Bass Pro Outlet

Not long before Christmas the kids & I set out on a mission to pick up some toys from a seller on Craig's List. The kids were thrilled to see snow in our yard. We drove up near the airport to meet her. Once that errand was done I realized how close we were to the mall Heidi & I had visited when she was here. We all decided we'd like to go.

The entrance to the Bass Pro shop was very inviting.

This was the kids first visit. They were amazed at all there was to do & see. Bugs had fun racing this remote controlled jeep.

Then there was target shooting.

And a catfish as big as Bugs! More than half as big as Boo Bear.

Princess loved watching the fish swim.

Sweet Pea helps Princess get a closer look.

The rest of the mall finally opened and we went shopping for a hat for Princess. She tried on this cute kitty hat.

And this stylish beret.

We settled on a cute bright colored hat. I forgot to take a pic. =(

We stopped by the Rainforest Cafe gift shop.

Bugs was fascinated by the hippo.

Elvis pretended to be terrified of the snake. Hee, hee!

Bugs literally shouted for joy when he saw the train!

We were able to find some clothes for Princess as well as a sweet monkey. All Christmas presents of course! =)

Tradition

Something we've done ever since we could afford it is to get a live Christmas tree. Dave always had one growing up. My family had a fake one at home but we always had a live Balsam at Nana's. Ahhhh.......I can still smell it. Now that we are in TN the trees are different. The needles are very long & soft and the smell is not as strong. But that is okay. We were thrilled to pieces to find a real Christmas tree farm last year! We didn't think we'd be that lucky down in the south. This year we went back to the same farm. The biggest difference between this year & last was the weather. We could have easily worn shorts and t-shirts it was that nice out. It felt strange to be chopping down a tree in prime fall weather. But we still had a great time & even had some hot cocoa.

Standing outside the gift shop.
One of the owners offered to take our picture. How nice of her!

Santa & Bugs

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Santa & Princess

She wasn't too fond of the guy.

I couldn't help but giggle & snap a quick pic. She was too precious.

The hunt is on!

Sisters

Elvis wanted to measure the tree.

He was determined to get one as close to 7ft. as possible.

Daddy cuts it down while Boo helps hold it steady.

A happy crew.

Bugs in the sunshine.

Shaking off the dead needles. The kids love this part.

Boo Bear & Santa.

Elvis & Santa

Me & My Girls

Ready for the tractor ride

The boys LOVE the tractor ride around the farm.

Tree is all ready to go home!

A fun time & one of my favorite traditions!

What A Sweet Surprise!

I received 2 awards! I'm surprised & thrilled about this. Thank you to Alison, Julia, & Rhonda for giving these to me. You have made my entire month!



First there is The Sunshine Award. This award is given to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspires others in the blogworld.

And this award is The Lemonade Stand Award. This is awarded for being a blogger who shows great attitude & gratitude.

The rule in accepting these awards is that I in turn have to award them to 10 other bloggers who inspire me. I am happy to do this!

Alma Mater ~ Megan is my best girlfriend in the whole, wide world. She was there for me during the worst time in my life, the loss of our baby girl. She has continued to be there for me celebrating with me in the good times, encouraging me in the tough times & praying with me and lifting me up in the bad. She always understands me & always knows jut the right thing to say. She was my one & only friend who celebrated with me through my entire pregnancy with Princess. She matched & I think even exceeded my excitement at times. Wow! I don't know what I'd do without her. She is truly a gift from above. Her blog always makes me smile. She inspires me as I watch her pour her heart & soul into everything she does. I simply adore her!

Wazley Academy ~ Alison is a friend I met at the very beginning of her homeschool journey. Though I started first it is SHE who inspires ME with her creative schooling & endless energy. I miss her now we have moved away but am happy we keep in touch almost daily. You rock girl!

Alston Academy ~ Rhonda is a new friend I met on a wonderful homeschool chat website. She is one of the sweetest people I have met this past year. She is always encouraging me with her kind comments on my blog. I love reading of all she is doing with her girls. Her sunny attitude & creativity always make me smile! Have I mentioned that her girls are gorgeous?

Shady Bayou Academy ~ Chelita's blog is one I stared reading when I found the link on Alison's blog. Her stunning photos first caught my attention. The fact that she is a midwife also kept me hooked. I love how she loves with all her heart and isn't afraid to show it. That's my very favorite thing about her. It comes through on her blog loud & clear. That & her sweet boys keep me coming back for more.

Live, Laugh, Love ~ Julia is another new friend I met on the wonderful website. She has 3 sweet girls that make me smile each time I see their photos. I like seeing what they are up to both in their home stuff & their homeschool. Having an older child she helps me to see what I can be doing for my oldest as well. I must make sure to say that I am totally & completely in awe of her computer talents.

Our Many Beautiful Blessings~Jenn is another new friend. She always has a kind word to say. I like checking out her blog as she has such a busy life and so much to post! Like us, she has 5 children. As you know I'm in love with large families! She has older children and I look to her for inspiration.

One Step At A Time~Tammy ~ Tammy is a friend I met on a Christian moms frugal site. I was delighted when I learned that she homeschools too! She is always full of frugal tips, yummy meal ideas & hands on learning.

Just Us!~Amy is a friend I met in our homeschool group in MA. She has since ended her homeschool journey but that doesn't mean we aren't still friends! LOL! She has an adorable family & they are always up to something fun. We miss our playdates but are glad to still keep in touch via blogs & FB.

Creating A Godly Heritage ~ Terry is a friend I met when we moved to the "city" in MA. She was starting a homeschool group & I was interested. She ended up becoming a dear friend. Terry has a contagious laugh & I love to hear it as it always brings me joy. Her middle daughter and mine ended up becoming best friends. She is a sweetheart just like her mama. I love her blog as it always makes me think. She raises issues that I think all Christians should be thinking about.

Homeschool Madness ~ Jamie is the author of this blog. I want this mama's energy! Wow! On top of all she is doing she just had a baby. I believe this makes #4. Congrats!

The Duklings~Heather's blog is one I recently started reading. I am inspired by her weight loss journey. I think it takes a lot of courage to post your stats for everyone to see! I am grateful she is doing this. Thank you, Heather! Her homeschooling journey is one I am enjoying reading about. She takes a ton of pics which I LOVE on a blog. And her youngest is so delightfully adorable!

Now, if you have been awarded these first of all CONGRATS! To accept your awards these are the rules you need to follow.

* Put the award logo(s) on your blog or in your post.

* Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude or 1o blogs that inspire you. (You can choose whomever you want. It doesn't matter if they've been nominated already)

* Link the nominees in your post.

* Let the nominees know they have received the award(s) by posting a comment on their blog.

* Share the love & link to the person who awarded you the award(s).

Again congratulations & have fun choosing your nominees!

Award Night!

I was looking through my pics and realized I had never posted these! I wanted to make certain I did because it was such an important night for us. It was the night that the kids were given their trophies for soccer. None of the children have ever received a trophy before making it extra special. (They received medals at their previous soccer program.) Excitement was through the roof as the kids waited for us to set out for the YMCA. They had a neat set up with games, a bouncy slide (indoors!), basketball, a bouncy house (inside), a climbing wall outside, swimming & pizza. They had a little award ceremony for each team. We went through 3 ceremonies at 3 different time slots. It was kind of comical as we'd get done, hang around for about 10-20 min. and then turn right back around and attend the next ceremony.

Boo plays pool for the first time.

Bugs takes a turn.

Hanging Out

Daddy tries to help Elvis.

Beautiful Princess

Big & Little

His face says it all!

Bugs & his buddy.

Boo on the climbing wall. Yep, she's at the top!

Elvis tried the climbing wall for the first time. He had a little trouble getting started but wouldn't give up. Once he got the rhythm he took off.

Shall we call him, "Spiderman"?

(He's in the orange & made it to the top!)

Elvis & his coach.

A very proud boy.

Boo & her team.

Boo & her coach.

Yay, Boo Bear!

After all the ceremonies and some pizza it was time to hit the pool!

Daddy swims with Princess.

Playing around

Creature from the lagoon?

Hanging out in style!

Sweet Sisters

The night was a HUGE hit! We're already looking forward to spring!