Maggie and Cocky

When Joe and Chelsea came for Thanksgiving we went to a USC basketball game.  Maggie got her first picture with Cocky!   She's just too cute in her Gamecock cheerleading outfit!

Lights Before Christmas

Monday, December 10, for Family Home Evening, we went to the Lights Before Christmas at the Riverbanks Zoo.  Kenny was still working in Ashville but the rest of the SC Team was there.  We had a great time even though it started to rain.  It only drizzled a little so it was all good.  We enjoyed Chick-fil-a afterwards.

Beautiful lights - you can barely see the family walking

 Hunter, Hagin, Olivia and Peyton with Santa

 Emma and Santa - Owen did NOT want to talk to Santa

 Jackson loved Santa but Maizeigh and Norah, not so much!



 

The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 15 we went to see the Columbia City Ballet presenting the Nutcracker.  It was beautiful as always.  We have decided to make this a family tradition to take the daughters and granddaughters every year.  The little girls also get to choose a nutcracker each year to purchase so that when they are older they will have a grand collection!  We just hope that maybe some years Chelsea and Maggie will be able to join us.

With Olivia and Emma.  Maizeigh is in the background but didn't want to be in the photo at the time!

 Love my sweet grandbabies!

 My favorite oldest granddaughter

Em with her beautiful very pink nutcracker

Emma, Olivia and Maizeigh with their new nutcrackers

My beautiful girls! 



Shopping Buddies

Tuesday, December 11 Big Daddy and I took Owen and Emma shopping for Christmas gifts for their mom and dad.  They were so excited to pick out gifts all by themselves!  They made some very good choices!  We had fun shopping and then went to Rush's for dinner.  They were lots of fun and oh, so cute!!

Kiawah Island Marathon

Friday, December 7 we headed down to Kiawah Island for a marathon weekend.  Tim and Christi had signed up to volunteer at packet pick up.  We got there in time to have Christi check Michael in before dinner.  They always offer a wonderful pre-race buffet that we enjoy every year.  This year marked the 20th anniversary of Michael's first marathon which he ran at Kiawah.  I remember him saying when he finished back in 1992 that he was glad that he accomplished that goal because he didn't think he EVER wanted to do that again.  Yeah, right!  I heard that after his first Ironman too!  Michael ran the marathon while Jessica and Tim ran the half.  They all did great!  So proud of them!

 Tim and Christi volunteering

 Checking in

Maizeigh wanted to get in on the action

 Jessica, Michael and Tim

 Kenny's gang

 Carlisle's minus Jackson

 Christi and Tim

 Me and Michael

 Michael's running and tri friends -  Cindy Long (My hero, she was the one who stopped to take care of Michael after his accident at the Tour de Camden), Cathy and Rick Rikard

 

About mile one 

 Mile one and smiles

 About mile ten

 Ten and still smiling

 

 About mile 25 - Smile or grimace?

 Got to run with Michael for just a little while at the home stretch

 Lots of Team Whetstone support!

 BIG alligator!

 Early Sunday morning walk on the beach to watch the sun rise before heading to church.

Majestic - No doubt there is a God!  What a gorgeous world we have been given.

Thanks Team for the wonderful trip and for all the love and support you give to each other.



Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart

December 6 was Michael's birthday.  I am so thankful for my wonderful husband.  He is a marvelous husband, father and priesthood holder.  He loves his family so much.  He is an amazing athelete.  Not many people can say they are an Ironman!  He truly is my dream come true. 

1975 - Jealous of the hair??

2012 - Enjoying his birthday dessert at Outback

I love you with all my heart babe!

Gingerbread Houses

Sunday, December 2, after our family dinner, we made gingerbread houses.  This is always a fun time for me.  I love watching the kids express themselves in their little houses!

Beautiful houses AND grandchildren!

So You Think You Can Dance

November 30 I had the awesome privilege to go to the So You Think You Can Dance tour at the Township Auditorium.  It was so amazing to see these dancers perform live! 

 Libbi, Sarah Beth, LaNelle, Mary Beth, Me and Christi

 My beautiful girls!

Totally amazing!!