SNOW!!!

We got word that there was 10+ inches of snow in NC, so snuck away for a chilly adventure this past weekend. We stayed with a friend of ours who still had power and made a visit to my grandparents on the way out. Esther had so much fun in the snow. She remembered our crazy snowstorm in Athens last March, but has been begging to see snow again. We thought...why not?

Sledding-Round 1

WHEEE!!

"Let's do that again!"

"FUN!"

Mama got a run on the sled, too

Snowball fight with Papa - he got her good!

She got him back good!

We are enjoying this time we have with Papa on break - getting spoiled a little bit. Soaking up every bit of this family time we can before he starts back in January. Hope you are warm and enjoying your loves as we enter into the holiday season!

Arrghhhh! Esther is 3!

And, YES, she asked for a pirate party. Not too sure where the idea came from, but we took it and ran with it. We had so much fun preparing and partying it up, pirate-style. The party was complete with eye patches, pirate coloring sheets, a treasure hunt for loot, and cupcakes. Esther is still talking about it and doing everything as a pirate. She got a beta fish from her Aunt Sara (she calls her "My Sara") and named him 'Pirate Froggy Fleming'. I think pirates are here to stay!

Decorating - snacks included goldfish, cannonballs (grapes), and pirate ship cupcakes.

Ben making the treasure maps (E telling Grandma all about it)

Please, can I eat my cake already!

Delicious 'Death By Chocolate Vegan' cupcakes - Oh My!

One Fabulous Pirate!

Ready for the Treasure Hunt

Nothing in the pirate cave...

getting closer...

TREASURE!!! Thanks to my Mom for supplying the 'jewels' and 'gold' coins in pouches.

Kid-present pileup!

Thank you, everybody!!!

I know she's only 3 years old, but I don't think this is a birthday she will soon forget. We are so blessed to have Esther in our lives and all the joy that she brings us. Though we battle with the ever-growing sassiness, we are proud that she is developing into an independent, strong individual. Love that girl!!!

Quote of the day

"Papa, my tongue is cold. I think I need some hot chocolate with cream. And a BIG special treat!"

Of course, off they went on a Papa-Esther date to get a warm treat. Sweet gal!

And since I've been slacking on my Wordless Wednesday posts. Here's E helping me put in the raised bed for next spring. And, yes, she is wearing a fairy skirt and rainboots. Stinkin' cute!
And I have to brag on my love. Ben just completed his first semester of PA school! Really proud of all his hard work, sleepless nights, pounds of coffee, and study breaks to spend time with his family. Love that guy!!!

Oh, Christmas Tree....

We got our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, as has been tradition since Esther was born. It was kind of sad not to go back to our regular family from NC that we went to in Athens, but we got our tree and it's pretty cute. Not quite Charley Brown, but not the biggest guy you've seen. Perfect for our little living room corner! Esther loved being able to help decorate more this year. She especially loved the music and books that we pulled out for the holidays. She's also been carrying around this musical snow globe like it was her baby (I'm talking everywhere - even to the bathroom).

Holding the door for Papa to bring the tree in

She wanted to hug the tree - makes her Mama proud

Lights going on. E patiently awaiting putting on the 1st ornament.

Little Stinker

So excited about her Christmas books!

Just plain cute!

"Is it Christmas yet? Where's Santa?"