyed the game more--Caleb, or all of us watching him in his excitement!

Even more Thanksgiving fun!

The festivities continued as more of my (Gracy's) family gathered at my parents the Sunday after Thanksgiving to enjoy good company and good food. It was special to spend time with my mom's side of the family--especially those visiting from Miami whom we do not get to see often. One of the highlights for Caleb was meeting and playing with his one year old second cousin, Isabella, for the first time. He introduced her to the fourwheeler, pushed her around in his riding car, and showed off his dance moves. (She was thoroughly impressed, of course.) It was a great conclusion to a full few days of activities for our family! I am so grateful for all the memories made this year. They will be so special to us in the years to come.

More Thanksgiving fun

Our Thanksgiving celebrations at my (Gracy's) parents' continued on Friday, as we spent time with my Aunt Diann, cousin Jill, and her 6 year old twins Kirsten and Conner, who had come for a visit from Florida. Caleb had a blast with his second cousins riding the fourwheelers, driving the tractor through an "obstacle course," playing in the sand, dancing, and other fun activities. We adults enjoyed our visit as well as we reconnected and reminisced about times past.