Out with the Globetrotters

We kicked Luke's birthday weekend off in a big way, going out to see the Harlem Globetrotters downtown Friday night. Luke had a good week already since we recently joined the new YMCA near our house and he'd been swimming several nights with Ben after work. Now the cherry on top.....courtside seats to see America's team play their "four quarters" and lots of pranks with the crowd. The highlight for Luke was getting wet during one of Hi-Lite's water gags; I figured it would be confetti in the cup, but it was really water----at least it wasn't Gatorade!

Luke got a indoor basketball hoop from Santa this year, so he's been practicing up his shooting skills. After watching the Globetrotters, he'll be dunking in his room and trying to spin balls on his fingers. It was a great way to start his 3rd birthday weekend. Enjoy the other photos in the slideshow on the left.

Home from the Holidays

We're back home in TN from a wonderful holiday with family and friends, spending time with both sides of our family in NC and GA. We drove over to my parents' home in NC on the 24th, enjoying the Christmas music on the radio and the final build up to the big day. Christmas Eve was celebrated with the Allen side of the family at my Aunt Lydia's, complete with a home-cooked dinner from Grandma Allen and a big warm fire to open presents beside. Luke loved playing with his two little cousins, Delaney (5) and Morgan (soon to be 2). They were all so excited for Santa to come that night and for the fun of the morning to come.

No one had to tell Luke what day it was when we awoke on the 25th. He sat straight up in bed, looked clearly ahead, and said breathlessly, "It's CHRISTMAS!" He raced down the hall to find presents galore and really savored opening each one this year. He's finally more interested in the gift than the wrap, but he took his time playing with nearly every toy before moving on to the next item. We celebrated on Christmas Day and evening with my mother's side of the family, the O'Dells, and had a nice time visiting, eating, and opening more gifts by the fire. All in all, a wonderful and very blessed Christmas indeed......but then there was more ahead!

On the 26th, we drove down to GA to see Ben's family who had gathered at the home in LaGrange. Lauren and her boyfriend Matt were there with Luke's Nonna and Bacca, all ready to make merry and prolong the Christmas season as long as possible. More good dinners, time to visit, and lovely gifts were exchanged. It was nice to all be in one place and to revisit favorites spots in town together, like the obligatory pilgrimage to Charlie Joseph's for "The World's Best Hot Dog." Many old friends and neighbors came by for a little party on Sunday night and it was great to see everyone and for them to see how Luke has grown. He loved all the excitement and having lots of eager playmates 'round the clock.

From GA, we went back to Murphy for New Year's Eve and my father's birthday. We all rang in a new year together and for all its upheaval and transition, we were none to sad to bid 2009 farewell. Here's to a better year for each of us and our country in 2010! We pray there is health, happiness, and renewed purpose ahead for us all.

Babes in Toyland....and Candyland

No reason to pout or to cry here at our house this week. Luke just happened to intercept the UPS man with a very special Christmas present from his Aunt Holly and Uncle David yesterday: a handmade, wooden Marble Track. And as nice as it is, it's really even more special because it was made by the Rothenberger boys in the the family wood working and furniture making business up in PA. We are so pleased to have such an heirloom gift for Luke to enjoy. He hasn't quit playing with it yet and tried to take the large wooden "marbles" to bed with him last night.

Luke and I also had some nice Christmas visits today; we went to lunch with a friend at a tea room and then had more friends over to make cookies and decorate gingerbread houses. We made miniature homes and Luke certainly had fun sampling all the trimmings----I see visions of sugar plums turning to tummy aches later on.

We'll be heading to NC soon and then on to GA for more visits with family. We hope all of you have a blessed and Merry Christmas whereever you may celebrate. Noel!