Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus

Yesterday, we took Addison to her very first circus. I don't know who was more excited, Addison or me. Every night for weeks now she has wanted us to tell her a circus story at bedtime, so she was really looking forward to it. We had a great time together. We got there early so we could enjoy the preshow, which was really fun. We saw all the circus participants as well as one of the elephants up close. We also got a clown nose. During the show there were things that Addison couldn't take her eyes off of, while others she wasn't to interested in. She really like the elephants and the guys who bounced and did flips on long poles (not sure what you call them). After, we went to eat with Kristopher and Brandi Parker and their kids at the Varsity. All in all, we had a wonderful day together.

Preshow

These guys juggled their hats

She got on dads shoulders so she could see over the crowds.

This picture tells it all. She didn't want to have ANYTHING to do with the clowns when we passed them on the floor. She would grab me as tight as she could and want me to move away. Finally, we were able to snap a photo with one, and you can tell on her face here how she felt. However, as soon as we started to walk off, she started waving and telling her bye...silly girl!

Seeing the elephant up close while he painted a picture with his trunk

Enjoying a snowcone in her tiger souvenir cup

On the way inside, Addison saw the water and wanted to visit. So, we decided after the show to take her bye to see it. I remember running through these during the Olympics when I was younger.

Beautiful Weekend

Saturday, Matt, Addison, and I decided to go on a hike with the great weather we were having. Some of the women from the church have been getting together on Saturdays to hike different parks, and when I went to this one for the first time, I knew Matt and Addison would love it. There were all kinds of people walking all sizes of dogs and Addie loved it. We had a great morning together and finished it off with a trip to the park and a picnic lunch.

All ready for the hike...her idea to put the hat backwards.
Minnie wanted to go for a hike too.

Great scenery on the hike.

Taking a break. She decided to get out and walk some of it with us.

Jesus Loves Me

Last night, Addison started pretending her flashlight was a microphone. She was singing us all kinds of her favorite songs. One of her favorites right now is the Baby Jesus song aka "Away in a Manger." The cutest part was at the end when she said "thank em" and bowed to us.

This is one of our favorite songs she sings these days.

Xtreme Conference and Addison's First Trip Away

This week was our first trip with the youth at FBCHS. We went to Pigeon Forge for the Xtreme Conference. We had a great time and really enjoyed hanging out with the students. While we were gone, Addison spent the night with Bro. Mike, Mrs. Stephanie and Savannah in Georgia one night, and then went to stay the rest of the week with Nana and Papa in Florida. Although she had some rough times during the nights, the reports we got back were that she was good. I think momma had a little harder time with it.

Youth at FBCHS

Addison playing with Blake and Ashlyn and Bro. Mike's parents house. Bro. Mike's dad (Addison called him Grandpa) gave the kids coke in these little mugs to drink. They loved it, of course, and chased him around asking for more.

Playing dress up with Savannah and Ashlyn

Christmas in Florida

Christmas in Florida was fun and very busy. Here are some pictures of our week together:

On Saturday, December 18th, we went to see Kenzie's Christmas dance recital. It was a lot of fun, and Addison really enjoyed watching this year.

Kenzie in her elf outfit for dance.

Making a snowman out of stickers with Gavin and Aunt Katie.

Playing on Papa's ipad.

Aunt Mary Ann french braided Addison's hair for me while we were there.

Hanging out with Gavin and Mason.

Logan and Addison enjoyed a tea party with her new tea set from Grandma.

Playing a game Kenzie got for Christmas called Handbands. It is a really fun game where you try to ask questions to guess what you have on your head.

Wearing her Christmas pj's from Aunt JeniLee.

Family picture before the Christmas Eve service at FBC Chipley.

All the boys had their chucks(shoes) on, so I had to take a picture.

The girls

Nana bought matching pj's for the kids.

Opening presents with mom:)

Enjoying the new ride from Nana and Papa.

If you listen closely, at the very end of her ride you can hear her say, "that was awesome!"

We also went to Aunt Mary Ann's on Christmas Day to enjoy time with the Guettler family. We had a blast, as always, playing all the Christmas games they had prepared. Can't wait to get together again.