Tequila Time!

I am not talking about taking shots... sorry Graham.  Today, we met the youngest member at Apple Hill Farm. Tequila is a two month old alpaca. Adorable!

A Manicure Treat

Ellison and I decided to give the gift of manicures to Grandma Charlene for her birthday and to Nana Nancy for Christmas.  North Carolina was the perfect opportunity to plan the girls only date.  And Grandma's birthday was even more reason to plan the outing for today.  I am not sure who enjoyed the outing more between the four of us. It wasn't that the actual manicure was the best ever, it was the time together and the fact that it was Ellison's first official manicure.  She relished in the experience. I enjoyed every second of watching Ellison chat up the manicurist, pick her polish, and wear the largest smile.

Nuggets and polish - afterall she is only 3!

After our manicures, we continued to celebrate the Birthday Girl with a ladies lunch and then cake at Nana's house.  It was a great day! 

Happy Birthday Mom / Grandma!  We are the ones that are lucky! Love you!!!!!!

Snow Day

Ellison woke up yesterday and exclaimed, "It's finally Christmastime!" To a three year old, snow means Christmas. To a thirty something, I have to agree that the 80 degree weather did not feel like Christmas. Snow on the ground really puts you in the Holiday spirit.

We decided to enjoy the snow and head to Beech Mountain.  Grandma watched Dylan and the rest of us enjoyed sledding, a snow ball fight, and some hot chocolate. It was a fabulous snowy day!



Just like a Brother

I think I may know why Ellison when asked if Dylan was a good boy this year, responded "No!". She went on to explain why he does not belong in the "good kid" category.  The typical "he bothers me and my stuff" answer.  

The above video illustrates her point.  Nana surprised Ellison and Dylan with a cool Puppet Theater.  Perfect gift, right?  Let's just say Ellison is having a blast.  She is even semi-ok with her little brother tackling her puppets mid performance.  (I said semi ok, right?)

Let's Chat

Dylan took control of the camera and had a little conversation with it. Let's just say we here a lot of babbling these days!

Christmas Day

Mommy and Daddy got the best present on Christmas Day!  Two children who slept through the night and woke up later then normal.  Dylan was the first child to stir.

 We then sent Dylan to wake up Ellison.  Our little sleepyhead was happy for the wake up call!

 Aunt Ashley had Santa send Ellison a phone message.  He requested macaroni & cheese and cookies & milk. Our Elf on the Shelf, Rosetta Elfie, returned all of E's items that she had collected over the month.

 We had no idea just how large of a doll house Ellison had asked for from Santa until it arrived.  I think we may need to move into a larger house for this mansion doll house!

 Dylan was thrilled to no longer have to ride in his sister's pink car!

Happy kids!  Happy parents!

Christmas Day was filled with joy, family, and lots of delicious food.  Santa's gifts kept us busy in the early morning. We then headed over to my parents' house for muffins and presents.  Followed by Christmas dinner at our house with the Clark Family.  It was a wonderful day!

Christmas Eve

Our attempt at a Beaman Family photo.

The Eve before the Eve

Our household was busy, busy, busy leading up to Christmas Eve. We had a great week of checking of our to-do list during the day and partying at night. A few pics from the week. . .

Aunt Kim brought Olivia over to help us with a gift.

Photo courtesy of Ellison, who once again confiscated my camera.

Ellison and the Thai lady.

Another Ellison photo.

 

It's an Ackley Christmas

Time for our Annual Ackley Christmas at my Uncle's home in New Port Richey.  The family gathered, stuffed ourselves, and then enjoyed a few presents.  All the basics for the perfect family celebration.  Over the years there have been a few moments that have really stood out and will never be forgotten.  Probably the number one most hillarious moment is when Kim gave Art (who was still a boyfriend at the time) a pair of pants that had snaps going up and down the leg.  Kim held up the pants and demonstrated to the enitre family why they were so fabulous -  "Easy Access".  That memory will provide laughs for a long, long time.  This year, my daughter took control of my camera and got some great shots of the family (see below). However, no one expected her to go upstairs, take a picture of the tree that was downstairs, then scream "Mom, catch". The reaction from the crown was priceless.  Luckily no camera was hurt.

My only shot of the cameraman.

Sleepyhead.

Santa arrives in Dommerich

We lined the streets on Saturday to wave to Santa.  The sirens blared to let us know of his arrival and we waited semi-patiently for him to arrive to us. Ho Ho Ho.... Merry Christmas!