Happy Birthday to me!

I love my birthday. Not because of gifts I may get, but because I feel so loved. Not to say I don't feel loved everyday, but my birthday helps me reflect on all my many blessings. I would try to list them all, but I fear I would leave one out, so if you are reading this, count yourself as a blessing to me.

Joey did get me a really good gift though. :)

Not a great picture, but it's an Origami Owl Living Locket with the girls' birthstones and other meaningful charms inside.

Thanks Hubby! So glad you can take a hint!! :)

McGuire Family Christmas

We had all 28 family members at Bev's Saturday for lunch. The kids got lots of presents and we played our traditional White Elephant game. The food was fantastic and a good time was had by all.

Whitney and Joey.

All the gifts.

Darian is styling in his leather jacket.

Lydia is getting a lot of attention.

Owen and Charlie.

Connor, Steve, and Marcia.

The kids enjoy opening all their presents.

That is what 62 years of marriage looks like.

Name blocks for all the great grandkids (I'm missing a picture of Charlie's...)

What a crew!

Whitney and Jason.

Whitney and Darian

The McConnells

Taking a break.

Christmas morning we went to Gramma and Grandad's for breakfast.

Lydia, Momarsh, and Mr. Whiskers that's a girl.

Madelyn slept the whole time.

Winston-Salem Weekend

My friend is getting married September 1st, so off to the bachelorette party I went! Since she lives close to Winston-Salem and my brother has an apartment there that he sleeps in during the week and is vacant on weekends, we crashed in his oh so humble abode. Thanks Steve!

Lydia loved his Frosted Flakes!

Since I was doing girly stuff all day, Joey took Lydia to the Children's Museum. It looks like a lot of fun!

Climbing the beanstalk. Joey said she did this forever!

It was actually Krispy Kreme's 75th Birthday that weekend, so Lydia "made" donuts. 

Meanwhile, I was having a spa day with the rest of the bridal party. I enjoyed my first facial at Van Davis Aveda. Other treats were manicures, pedicures, and massages. 

Then it was off to dinner at Midtown Cafe & Dessertery.

The chocolate chip cheesecake was heavenly!

Then it was present time! Let's just say a good laugh was had by all! 

We rounded off the night with a visit to the Comedy Zone in Greensboro. Again, lots more laughing! 

We all had a great time and I can't wait to watch my friend get married in 7 short weeks!

Merry Christmas 2011

Santa brought Lydia a Play-Doh Ice Cream Parlor.

We opened presents at home with Joey's parents.

Putting together the barn.

The roof wouldn't snap properly and proceeded to come off repeatedly, but guess who fixed it later and it hasn't come off again. :)

We're getting two apple trees.

Helping Grandma

Then we went to visit Ma Rea and Grammy and Papa.

Gramma and Grandaddy's house was next. Lydia needed a nap, but refused to lay down. We caught her resting between lunch and presents.

My family loves to give my child cool whip!

Bev's gift was a custom ABC book of our family!

Judy's present.

Whit and Liz got cross-stitch pictures made by my Gramma!!!!

Thank goodness for Ice Age while the adults played the traditional White Elephant game.

Joey's family gathered at Matt and Becca's for supper. Lydia thoroughly enjoys playing with her cousins!

Reading a book before bed in new PJs and slippers.

A very long Christmas Day filled with family, love, and laughter was had by all!