Happy New Year!

What a surprise!!! Rick was not supposed to be back from his trip until the 3rd or 4th, so I planned a girl's night for New Year's Eve. Melissa, who's hubby was also overseas, came to stay the night. We met my friend, Meggan, and some others at the Red Drum for dinner. Rick ended up getting home, just in time to pick Melissa and I up, drive us downtown, drop us off at the Rooftop, park, run to meet us, & countdown to 2010. Now, that is a WONDERFUL hubby!!!

The next morning we loaded up and headed to Sylvania for the Bazemore's New Year's BBQ! It was great to get to see everyone, especially since we were not able to go at Christmas. It was even better to have Rick join us!

Dance, Dance, Dance....Aunt Vera's tree played the best music!

New Year's BBQ in Georgia...eating with her cousin, Aidan!

Atlanta

On the 26th we headed to Atlanta to celebrate Christmas with the Chadwick's. It was the first time that Ash would get to hang out with her cousins from Atlanta and Kansas.

It was a great time!

Lunch with the BIG girls...Ash sat at the table & ate lunch with her cousins...no help! I was so proud of her!

"I LOVE my cousins!!!"

Game time!

We decided to hit the aquarium while we were in town. Unfortunately, Poppa was not feeling well, so he had to stay behind. (Which means we have to go back, right?) It was definitely an awesome experience. The exhibits were wonderful & Ashlyn's excitement was PRICELESS!!!

In case you were wondering..."What's harder than keeping up with a 20 month old at an aquarium?"

I wanted to let you know the answer..."Keeping up with an excited 20 month old and her excited Nana at an aquarium!!!"

"Please tell us everything...we love this place!"

I think we could have left Ashlyn in the observatory room for days. She loved sitting right up against the glass and watching the fish.

"Sharks!"

"Happy Feet....we found Mumble's friends. This is the best day ever!!!"

"Ohhh....."

Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta...we were looking for Rick & Matthew's bricks. We found them!

December 24 & 25

Christmas afternoon, we headed to Nana & Poppa's. Uncle Matt was there. We had a wonderful time watching Ashlyn play. We had dinner & spent the night. The next morning we would head to Atlanta to see Poppa's family.

"Prize, Prize, Prize!!!"

Ash and I wrote Santa a letter explaining that we would be at Mimi's house on Christmas morning, but that we would like it if we could wait on Daddy to come home before we really celebrate. Santa must have known how important this was to both of us, as he only left a couple of toys at Mimi's. It was perfect!

Walking baby...for HOURS!!!

"You need help Poppa? I can do it faster!!!"

Opening a present with Mimi...Ash kept screaming "It is, It is!"

Mimi made a wonderful breakfast for us on Christmas morning.

As you know, Rick was headed to Spain with the Air Force on the 23rd, so, that left Ash & I to celebrate the holidays alone....HaHa We were far from alone! We decided to surround ourselves with family, and make the best of the situation. We packed our bags & headed out early Christmas Eve. Our final destination for the evening would be Edisto, which is only an hour and 15 minutes away. Who ever knew that we had so many people that we could stop and visit along the way!!! It took the entire day & we made our last stop at Uncle David & Aunt Shelby's. They host a drop in every year, but I have not made it there in many years...did I just admit that? Anyway, it was a ton of fun. Ash found a third generation rocking horse & could not get enough of it. She also had the chance to meet many of my Dad's cousins for the first time.
After visiting with everyone, we headed to Mimi and Poppa's to get some much needed sleep! Lauren and Mama were there, too, which made it a very special night.

Christmas with the Collettes

For the first time in 5, or maybe even 6, years, we were all headed to Mom and Dad's at Edisto...well, that's what we thought. Rick actually ended up leaving for a 10 day trip three hours before the celebration...maybe next time! Everyone else managed to make it there. Mom had a wonderful spread of food & the kids played together very well. Uncle Eddie brought Grammy & Pop, so we had all of our grandparents together with us. It was a very special night. I am so happy that Ash could be with everyone!

The Family...Michael, Glenda, Matthew, Mom, Tess, dad, Cara, Lauren, Greg, Brooke, Grayson Mama Fontaine, Me, Madelyn & Ashlyn...only missing Rick!

Grammy & Pop Collette

All of the fun & excitement made Ash very hungry. She enjoyed eating at her new "little people" table with Brooke. I was NOT allowed to help...in any way!

Deep Thoughts by Ashlyn Ann...I like to think she was explaining the family to Madelyn, as it was Maddie's first time to meet everyone. Then again, that would take weeks...

The Girls...(Cara, Madelyn, Brooke & Ashlyn) I asked them to sit quietly and wait on everyone to get ready & we would open presents...and they did! It was a Christmas miracle!

Aunt Glenda and Aunt Tess know the important things...suckers and a shopping cart. Oh yea!!!

The Christmas Lights with Nana, Poppa & Uncle Matt

Every year, we go to James Island County Park to see the Christmas lights. They have a 45 minute drive through display, a walking path, Santa's Village with a train, hot chocolate & s'mores, and more. Fun times!!!

Poppa & Uncle Matt

Round -N- Round

Nana and Poppa watching Rick and Ash ride the "nee hee hee hee".

Santa was cool...from a distance. Ash liked his treats, but did not like the idea of sitting with him!