It's been such a long time....

...but, I'm back!! Happy New Year!! It has been such a long time since I last blogged, and so much has happened, that I don't really know where to start. So the highlights are as follows: We spent the week between Christmas and back to school enjoying time with friends from other places (not necessarily low places, but then again...) as well as good friends from right here in the hood (thanks Grahams for a great NYE and Bertas for a fun-filled NYD). First, Uncle Sambo and Aunt Kendra came all the way from North Carolina to Big D and that, my friends, is a present to my children (and to us) all by itself.
They are such amazing folks and will, someday, make unbelievable parents. I hope time with the Buttons doesn't provide too much birth control. Bring on the cousins!! But sweet Jack, especially, is always very sad to say goodbye and wants to know when we will see our favorite Asheville residents again. February, my sweet little man, February!! Yea!!

Then, we got a chance to visit with our favorite Houstonians (and that is saying a lot for Ames who hates all things Houston). Aunt Valerie (a born and bred Houstonian but we love her so much we overlook that terrible distinction), Dr. Matt (an HP Scot like us who made the ultimate sacrifice for love) and their 3 precious children, Mary Shannon, Rachel and baby Will (he is going to hate it, but he just might be Baby Will all his life). Got no pics to share..so sad....really need a new camera. Thanks for the vino, Christmas goodies and time spent laughing and talking (and maybe there was a little drinking, but I'm not too sure.....).

Last but certainly not least, a brief, but fabulous, visit from the Knippas....minus K-Dawg, the Grand PooBa (woof woof).


...beautiful children, with a gorgeous mother (unfortunately not in any pics). Brad, how did you manage to marry so far up!! Next time, it is all Huttons and all Knippas...let the fun begin.







So, after pick-up soccer games, movies at the mall, sleepovers, playdates and good old-fashioned hang out in your jammies until noon days, our vacation has come to a close. And, as always, it was so much fun to spend our time with all these incredible families. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people! Thanks for sharing your holiday with the Huttons!