Christmas 2012

Its the last few hours of 2012 so I figured while I was waiting for the ball to drop I would update my blog.  We have truly had a blessed year.  To think that one year ago we hadn't even met our sweet Grace.  Amazing how I cannot remember a time without her.  I went into get her after her nap today and there she was standing up.  She got so excited to see me she fell over clapping her hands.  So proud of her new accomplishment.
 

But it has been a funfilled Christmas vacation.  I have tried to pack in as much "fun stuff" as possible.  We started our 3 (yes THREE) weeks off with a playdate at Catch Air with lots of Jake's panda and Julianna's bunny friends.  Then the weekend before Christmas hit us and we were last minute shopping and I was a wrapping idiot!  Christmas Eve we dressed up and went to the children's service...which was exactly 35 minutes long and I was sooo thankful, not sure I could have lasted much longer.  Can they not just sing Jingle Bells?

After church we rushed home to put cookies, carrots and milk out for Santa and off to bed the little ones went.  Julianna made a final appearance about 8:00 and after she was asleep we started to bring up the gifts.  Once again I went overboard but who doesn't?  I really don't think anyone was more excited than I was for Christmas morning.

Thankfully Jake slept until 7:00 and was very patient while Brian went down to set up the video camera.  They ran in and the fun began!  They got all kinds of stuff and were so overwhelmed.  Luckily we had a little break and ate some breakfast then skyped with Grandma and Poppy while they opened those presents.  Technology is awesome!  We spent the day putting toys together and playing.  Then we continued our sinful tradition of going out to dinner.  I know it goes against all the rules but seriously, no cooking, no dishes, no stress!

The day after Christmas we went to the Aquarium.  We have annual passes and we have taken advantage every chance we get.  Julianna is in love with the Sea Otters.  I really think if they gave her a chair she would sit there for an hour watching them.  The dolphins are also a big hit.  They put on a show and its so fun to watch.

The weekend after Christmas (I told you we have packed in a ton of fun!) Brian's family came to visit.  And there were people everywhere, which made it so fun.  Kids were in sleeping bags in the basement adults were everywhere but it was great family fun.  Brian's sisters and their families stayed an extra night and we got two babysitters and went out to dinner.  So much fun to have a night to ourselves!  Hopefully everyone will come back again next year!

Julianna went to Sandersville for a couple days of Nana/Papa Chuck time.  I have heard a good report so far.  But Jake misses his partner in crime.  He has talked about her since she left and he is moping around the house.  "Mommy, it sure is quiet without Julianna."  "Don't you think its about time we call and check on Julianna."  Poor kid, as much as she aggravates him he is like a little lost puppy without her.

It has been a wonderful year.  I look forward to what 2013 has in store for us.  Next up on the McNeely calendar of fun is DisneyWorld.  22 days and counting!

Julianna is smack in the middle and is the voice you so sweetly hear shouting every word.  I loved every moment of it!

Party time!

We started the month off by getting Grace's very first Christmas tree.  She was not very impressed but Jake and Julianna were very excited to start the Christmas season. 

The past few weeks I have been focused on our first annual Christmas party.  It was Saturday and we had a great turn out and caught up with lots of friends.  The kids were upstairs and slept through the entire event so that was wonderful!  Here's a picture of some of my very favorite people!

The next day we took the kids to see Disney Live.  All Julianna wanted was to see "Apunzel" (Rapunzel from Tangled) but she was a no show.  However Jasmine and Ariel were there and it was a good show and she forgot by the end.  She and Jake were singing and dancing.  Such fun to watch!

Today was the last day of school for the year.  I am actually looking forward to a break from rushing out the door every morning.  So the kids had their Christmas parties this morning.  I was in charge of the sweet treat for Jake's party but it was a cowboy theme...which is just not in my wheelhouse.  Pinterest to the rescue...not to mention Brian who went to 3 different stores to get just the right gumdrops.

After setting up for the cowboy Panda party I rushed down the hall to the Bunny party.  Oh my gosh tears are coming to my eyes as I type.  To see little Julianna walk in and stand on her spot on the carpet so excited to sing her little heart out.  And sing she did with all kinds of joy.  I will post the video of each song next.  It's awesome.

After the bunny party we rushed back to the panda room to catch the end of that party.  Jake was playing musical chairs and made it to the final two but lost in a tight race to Alex.  But he lost gracefully (a definite accomlishment for Jake) andran off to do his craft.  Julianna made herself at home with the girls and had a great time.   Needless to say I am going to bed early tonight!

But with days until Christmas I may need to start wrapping a few presents! 

November Fun

The past two weeks have been jam packed!  First we drove to Sandersville for some family pictures.  Seven kids under the age of 6.  I am sure you can imagine how much "fun" it was for the adults.  But the kids hung in there and I think she got some good shots.  Not sure when we will do that again...maybe when the kids are in college.  But it was nice to be together if only for an afternoon.  Nana cooked tons of food but Julianna just went for the sweet tea that Nana always has on hand!  She is definitely a southern girl!

We traveled to Nashville for Thanksgiving.  Grandma & Poppy, Aunt Lyndsay and the McNeely's invaded Uncle Johnny and Aunt Shana's house.  The kids ran around and had a great time in the bunk bed Uncle Johnny MADE!  When we were leaving Jake said he was so sad to be leaving his bed and wanted to take it with us.  But we had a good time with friends and family and ate some wonderful food!

After Thanksgiving Grandma spent the next week with us.  She was in the door about 30 minutes before they started asking to bake cookies...with M&M's.  They had her up at the crack of dawn every morning and wanted to play non stop.   I think next time she may need to take an extra day or two off when she gets home to recover!

She was here for Jake's singing debut.  His school sang at the Christmas tree lighting in Smyrna.  We were all very excited to hear him sing.  He said he was singing Rudolf and Frosty the Snowman.  I figured we needed to practice a little bit, so we would sing in the car.  When he got up there and they started singing he knew all the words and motions.  Then they sang song after song.  I think they sang 6 songs and those little 4 and 5 year olds knew them all!  The girls were a little tired and cranky so Brian was holding Julianna so she could see.  I looked back and there she was singing along.  It was great fun!

Now we are ready for Christmas.  We got our tree last night and it smells sooo good!  I love this time of year!  

Santa, Surgery & A Visit From Nana

What a week it has been.  To start the kids were out of school Monday and Tuesday for conferences.  Jake and Julianna's teachers all said what joy they are to have in class.  It's always nice to hear good things about your kids.  Since we had a couple days I worked in lots of fun!  We went to Chuck E Cheese on Monday and then Tuesday we were off for our yearly visit to see Santa. 

I packed so much into the day I forgot about poor Grace needing a nap.  Ugh, so of course as we are in line she is fussy and so tired.  I knew the picture and visit with Santa was not going to go well.  But I should have just believed in the magic of Santa.  I sat that fussy baby on his lap and she instantly stopped.  Just stared at him in awe.  Then the photographer said cheese and shook a toy and huge smiles broke out.  It was great!

Friday Julianna had to have some hand surgery.  She had a trigger thumb and while it NEVER slowed her down we thought it best to go ahead and get it corrected.  It was a long wait for a blessedly short surgery.  The wrapped her tiny hand up with a very purple bandage and we were home in time for lunch...which she chowed down! Poor thing hadn't eaten since dinner the night before. 

I have to give a huge thanks to Nana!  She came and took care of things and was such a huge help to me over the past few days!  Especially when Julianna thought it was a good idea to stick that bandage in a fountain!  She was also here for our churches Hands On Christmas.  The kids get to make all kinds of crafts and its lots of fun.  Its a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Auburn

It was that time of year again.  Time to pack up and take the kids to the Auburn Homecoming game.  Yes, I know we are not exactly awesome at football this year but you still show up.  Brian was definitely looking forward to seeing Auburn win a game.  The first quarter I was a little nervous but Auburn came through with a win...finally.

In spite of an upset tummy (FYI it is NOT a good idea to go rolling down huge hills after lots of M&M's and lemonade...hence the wardrobe change) Julianna clearly had the best time.  She danced, sang, yelled, jumped and cheered Auburn to a victory.  Brian told her about football and she listened with open ears and a smile on her face.  I asked her when I was putting her to sleep if she had fun and she said "I love Auburn."

Brian asked me on the way home if I had fun.  Hmm.  Taking 3 kids under 5 to a football game is tough and exhausting so my answer: I love that we make the effort.  Then I gave it more thought and looked though my pictures.  I love Auburn.  I love driving into the town.  I love that by making the effort to go to football games my kids will know Auburn.  I love that they run and play tackle in front of Samford Hall.  I love that they clap to the fight song and pretend they know the words.  I love they know Aubie says "War Eagle HEY!"  I love they like Toomer's Lemonade.  I love to see them playing in toilet paper hanging from our beloved trees.  I hope by taking them each year to this place Brian and I love they will love it and maybe call it their school someday.

 They got that right!

Halloween

Such a fun week!  Halloween is always a busy but fun time.  Jake decided to be a ninja, Julianna is Cinderella and Grace is a little pumpkin.

We went to Trunk or Treat at our church on Wednesday.  Jake got to walk around with some friends from school.  They got lots of candy and had a great time.  Jake had his final soccer game on Saturday.  His team did not score (the other team did score another one for them) but he ended the season at goalie so he was happy.  Sunday our neighborhood had a party and it was cold and super windy.  We toughed it out for a while, the had lots of food, hot chocolate and s'mores.  Yum!

This week the kids were very busy at school.  Julianna had her class party on Tuesday.  She came bouncy to the car with her spider hat she made.  Too cute.  She just loves her class and wants to go to school every day!  Jake had his party today and got to wear his costume.  Then we came home to restup for some trick or treating.

Jake decided to go with the Iron Man costume tonight.  But Julianna will wear her beloved Cinderella costume until its in tatters.  She loves it and the glass slippers...talk about uncomfortable!  We met up with our great neighbors who have kids just Jake and Julianna's age.  They love Ella and Hadley and we are so glad to have awesome neighbors with kids the same age!  It was a great night with lots or treats.

Now I guess it's time to start thinking about Christmas...ahh Grace's first Christmas.  I love it! 

October Fun

It's been an exciting and busy month so far.  Jake is still playing soccer every Saturday.  His team has scored one goal this season (unless you count the one the other team scored).  Jake and Julianna are having lots of fun at school making all kinds of fun Halloween crafts.  Halloween is getting closer and everyone is excited about dressing up.

 

We picked out our pumpkins and can't wait for Halloween so we can make them scary!  Jake still doesn't know if he is going to be IronMan or a ninja.  But Julianna is completely sold on Cinderella.  We snuggled up with some popcorn and watched it on Sunday.  She loved it and has been watching it everyday. 

I got to go on a girls trip to Highlands NC.  We ate nice dinners, went to the spa, climbed a mountain (yes I did this grudgingly) and had wonderful time.  But I was ready to see the kids by Sunday morning.  I missed those sweet faces.
 

Grace is growing like a weed.  She is sitting up now and eating solid foods.  I think peaches are her favorite and maybe sweet potatoes.  But itshard to tell because she just gulps it down and opens her mouth for more.  Last Monday she got her very first tooth!  She is getting so big! 

Grace is Mobile

Grace is crawling...sort of!  She can't get that tummy off the ground but she is definitely scooting along.  She is going to work off some of those rolls on her arms if she keeps this up!  I posted a video on YouTube if you want to see her in action.  It's kind of long.  It took her a while to get where she was going but she didn't give up.

Grace's Baptism

Our sweet Grace not only turned 6 months old on Sunday but she was also baptized.  It was a big day for our not so little baby!  Grandma & Poppy, Nana & Papa Chuck, the Sewell's, Van Benschotens, Smiths, Aunt Lyndsay, Aunt Carla and Logan all came for the special event.  The house was full of family!  It was wonderful!

Grace was an angel during the baptism.  She was looking all around smiling at everyone.  We are very proud of our sweet girl.  Of course taking pictures can be quite a chore with all these kids!  But we managed to get full family pictures of each side that are decent but then when we tried out little family of five Julianna was not having it. There is never a dull moment when she is around that is for sure.

 

So it was a perfect day and we appreciate everyone coming to celebrate Grace!  She is such a blessing to our family and brings us such joy!

Time to Eat!!!

Finally Grace got to eat solid food!  Just like Jake and Julianna we started with peas.  I wouldn't say she loved them the first time but by day 3 she was eating like she couldn't get enough! She just gobbles up anything we give her, apples, squash, bananas, rice cereal.  She eats every little spoonful I can get out of the carton.  I promise if you saw her in person she is not a hungry girl!

Kimsey Grace Turns 2

It's hard to believe how time flies but two weeks ago we went to Hartwell to celebrate Kimsey Grace's 2nd birthday.  Not only did we go for a party but the Sewell's have just moved into a new house...with a POOL! Guess who is going to be visiting often next summer!  Of course I completely forgot this fact and did not bring any bathing suits.  But Aunt Anna to the rescue with extra suits before the tears could really flow!

After all the swimming the kids got to hit a pinata and get tons of candy.  Then they sang to Kimsey Grace and she blew out candles on top of the cutest cake!  Strawberry Shortcake (or Strawberry "cupcake" as Julianna says).  It was so fun and we were glad we were able to go!

We have a new cousin!!!

Johnny and Shana welcomed their baby boy into the world on Friday, August 31st.  They named him Wesley Patrick. I got to go to Nashville on Saturday to meet him.  Oh my he is such a doll!  So cute and sweet.  He was soooo little I was scared to hold him!  After 3 newborns of my own!  He is just perfect and his parents are doing great...tired but great!  You can tell he is loved and cherished. 

After about 24 hours of sweet Wesley I had to come home.  But I was so glad to see my babies!

I uploaded all the pictures from my phone and put them in this album too.  So there are lots of random pictures but they are cute. 

Julianna's 1st Day of School

Finally Julianna is officially in preschool! She has been waiting and waiting to go to Jake's school and today was the day!  Her very first day of "bunny school."  We visited the class last week and get her feet wet.  She was a little clingy until the snack came out...she loves food!  She goes to school on Tuesday and Friday (conveniently the same days as Grace) and her teachers are Ms. Sonya and Ms. Ashley. 

This morning we got ready in her pretty dress, new sparkly shoes and her new bag (complete with Princess ribbon) and off we went.She was a little nervous but luckily Jake gets out with Julianna and walks her to class.  He has been waiting for this for weeks now!  It is sooo cute to watch them walk hand in hand off to school.  I got a little teary but I am not going to worry...I will be back in a little while and they will be fine. 

Jake's playing soccer

Jake had his first soccer practice on Saturday.  He is playing with his friend Matty.  I seriously can't wait for his first game.  I think soccer at this age might be even cuter than t-ball!  I mean can you beat a pack of 4 year olds kicking a ball around a field?  Both boys are getting the hang of it.  Jake has a hard time not picking the ball up.  But he is trying and is having lots of fun.  I took a bunch of pictures and handed the camera off to Leslie so I have no idea who took most of these shots.  If you didn't know I love to take pictures so of course there are tons!

But Jake is #10 and his team is the Silver Ninjas.  First game is September 15th and its going to be so fun!   I just hope we can keep Julianna off the field.  She started kicking a ball around on the sidelines.  This girl has some athletic ability...I wonder where that came from?

Grace 5 months old!!!

My baby is 5 months old and getting bigger by the minute.  She is just a doll.  I am sure I say that every time I write about her but its true!  She is such a great sleeper and just goes with the flow.  She started PMO (parents morning out) a couple weeks ago.  Her first day was just after we got back from the beach and I was trying to get so much done I didn't really think about leaving her until I was getting her out of the car.  I starting tearing up and Jake says "don't worry Mommy we will come back and get her in a little while, she will be fine."  From the mouths of babes!

She is doing just great...she weighs over 17 pounds but its all chunky cuteness!

Jake's 1st Day of School

Last Tuesday was Jake's last, first day of preschool.  Next year he will be moving on to Kindergarten...but let's not think about that!  He is in the Panda class this year with Ms. Claudia and Ms. Debbie.  I got to visit the classroom during orientation and they have all kinds of fun stuff in their room.  The teachers said by the end of the year he would be reading!  I had no idea but I brought a packet home and he already knew 15 of the 20 sight words.  He's so smart (but I am probably biased a tad). This year is a big year because being 4 his class gets to play on the BIG playground.  I guess its a big deal.

We are very proud of our Jake!  Looks to be a great year!

Putt Putting

While at the beach we took the kids to play Putt Putt.  First of all we tried to play a couple times but it was closed.  But we talked about it a lot and all Julianna heard was "puppet show."   She kept talking about going to the puppet show and now totally thinks putt putt is a puppet show.  If I ever decide to take them to a puppet show she is going to be terribly misinformed and probably disappointed.  Oh well.

Watching them play is hilarious.  I just walked around holding Grace so Brian was in charge of instruction.  Brian tried hard to help Jake, but "big boys do things all by themselves." Of course that means tantrums erupted.  He wanted so badly to get a hole in one every time.  Then got frustrated and mad when it wouldn't go in.  Finally he got a hole in one, which was exciting.  Jake might need a little practice!  But he certainly liked it.

Julianna on the greens is very interesting.  She actually gets it...maybe a future golfer?  She is left handed so that makes it hard for Brian to help her.  After a few holes she didn't need those boys.  She would just play whatever hole was close.   The video sums it up.  She would hit it off the tee, then try to get it closer in one or two shots.  Finally she simply picked it up and put it next to the hole to tap it in.  Made complete sense to her!  Very entertaining!  

 

 

Beach Trip...Take 2

After our failed attempt at a beach trip we booked our beloved beach house in Amelia Island.  I must say I just love Amelia, its my happy place!  Nana and Papa Chuck joined us for the first few days then left Brian and I alone with 3 kids!  Scary!

Julianna was actually pretty good.  I think she was too tired to get into too much trouble.  She and Jake shared a room again.  That was a little dicey.  When Jake wants to go to sleep he is ready...and she just wants to bother him.  She is very good at bothering him.  Once Nana and Papa left Jake moved into their room with Grace.  Julianna had her own room.

I think everyone had a great time on the beach!  It took a couple days for Julianna to get over being scared of the water but she enjoyed the sand and collecting sea shells.  Jake loved every minute!  He would run into the waves, build sand castles, and collect shells (he amassed quite a collection!).

We also took our annual trip to Mayport for seafood at Singleton's (a Diner's Drive-ins and Dives spot...which is definitely a DIVE).  The kids like to ride the ferry boat across the bay.  Julianna was having a great time until the blew the fog horn...she didn't take her hands off her ears until we got back in the car to get off.  It makes me laugh to eat out with Julianna because she will eat anything.  Polar opposite of Jake.  Let's see on this trip she ate: fried mushrooms, shrimp, hush puppies, crabcakes, hamburger, cole slaw, pimento cheese, chicken salad...the list goes on.  Awesome that she is so adventurous...at least in her food tasting.

I haven't mentioned Grace yet.  Probably because she was fantastic!  I don't even remember her crying the entire time.  She went down to the beach a couple times to sit in the sand and put her toes in the water.  She played in the tent we set up for her.  She is just a doll.  The sweetest baby ever...not to mention the cutest!  Check out those rolls!

We decided to try driving at night to see if its easier with the kids sleeping.  Well we got loaded up a little quicker than we though (I know unbelievable right?).  So we left about 6:00 thinking we would get home about midnight.  It was a pleasant enough drive if you like constant chatter.  Julianna talked NON stop from 6:00 until 9:45.  At 9:45 it was finally blissfully silent and I told Brian we left about 3 hours too early.  Those last 2 hours were nice though!

Grace is 4 Months Old

My sweet baby is getting so big!  At her 4 month appointment she weighed 15 pounds 9 ounces and was 26 inches long.  As usual she was above the 98th percentile for height.  The doctor says she is doing great!  Julianna went with us this time.  The nurse walked is and Julianna pointed her little finger at her "you give my Grace shots?"  It was cute and of course Grace had to get shots so Julianna watched over her.

Grace rolled over for the first time in Cincinnati.  Of course no one saw it!  Kids were outside and I was in the kitchen and I walked over and there she was on her tummy.  Now she is just a rolling machine.  She pushes her head way up so she can look around.  She is very proud of herself!

She is still sleeping like a champ!  At least 12 hours a night.  It's so great!  We leave for our second attempt at a beach trip soon.  I can't wait to dip her little toes in the ocean for the very first time.