Yesterday was a busy day for all of us. Mostly because we went on a two mile hike up into the moutians. That was Averys first real hike so it was pretty fun. She rode on daddys shoulders most of the way but she did take turns on Aunt Laurie and Aunt Dianes for a little bit as well. She enjoyed it and did a little walking herself.

We came home and watched Transformers and then went to dinner at a new barbeque place at the mall. Pastor Danny mentions it alot so now i know what he is talking about in her Sermons when it comes up. We are going to church later this morning though he wont be there, still should be good to visit Water of Life. Its been a while since we have been and i always enjoy going to my home church.

Jon, Jess, and Lexi came over for dinner and to hang out with us for a while last night. Avery did not take to Lexi the way we thought she would. She kind of just tolerated her presence, thinking this was her territory. Kind of the like the dogs have been doing here. Dianes dog Tasha, and mom and dads dog Tawny have been much that way. Lexi just played with the toys and eventually Avery was playing to, but not really together so much. Maybe when they get older. Anyway it was great to see them all last night, i wish we had more time to spend with them.

the week is going by well for us on vacation. It is good to get away from the norm of life. Of course we still touch base with the home office as much as we can. Avery seems to be enjoying herself, very happy baby having all of mommy and daddy to herself along with Aunt Laurie, Diane, grandma and grandpa. Tonight we will see Jon, Jessica, and Lexi. That will be great.

last night Holly and I went to see the new National Treasure: Book of secerts. It was good and we enjoyed it. I like anything that takes me into the History books of our country or any history for that matter. It is my favorite subject next to Literature. Anyway the mountians here are breath taking during the winter, its still pretty cold but at least i dont have to worry about ice or snow. Rain maybe, but havent seen any of that yet either.

Christmas morning we rose up from our beds and went to the tree to open gifts as a family. Avery was a lot more active this year than last of course, and enjoyed her presents greatly. She got a bouncing zebra to ride on, a giant pink chair, sammy starfish from her swim school, and some books. Holly and my group gift this year was the dinning room table, but other than that she bought me a dual handset home phone system. I got her a statue from the willow tree collection, Child of Mine. We collect those and so far have maybe 20 or thirty. Well more so now since we got more from my parents too.

We went over to Hollys moms after we got through out presents and packed for our trip a little. There were presents to open and given there. Avery of course got a lot of fun stuff to play with and wear. Then we went home and got ready to take our plane trip to California.

Avery did pretty good on the plane for the most part, no major crying. We did have to expend some of her enegery by letting her roam around the airport, with daddy of course. But it was a good direct flight. Flying on Christmas isnt to bad. We arrived last night and ate some waffles and eggs my dad made. Aunt Laurie and Uncle Jason were there as well as Aunt Diane and her dog Tasha. We gathered around the tree and opened gifts.

One tradition my parents started is the code word tags which means we dont right actual names more like titles for each person. Like if the gift is for Holly from me it would say to Honda Lover from Toyota boy. Or something like that. Its fun. Avery was very tired by this time but enjoyed the presents and helped unwrap a little bit. Finally she fell asleep in grandpa's arms.

Now its the next morning and i just got done enjoying a nice hot bath in my parents wonderfully deep tub. Just wanted to update things. It is good to have family around during the holidays, and good to see those you have not seen in a while. I look forward to the week ahead and seeing Jon and his family too.

Merry Christmas from our little wonderful family. Hard to believe its already Christmas eve, seems like the time just went right on by. Yesterday was Hollys 26th birthday and we had a good time with that. We woke up and i gave her a beautiful set of earings and necklace with Avery's birthstone. Avery gave mommy a kiss and some very very soft socks from Bath and body. Very good gifts. Then we went to Church and afterward had cake and ice cream at grandmas. Then I took Holly up to Jarrett Farm bed and breakfast, which we have been to before. We just ate this time though, we didnt stay the night. Last time were were there, we had been married for six months. Its a great place to go.

Today i worked till 4:15 then rushed home to the family Christmas party, this year at Nicoles. There was good food and presents to enjoy. Now we are home and the little one is fast asleep. Momma is worn out from a day of cooking, taking care of Avery, and wrapping gifts. I just finished putting together Avery's bouncing zebra toy and inflatable pink chair. She has that and the rocking chair granny bought her. The kid has lots to enjoy now. She already did of course. Tommrow we will wake up and it will be Christmas and in the afternoon we fly to California. Cant wait! Lots to do tonight though, Santa coming and all.

We took Avery out last night with the Erwin family to the college light display. That was a great deal of fun just seeing all the lights. Its sad with the tree damage that parts were closed, but that is all due to the weather. Its just so good to have power and heat in the house now. Last night we came home and the cable, ph, and internet services were back up and running, we were of course very thrilled about that. I had left the channel on the Christian music station with the tv off but the sound box on so it was neat to walk into the house with worship music.

Speaking of worship we tried out a new church this past sunday that reminds me of a small Water of Life from back in California. The worship was good with a lot of songs by Chris Tomlin and some others. We will go back this Sunday which is also Hollys birthday. Hard to believe how fast the time goes, just sitting here looking at pictures from last year. And here we are at Christmas again. Last Saturday we went to eat at Mazzios with Hollys dad and stepmom to celebrate their birthdays along with Holly and Nicoles birthday. Today we are going out to Grannys house for a Christmas celebration and birthday as well. Should be good.

I praise the Lord for all He has done this holiday season. Even in the midst of the storm we had through here there was provision for our daily needs. Never once did i feel like he was not present with us. This has been a good Christmas even with all the bad weather and falling trees.

Our yard looks like a war zone. Granddady and Mema came out Thursday and helped me get the tree off the main line outside. We still have a lot of tree work that needs to be done out there. But some of that might have to wait till after the holiday. For that matter they expect it might snow again today. I look forward to what is ahead.

Sunday evening the ice storm came into our area and pretty much wiped out everything in its path. We lost tree branches which in turn knocked out our power and cable lines. Our backyard looks like a war zone, which i might post pics of later if i get a change. We moved into Hollys moms house for now till we can get power back up and running, so there is not a lot we can do for the holidays. Avery loves grandma's house so she doesnt mind so much, she is her normal little precious toddler. Always a bit winy when tired though. We love her so much! Im looking forward to things getting back to normal and getting the yard cleaned up. Seems like trees just havent been good for us lately. Ill have to make sure our next house doesnt have any. At least not any large trees.

It is hard to believe that in two weeks we will be getting ready to celebrate Holly's birthday, and then move into the Christmas celebration. December is moving right along, quickly. We had had mild cold weather so far but are in for a blast of ice in the coming days.

This morning we went and saw Santa Clause, Avery didnt enjoy that to much. Then we went and bought a new dining room table with four chairs and a bench that matches along with it. Its our gift to each other this year. I am excited about it and it will give us more room to have people over for dinner.

All other events are just moving along and we still must remember the real reason for this season. Our Lord Jesus in all of His glory came down in the humble state of a baby and was born in a small town, in a barn. He came to bring us hope and salvation. How wonderful.