The berries are missing...

After having the house to herself for a while our curious Schnauzer Abby found herself a treat...the berries on my Santa Clause! My Santa is holding some garland covered in red berries but now over half of the berries are gone thanks to Abby. She also has a nice hot pink beard to show for it. This picture was taken after we had bathed her trying to get it out. At least it matches her hot pink collar :)

New Camera

I am soo very excited that we got a new camera this weekend just in time for our trip to the Biltmore. Mom and Dad gave us a Canon Powershot as an early Christmas present and we absolutely love it. Here are a few of the pictures we took in the conservatory at the Biltmore just to show you the great pitcture quality...stay tuned for more Biltmore pics.

Decorations

I know I am slack and just not putting up pics of my decorations that have been up since Thanksgiving. But better late than never I guess. This year we changed it up a bit and went with a 9' slim tree instead of our huge fat tree. It took some getting use to, but I like it! Please notice how our tree looks like it belongs in a museum with the lovely gate around the bottom...it was either the gate or chance our curious puppy chewing up the tree and all the decor and I don't like taking chances like that.

Our front door

The guest bath
Kitchen table

Christmas tree...with gate

Without a flash

Christmas cards are coming in now and I do not know how to display them. Any ideas please let me know!!!

Lights at Riverbanks

Willis and I haven't lived in Columbia for quite some time now but we still find ourselves missing the things that we once did when we both lived there. This time when we found ourselves reminiscing we decided to do something about it. With that said, after the soccer games on saturday we headed down to Columbia to see the lights at Riverbanks Zoo. From the time you set foot at the gates with the fake snow and the Christmas music it definately puts you in the Christmas spirit. We were so happy to get to experience that again.

All-Star State Champs!!!!

As you know, Willis coordinates the youth soccer program for our town. It was his goal to get Clover involved in the championship. He worked very hard to pitch the idea, get sponsors and manage the teams. And I must say, it was all worth it. On Saturday we watched 2 Clover teams play for the State Championship. The under13 group were runners up and our under10 team brought home the title. The kids played so hard and had a blast. And even though it was 30degree weather we both enjoyed watching them on saturday. Great job C-rec!

U13 State runner up

U10 State Champs

That time of year...

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, that's right. It's time for Christmas. I am already in the Christmas spirit. Willis and I went with his parents to the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte this week. I must say if you can look past the complete insanity of everyone there it is quite fun. Of course I had to get a few new ornaments, some fudge and I couldn't leave without getting one of Southern Supreme's fruit cakes. It was exhausting fighting through the crowds to look at everything and at times felt claustrophobic, but all in all it was worth it.

I also started on my Christmas shopping this week with mom. Willis and I debated on whether or not we should finally get a real live Christmas tree this year. With our ever so curious puppy we decided we better stick to artificial. So a got a new artificial tree the other day, a pre-lit 9foot tree. It is a lot slimmer than the one we've had the past 3 years but I'm looking forward to the change. With Thanksgiving right around the corner I will be decorating soon so stay tuned for pics.

Cole

On one of my days off this week I was able to go see Lindsay and her adorable baby boy Cole. Lindsay looks great and you can't tell that she just had a baby only 3 weeks ago, great job girl! Cole is cute as can be. I was able to spend a couple of hours and in that time Cole slept and made some cute facial expressions. I can't wait to get back down there and see them again.

Lindsay and Cole