Well, the holidays have come and gone. Wow, I'm exhausted! Chris and I flew back to Ohio with the girls to spend the holidays with our families. It was more than fun and exciting to see everyone.



We've been trying to get back into the swing of things now that we are back. Tomorrow actually begins our first normal week of 2008 (if normal has a meaning). We spent this evening playing out in the snow making a snowman and jumping on the trampoline. Here is our snowman (yes, Chris spray painted his face - who does that?).

Anyway....enjoy the pictures and Happy New Year!!!
















Avery trying to drive her car in the snow.












Sidney sliding on the trampoline.


















Sliding down the deck on their Sled.


















Playing cars with DJ and Aunt Jen. Avery was afraid of the moving cars at first.














Sidney and DJ pushing their cars.


















Aunt Jen and Avery.





















Granny and Taylor cuddling on the chair.















Carissa cuddling w/ both Curious Georges'.











Ok, so while at the Shinabery's for Christmas there were several games played. Spoons was probably the most competitive which is why there are pictures of people exiting. Here is Heather saying good-bye (these are in no order and in case you all are wondering....Chris won the first game of spoons and Chad won the second).







As you can see in the picture, Ed won Risk.
















Here is Terry exiting the game.








The game did get a bit rough (this may be an understatement if you were sitting by any of the Shinabery siblings) as you can see Rose exited the game with an oven mitt on her hand in an attempt to keep her fingers intact. Note, she is sitting by three of her children (brutal).




















The spoon games were so exciting and loud that we had some spectators watching from the nosebleed seats!

Our family with Chris's Grandma Bailey.

Sidney with Grampa.






















Grandma with all her "current born" grandchildren. Who knew she'd have three more by next Christmas!!!!


















Uncle Dan reading to all the kids.
































Florida natives, Dan & Carissa, playing out in the snow.











Sidney with her Curious George.









Avery with Curious George.








































Sarah, Avery, Heather & Sidney.




























Here I am saying Good-bye!






















Sarah, not happy to give up her 2006 Spoon Champion title.




























The final two in both games of spoons.

















Sarah and Ed getting loved on by the girls.













Aunt Jacking (expecting in March) helping Avery with her monkey.















Carissa showing off her sparkling rings!!!







Carissa opening her stocking.









The whole present opening process took some time at the Shinabery's so there were several breaks that had to be taken. Here we decided a paper fight would be fun!!!



























Another break involved Sidney and Avery taking a cruise in Gr. Grandma Bailey's wheelchair.

















The girls helping Daddy put up the Christmas tree.




























Playing out in the snow for the first time.









































Helping Mom make Christmas candy.



















Christmas at Granny & Grampy's house.














Opening more presents from Granny & Grampy.

Trick or Treat!!!!! Look at my Bumble Bees! This has been one adventure....getting my children into these costumes! I thought I was being a great Mom by purchasing these Halloween costumes back in July. I mean, come on, I'm an "on top of it Mommy"! Right? Who knew that during the course of the summer Avery would be stung twice and both children would develop a huge fear of bees? Chris and I spent weeks before Halloween coming up with creative ways to get the girls to want to put these costumes on. No luck. So on the eve of the big day, I broke down and offered up chocolate. As you can see, chocolate works. I think you can even see it dripping down Sidney's chin in this picture! :)

The girls really took to the whole idea of collecting candy from their neighbors. Three house into it the concept was understood and they were off running to the next door! Here they are checking out a ghost in the front yard!

We enjoyed the evening with our friends Santiago, Julie and Rafi. Here is Sidney, Rafi (RaRa) and Avery as the night came to an end.

The girls were hoisting their suckers into the air as a gesture of victory in the amount of candy collected! Just kidding:) I'm not sure what they are doing!

A trip to the park! The girls walked down to the water to watch the ducks!

Avery on the jungle gym!

Sidney being cute as ever!

Walking back home!

Enjoying the last few days left of fall before the snow comes!

This is Sidney running around at the Apple Orchard. A few weeks ago we spent the day with Santiago, Julie and Rafi at the orchard. It was a really great day!

Posing for a picture!

The best shot at a family photo!

All my sweethearts together!

Playing on the train (Sidney in front)