K & K (and E) Katchup

It's been a while since the Georgia crew checked in with an update here.

Once again, we've put on some miles visiting the AARPs and Bridges in Indiana, and the Z Fam in Buford. Of course, this was our first married Christmas, and our first Christmas with our furry friend.

One of Earl's favorite activities is to sit in the recliner with either of us. Kristi often lets him out around 6:30 a.m., and then they snuggle and watch the morning TV news shows.

So below are some highlights from the last couple of months.

Leaving ATL for IND.

Not much has changed with Kenny these days (except more calories).

Aunt Kristi has two big fans in Abby and Hannah, as these pictures show.

Polk, Kristi, Hannah and I went to the Denny's at the Flying J truck stop in Polk's festive van for a free breakfast courtesy of a (rare) Colts win.

We also took in Pops' bowling league, where Hannah had plenty of fans, and got several Christmas gifts.

The ol' man still hasn't lost the touch.

Another Christmas dinner from Polk's kitchen.

Abbs' wearing Kristi's "Cowl neck" which Polk made.

The Bridges' bedtime book routine.

Dessert at Bruce's on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning a tuckered out Earl.

The main gift we got from Bruce, which is handmade oak, complete with doors to keep Mr. E. from sniffing and chewing.

On New Year's Eve, Mike, Dan and Kylie came to celebrate.

Ron and Dawn gave Earl a Pittsburgh Steelers bandana for Christmas. Plus, he loves sticks, the bigger, the better.

Besides sticks, his other favorites are the afternoon sun, and any TV show which has other dogs or animals. He almost knocked over the TV.

Christmas, Feels Like Forever Ago!

Clearly, no one is coming to this family blog for up to the minute news...and it's a good thing! This post is later than late but in the interest of preserving family memories, I present: Christmas 2011!

Our major festivities began on December 17th with a whirlwind visit from Uncle Keith and Aunt Kristi! Their late arrival and early departure from Indianapolis International meant that the time we had together was busy. Sunday was even busier since our church Christmas program was that evening and in the afternoon Andy and I had to visit the funeral home for a close friend's mother's passing. But, we had a fun Sunday, busy enough that I hardly took any pictures. Above is a picture of the girls at their own table for supper. I also had a couple of adult dinner pictures but my two choices were Dad looking ticked at the camera (he wasn't mad, just one of those unplanned faces) and Mom eating pumpkin pie. You know she'd love it if I posted that one!

Below is a photo of Mom's award winning gingerbread house! This year she decided to enter the Franklin community gingerbread house contest and as usual, took this project on as any good teacher of 30+ years would. She researched, planned, shopped strategically and swore over and over that there was just no way she had a chance at winning. But, the public vote said it all...she won! First prize! And she was the most surprised at all. Except for Abigail, who was totally shocked after their prize-less entry in the BBQ cookoff last summer. We were all so proud!


During K & K's visit, there were plenty of iPhone conversations, updates, check ins and app additions. Here, Hannah is patiently trying to show Pops a photo that he can't seem to find. Polk has adapted seamlessly to her iPhone and really enjoys it but the stereotype is true, the kids are way quicker at figuring it out than any of the adults around here!

Here's a photo from our Christmas program at Boggstown Presbyterian. It's a small congregation but we packed the house with 129 people in attendance for the program, followed by cookies and hot cocoa and cider.

Keith and Kristi flew home on Tuesday, after much conversation about Abigail's loose tooth. I also mentioned it in my Christmas Eve blog post. Not two hours after I clicked 'publish post,' the tooth was out! We were all shocked since we'd kind of figured it would never fall out without dental intervention of some kind. Abigail was playing and Andy was tickling her and suddenly, there it was! The first person she wanted to call with the news was Aunt Kristi.

Oh, and not two weeks later, a second tooth is out. This one she lost at school with no adult help. Apparently the anxiety of losing the first tooth is now behind her because she pulled this one on her own and was quite pleased.

Here's a family photo on Christmas Eve at Mom and Dad's house:

Following this picture we went to church for a beautiful candelight communion service, where there was plenty of talk about Santa Claus and the tooth fairy, visitin on the same night! The next day was our usual marathon gift extravaganza with the Bridges side. We came home feeling lots of love and with very full tummies and the truck was packed full of gifts that were chosen with great care. Late that evening, the Halseys drove in for another whirlwind visit.

This time we did manage to get a group picture!

Another wonderful meal and a couple of days of a full house, along with cousin concerts and four wheeler rides rounded out the visit. It was a merry, merry Christmas season and we were happy to have fun visits with everyone we love!