Taj Mahal

Something we've enjoyed in the past is camping.  We think Hunter is at a good age to give it a try with him so for Christmas Heath asked for a tent.  He ended up with this monster!  It's like the Taj Mahal of tents.  It has 3 'rooms' and a little covered porch.  Now we just need to pick a weekend and make it happen!

I'm ready for 2011 now.

I think this post will finally wrap up 2010 for me.

New Years Eve I went to a party at a friend's house.  The husband took one for the team and stayed home with the kids (he also watched FSU's bowl game).  My friend Kim is an AMAZING decorator.  Every inch of her house is painted and staged.  The newest edition (and only for the Christmas season) is this wonderful branch hanging above the kitchen counter.  It's SO cool!  Pictures don't do it justice, but trust me, it's really awesome.

I fell in love with this.  Apparently, you can get one at Sam's Club.

Happy New Year, friends!

Embrace the Camera: January 6

Today's edition is a little random involving several people.

The kids' beloved Dedi.  She lets Peyton feed her half chewed, soggy crackers.  That's love right there.

The Other Grandma.  Cute story.  Both of our parents go by 'Grandma'.  To distinguish the two I have to say 'Grandma and Grandpa' when I'm talking about my mom.  Somehow Heath's mom became 'the other Grandma'.  So, when Hunter isn't sure who I'm talking about he says 'my other Grandma?'.

3 generations of Powells

Christmas Part 2

After breakfast in Orlando we drove 2.5 hours to my parents house.  We opened some presents and then the rest of the family arrived.  We managed to get everyone together again just like on Thanksgiving.  We just ate and hung out the rest of the day.

Mom opening her serving tray the Heath made

The 5 grandkids

working on some molars

loving his tag reader

Christmas Part 1

Christmas Eve Hunter put out a cookie and some milk for Santa.

And food for the reindeer.

Here's what Santa left!

 We've made the decision that we'll always wake up at our house on Christmas morning.  We had to get going so we woke Hunter up just after 7am.  He was SO excited!  I didn't take a ton of pictures, but we have the morning on video.  It was nice to just enjoy him and not worry too much about the camera.

Santa came through with the monster truck!

This is D-Rex, the dinosaur.  He's pretty cool although not as big of a hit as we expected.

I think Peyton pays him more attention so far.

Peyton slept through the gift opening at our house, but here's what she got.

By 9am we were at my sister-in-laws house for gifts and breakfast with them and Grandma.

Hunter opened a good dozen boxes with money in each one from Grandma.  She's going to take him shopping to spend that money.

Peyton enjoyed ripping some paper, too.

I think cap guns might be Hunter's favorite gift.

Christmas at Dedi's

I have a feeling this week will be spent recapping our many Christmas gatherings.  

I know the family will want to see the pictures so bare with me :o)

Our gathering at Dedi's (Heath's aunt) was a couple nights before Christmas and was the first of many gift giving occasions over the next week.  Dedi started by giving the 3 boys the tiniest remote control cars I've ever seen.

Then she had a surprise for each boy.  These boys (and Peyton, too) are like grandkids to her.  She's so special to them.  Dedi decided to do "A Day With Dedi" for each boy.  

Something planned for the future that involved only Dedi.

First, Ashton found out that he would be going to the Monster Truck Jam.  The icing on the cake will be going into the pit and also riding in an actual Monster Truck!  He literally fell over when he heard the last part... no picture though.

Hunter learned he would be going to Sea World with Dedi!

Ethan, the ultimate Gator fan, learned he would be going to the Outback Bowl where the Gators will be playing.  He was THRILLED as you can see.

Dedi with all the kids.

Peyton wore her cute reindeer bows,

gave too many dirty looks to count,

and hammed it up a little.

And you've gotta see the outfit!