Carter thoroughly enjoyed sitting with Santa and telling him all about the toy he wants the most and it looks as if Santa is listening to every little wrist turning detail.
I LOVE this picture. Carter and Ceili were also enjoying themselves while looking at the window displays.
Mom and dad with the grandkids in the their Christmas outfits, of which Ceili is most proud to be wearing. Isn't she gorgeous?!
Above the kiddos give it try and really put it on thick with sprinkles and red hots!!
We get in the spirit with the traditional red and green attire and the little Christmas aprons my Granny made us years ago....we just couldn't have baking day without them!
Last weekend was jam packed full of holiday festivities. On Friday, Carters Stay 'N Play hosted a Polar Express Night. We watched the movie, ate cookies and sipped some hot cocoa and even had a little surprise visit from Santa. Carter invited Ceili to come along with us and they had an absolute blast together. Although they are cousins they are more like brother and sister, and above, their little smiles just show how much they truly love one another.
he painted me a "rainbow" at Stay and Play
Justin working hard, in the rain, on our Thanksgiving Day Turkey!
But hands down, no question about it, this was the BEST turkey I have EVER had!! You rock Justin!
and here is Mr Kalen sporting his Turkey!
All the kiddos in their matching pj's!
Carter waiting patiently to see Santa at the North Pole!
The kids were all smiles on the Polar Express!
We completed the costume with vest, chaps, rope, hat, boots and even a little campfire coffee tin that was Carters great grandfathers.
Just couldn't resist taking a picture of his cute little buns in blue jeans and chaps.
Our pumpkins....mines a haunted house, Carters is a bat with moon and Matt's is a tree with tombstones....very spooky don't you think?
Cowboys and Indians for the annual Halloween Party at Holly and Justin's house
This year as we headed out the front door to go Trick~or~Treating Carter had a slight meltdown because he wanted to ride his bike...and well since it is all about him , that is exactly what he did. He did such a good job! He rode his bike from house to house and stopped about million times but he had so much fun! And personally, I found the pictures to be kind of cute!
It was all smiles and two thumbs up for Huber Winery Pumpkin Pickin'! There is no better way to spend a fall day than with a crisp chill in the air, blue skies, tons of pumpkins and apple cider! 
Carter finds a seat just his size and takes a break from a long afternoon of wagon rides and pumpkin picking!
He picks the perfect one!
Pulling up yet another seat to rest those tired feet! It is hard work running around from pumpkin to pumpkin trying to find just the right one!
When all is said and done, I asked Carter what he thought of the orchard and this was his response...a huge smile and two thumbs up!!
Have I ever mentioned, that "I heart my men"!!
On Sunday we drove into Nashville and visited the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens....it was so pretty!! Carter loved being able to run around, walk on the stone pathways, and look at all the flowers and water features and in between him darting off and running ahead I was able to get a few pictures. I know, imagine that!! But, to me pictures are priceless!
It was so funny. Carter loves riding in the car especially on bumpy or hilly roads so when we were driving to their house on Friday I kept telling him, "just wait until we get to Nana and Papa's road because it is an old country road" knowing that he would love all the hills and bends. Well, when we pulled onto their street and started up the first hill Carter said, "mom, this my favorite country road"! Too sweet and too funny, Matt and I just laughed! Carter had such a good time at their house and I am so glad that we went. I know he is young, but I just want him to grow up knowing and remembering their house and the memories he makes while there!
A few weeks ago Carter and I started going to Stay and Play once a week at a local church. It is such a neat opportunity to meet new people, play with new kids, and learn simple instructions and listening skills from a teacher but still have all the comforts of having your mommy there. So, every Tuesday from 9-1030 Carter gets to "go to school" as he calls it and he even requested SEVERAL times for a "pack-pack". Usually when we get there he tells me "mom, I do it myself. I play with friends and you go home". Then usually about 30 minutes into it he is done playing with others and spends the rest of the time playing and doing crafts with me...he still needs his momma!!
He enjoys making crafts but I think what he likes even more is when he gets to bring it home to show daddy.
I just love this picture because you can tell in his smile that he is truly having fun!!
so of course he grabbed his guitar and played along with CMT. 
Last weekend Matt's work had a company picnic at the State Fair. It was HOT but we made the most of it. Carter had a blast trying out some of the rides but what I think he liked even more was the Riley Kids Park! There he got to try his hand at several farm activities like collecting eggs, planting crops, harvesting, tractor riding and even milking a cow. Well, it was all just pretend but he LOVED it...and I loved that it was educational! Always an added bonus!
Love the way he is sporting his hat...he flipped it around to get closer to the cow!
Collecting eggs from the chickens which immediately reminded Carter that we are way over due for our trip to visit chic on the farm.
Then we spent some time at Nana and Papaws cooling off!
We also enjoyed a little trip to Brown County in the Bronco!
Carter loves finger painting by the pond and this particular masterpiece was what Carter wanted to paint for Uncle Travis' 40th Birthday!
