Traditions of Christmas

Our most favorite part about the holidays are traditions. Some traditions we have from our childhood and others have been created later in life. One tradition that has occured for about 8 years is our "Fundue" night. When it was just Mimi, Papa, David and I, we used to get out fancy dishes, make a pretty table, make everything from scratch, and have a nice dinner. Actually, it was called "Fondue night" at that time. Three kids later, it has changed a lot. The boys coined the phrase "Fundue night" and it really is. Lots of laughing, lots of kissing, lots of eating, and lots of mess! If you drop your food in the fondue pot, you have to kiss someone. The boys love it! No more fancy tablecloth, fancy dishes, etc. While it has changed a lot, it is a ton of fun and something our kids will always remember!

Another tradition that has started since we had kids is going to the Galleria to see Santa. Camryn didn't love Santa so much! It's always a fun day and this day, we topped it off with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

Sampson Seahawks - Superbowl!!

The boys rode to the superbowl in style!! It was such a treat for the kids to play at the Berry Center. Although it was FREEZING - it was really cool! They had a lot of fun and played hard. They unfortunately didn't come out on top but they had a super season! Jackson had such a blast and although he was disappointed to lose the big game - he would do it all again in a heartbeat!

We spent our Thanksgiving in Chattanooga at the Siragusa's. We had a super fun time and loved it there! The weather was beautiful and there was so much to do. First off, this is the back of their house. They have plenty of room for my boys to run around!

They loved the trampoline and all of the leaves in it! Unfortunately, a lot of those leaves came inside with them in their clothes!

On our first day there, we headed up to a place called Rock City. Now I really didn't know what to expect and I really don't know how to describe it. It's a gorgeous set of pathways that were cut into giant rocks. It's up in Lookout Mountain so the views are amazing. There is a path called "Fat Man Squeeze". They had lights set up for a special Christmas Night that night. Hey Melissa, how come we didn't go at night? That would have been really neat!! (ha, ha)

At the park for a picnic...

...and at Rock City.

Camryn and I enjoying the view.

I loved this...

The next day, we went downtown to check out the city. We ate at a cute hot dog place called The Good Dog and walked across the 1/2 mile bridge to the other side of the town. After some yummy ice cream for the kids, we walked back. There was a great park that the kids could play ball in.

All the fresh air wore Camryn out. She never took a pacifier but had no problem falling asleep with this shoe in her mouth!

We went to the Chattanooga Aquarium which was very nice. The exhibits were the best I've seen at an aquarium and the kids loved the butterfly exhibit too. David learned what a docent was and poor Melissa got stuck talking to that sweet talkative docent. At times it seemed that even though it was crowded, people really left our group alone and often gave us plenty of space. (Why do you think that was Bry?)

On Friday night, we went out to eat and fought the crowds at the boat parade and lighting ceremony. It was cold but a great way to get us excited for Christmas.

And finally, I had to post this sweet, on accident picture of Maddie. Isn't she just gorgeous! I love this picture of her and yes, she is as sweet as she looks!

Thanks Siragusas for lots of laughs, lots of yummy food, and lots of great outings. We had a great time and love Chattanooga!