After the kids opened presents at our house and William and I took a little nap we headed over to my mom and dad's for another round of gifts.

John Parker had asked for a Wii and an electric guitar from Santa. We told him that Santa could only get one and he picked the Wii. Mom and Dad gave him the guitar but Dad wanted to trick him and wrap it up with a tag "To Papa, From John Parker."
Dad asked him to help him open it. It took him a minute to realize that it was for him.

The kids woke up at 3:45 am Christmas morning!!

And worse than that--our coffee maker broke when we tried to make coffee----of ALL Mornings!!!

This was the earliest they had ever woken up. Thank goodness Santa had already made his delivery! William and I were soooo exhausted and tried to talk them into going back to bed for another hour or two but they wouldn't have it. We made them come in quietly so that we would not wake the puppies. Here are some of the photos of them opening their gifts.

Santa left a note that there was something else left downstairs in the garage.

John Parker got his basketball goal and ........

Rachel was surprised that we had gotten a lift kit (big tires and all) put on the golf cart.

She had been wanting this done for the last two years or so and we kept putting her off.

Thanks Dad!!!! I love you!!!!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve our entire neighborhood lines the streets of Wedgefield with lit milk jugs. When we first moved I thought it looked so tacky until I saw it lit at night. It really is beautiful to ride through the streets as they are all lined with lights. The kids got an early start this year and began putting the jugs out in front of the house and down our streets.

John Parker was in charge of putting the candles in the jugs

I tried to take a photo of it when dark but it didn't show up too well.

After our Christmas Eve service at church we headed over to William's brother's house to celebrate with his family. Rachel got a Hollister sweatshirt from Grandma.

Candace LOVES Hannah Montana!

Hunter LOVES the Hulk!! This present was from John Parker.

And John Parker LOVES Webkinz!! Candace gave him THREE!!!

Rachel gave Brooke and t'shirt and Sweatshirt from Aeropostle.

CHRISTMAS CAME A LITTLE EARLY!!

Rachel and John Parker received an early Christmas present this year and so did we!!

As we were parked at the breeder's home his son ran into our car as he was backing out of the driveway. He was driving a Ford F350 and did not even realize he had hit us until he was halfway down the side of my car!

Both doors are dented and you can see the white streak down the side.

Fortunately, the night got better when we got home and saw the kids expressions over their new puppies!

We had to put our family pet, Peaches, to sleep in September. Willam had given her to me before we got married and she had been with us for 16 years. I had promised the kids that we would get another dog when Peaches died. Rachel had been begging for us to buy two and we had always said one would be enough. Of course, when we went to look at the last two puppies that the breeder had I could not walk away with only one!

We decided to surprise them and only give them one at first.

Rachel could not wait to call her cousin Brooke


Meet Mookie.....Rachel's new puppy
and Cocoa......John Parker's new puppy

Time for their first bath!

CLEMSON HOMECOMING WEEKEND

William and the kids enjoyed a weekend in Clemson during their Homecoming game against Duke. Unfortunately, I was not able to go--I had to work. But they had a great time with their uncle and cousins!!

I put Rachel in charge of taking photos--the only problem is there are none of her!

This was JP and Brooke (my niece) sliding down one of many hills in Clemson.

They had a great time tailgating.

Honestly, I don't think there is any place my kids (and husband) would rather be...

they love it here. I just wish that it was not such a drive.

Let's throw some football....

Right before the game starts the cheerleaders and players march down the street right in front of where we tailgate and the fans can wish them luck

Then interim Coach Swinnie

I could not tell you any of these players names but Rachel can probably name every one and

tell you the position they play!

Definately the most exciting part of any Clemson game at Death Valley...the players running down the hill and rubbing "the rock"

After the game the kids like to go onto the field to get the players autographs