and the tradition lives on -

yes, it's quite a bit different this year but we are once again in Ocean City to bring in 2014.  There's nothing better than starting the year off with your toes in the sand!

However…..this year we have three bedrooms, three bathrooms and tons of room but are alone, lol.  Yep, that's right.  Neither of the kids were really interested in coming.  So….rules to abide by.  Food in the cabinets and money left for their 'immediate needs', onward we went.  And yes….

we did find a little piece of paradise!  It took us a little bit longer to get unloaded because we had to remove the luggage rack (we def don't have an extra $5K this soon after Christmas), LMAO -

But once all the work was done, we were ready to unpack -

Ummmmm just a little more space than we needed, haha -

but it's all good.  At least the cleaning lady will only have a few rooms to clean =)

So our first thing to do was the lights!

we boarded the train and around the park we went -

then Pizza at Grottos - and home to bed.  LONGGG day =)  Day 1 = FUN

Finally!

I am definitely running behind this year but "Mrs. Claus" has actually been very, very busy, hehe!

But, I am happy to say that I did finally find 'Bo' this evening -

Yep, when we dug out the tree there he was, just waiting on the ladder with the rest of the elves.  I guess he is a pretty smart guy =)

Our Living Room tree is very traditional.

It's been green and brown for a number of years with only a few 'special' ornaments being included with the green/brown matching ornaments, bows, ribbon and sticks -

with a new one this year - just for my Dad….

And of course the 'count down' always makes it to this tree.  Ugh - is that right?!  It will be here before we know it. (that was from last night….down to 7 days now, ha!)

And then there's the stairway tree -  it's our newest addition.  Black.  Pretty cool with our new paint scheme.

The kitchen / breakfast nook made it's debut' tonight, too.

And of course Mickey's house is my all time fav -

I did have to laugh though - that commercial cracked me up with the tree angel.  I'm sure this one could tell tons of stories, too =)

So we're getting there.  Have our list for every night this week cuz it's comin' whether we are ready or not.  Happy Tuesday - just ONE week til Christmas eve….how's that for motivation, LOL!!

HAPPY…..HAPPY 1st Birthday -

Brooklyn Makenna Humphrey!

It's so hard to believe it's been a year since you made your 'early' entrance into this big ole world.  You have stolen our hearts and are such a sweet little princess.  We LOVE you very, very much!

xoxo Poppy, Gigi, Chase & Cierra

Ohhhhh the friends we make -

and KEEP, ALL through the years.  I couldn't help but hook up the ole hard drive and search tonight for this picture -

Yep, it really is those two and YES, they were trying to be like Rob and Big.

So when Lauren came on Saturday, ALL grown up, I couldn't help but remind them of those days.  They became friends while both attending the Paul Mitchell school in 2009 and have remained friends.  Lauren is married now and Britt of course has a few chapters under her belt, too.  It was fun catching up -  Just look at 'em now =)

Drum Roll please…..

Yep, it's today!  And we are soooo thankful for this precious little girl!

Who would have thought almost a year ago she would be so big and full of character!?

Well, she is and we love her so much!  

PS I heard the most magical place on earth and my ALL TIME FAV place is all lit up for the occasion so I had to go find my pic.

I remember waiting for just the right time when the castle was all purple so I could take this pic.  LOVE, LOVE that place!  

Just cousins….

Yep!!  That's us - Kayden, Brooklyn and Kendall just hangin' out on Thursday night =)

A day to remember AND thank...

All the veterans we know.  I honestly didn't realize how many we actually are honored to 'know.  So this is our way of saying THANKS!  

And this one just happens to be a little special =)

So a special thanks to you, Brandon for serving our country!

Happy Birthday!

It is very, very hard to believe that it's been 30 (yes, 30) years since my oldest child was born.  Time truly doesn't stand still.  Not even when I want it to.  But……this is life and today is the day.

Happy Birthday Jeremy.  You are all grown up with a family of your own.  I hope your big Three O was lots of fun.

xoox

TODAY!!

Come out and support 

Jefferson High Baseball

A Friday afternoon visit -

And ohhhhh was is beautiful! I stopped for a quick chat on my way home. I do miss the little things like her coming out for dinner, reading Mr. Wiggly to the kids, catching up on all the gossip (LOL), and even those times when she had grown too old to read and just listened to us chat…..but one thing for sure, she's got a beautiful view.

Wordless  Wednesday's Words!

I love to read so it definitely makes my heart smile when Brooklyn enjoys being read to.  

I cleaned out our bookcases months ago but luckily left some good books for the granddaughters because I think those old favorites are gonna come in handy, thank goodness =)

Happy Hump Day!

A different lens….

It is that time again to head to Des Moines -  which means a quick stop in Minneapolis where you just might see a Jazz guy playing Christmas carols -

A quick peek in my all time fav airport store -

seeing Christmas decorations everywhere -

worrying about the weather that's supposed to come in right about the time i'm heading on my last leg -

and even watching plans be directed in by young peeps -

But, I made it here and I'm all checked in -

My clothes are hung up -

My 'office' is set up -

 My pi's are on (no pics, haha)

And my living space looks a lot different -

This is where I'll be for the next three nights. Missing home. Missing my family. But at the same time, very thankful for my job and lovin' the mint as my bed time snack =)

Most of you know how much I love 'water' - I even have a view of the river out my window, lol!

I didn't get pictures but the downtown area is all lit up for Christmas already, too. Geez. As Cierra said, Thanksgiving has been all forgotten about =(

Good night ya'all!