So What Did Alec Receive?

It must be great to be a kid - there are so many fun gifts. Marc and I got Alec two books that he had requested - Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Evidently there are 4 in the series and Alec really likes them. (Yes, we are the relatives who get books. I know there are cooler things out there for a Christmas gift but I LOVE to read and make no apologies. There is nothing better than the gift of a good read!)

Alec also got this really cool coin sorter. I saw it at the store last week before we had our celebration and thought that it was neat. It can tell you exactly how much you have in the jar!

And he got this shirt. Alec is into tie dye. I hope he is also a University of Miami fan - it's the perfect shirt for a fan of that team.

And Alec's favorite gift of the night was from Marc's parents - a video game! Alec played it the rest of the night.

Christmas in Pensacola

As I mentioned in my last post. Marc and the girls went down to Pensacola before I did, but I flew down a few days after he arrived. We always exchange gifts on Christmas Eve in P'cola - names are drawn on Thanksgiving and we have a spending limit. (Except for Alec. Since he's a kid he still get presents from everyone.)

Marc's Dad drew my name for the second year in a row! I got a gift card for Ann Taylor/Loft - just what I wanted!

Marc's dad Chuck received pistachios and a gift card.

Marc's grandmother Mary received a top-of-the-line shredder.

Cousin Tommy got a gift card to get pecan trees.

Marc got a gift card to Academy attached to some great Georgia G grilling tools from Tommy.

I had Marc's Aunt Denise - she was excited about her perfume and pjs!

Marc had Uncle Kent's name - and he received a giftcard, too.

And it looks like Marc's cousin Judy got a book.

As did his Mom Mary.

At the end of the evening, Judy suggested that next year we say no gift cards. I protested because I love to shop for clothes when I don't have to pay :-)! But after posting all these pictures I think she has a good point. I didn't realize how many gifts were in the form of a card.

Pre Christmas

Before Christmas, Marc and the doggies went down to Pensacola and I went to Hampton. The nephews were there, too, and full of Christmas excitement. Hudson didn't feel great, so he spent more time in the recliner and Bowen and I got to have some Aunt Mary/Bowen bonding time.



But he would periodically go check on his brother to see how he was feeling. Bowen is a VERY sweet boy.


And man, does Bowen ever get into Christmas.

He loves to wear the Santa hat, the Christmas bell and the festive slippers.

He also adores those annoying singing-thingys. You know, Santa singing a carol about himself or the reindeer singing about Grandma's demise. So being a good grandma, my mama has several of them. And Bowen will listen to them over and over. Sometimes two or three at once.

But the joy it brings Bowen makes up for the fact that you want to take out and hide the batteries!

Merry Christmas (A Few Days Late)

I hope that you had a wonderful holiday. The McMottes were busy all month and have just arrived back home. December and Christmas FLEW by, and we are really looking forward to a week with no work and no real plans.


Updates on our fabulous Christmas to come. . .

What Happens When Marc Lies on the Floor

Random Cuddle Lovin'

She Will Sleep Anywhere

On the side of the couch. . .

Or on top of your crocs.

What's Better Than Fried Chicken?

Not much.

Maybe fried chicken along with beer, good friends, tailgating and a football game where I don't have to work and a UGA victory over Georgia Tech! (Sorry Michele and my other Techie pals.)

The Boss Man didn't use his tickets so Marc and I did! We tailgated and went to the game with the Thompsons and had such a good time.

It's Christmas Sweater Time!

And Sandy would like for me to stop taking pictures and get her out of this sweater. Now.

Marc's Godson

While I was suffering through the last UGA home game of the year, Marc was in Arkansas for the christening of Marc's godson. Isn't he a cutie?


This was such an important day that Marc bought a new suit. He is a good lookin' godfather!


Marc was pleased to report that Aure eats and poops on schedule and has a healthy set of lungs.

A Clip of Athens' Last Comic Standing

It's not the best quality video, but here's a little bit of Marc and his winning set.

And if She Can't be a Lap Dog. . .

She will use you as a dog bed.

I don't know if you can tell, but Lullabelle is actually resting her head on the back of the couch. She has made herself completely comfy on Marc.

She REALLY Wants to be a Lap Dog

Bouncing Baby Ballards

I think the best part of Thanksgiving 2009 was spending time with Sophie and Boone. The twins are seven months old now and love to cuddle. I had a great time holding and playing with the newest members of our family!

Thanksgiving 2009

We met again in Macon for Thanksgiving, and everyone was there this year. It was such a wonderful day! I am still eating leftovers :-)

One of the most important things we do in Macon is take pictures. Everyone looked so good!

Aunt Nancy's Family - the Rigdon/Tyre/Music Clan

Aunt Ester's Family - the Meeks/Rawlins/Ballard/Taylor Clan

And the McDonalds - the McDonald/McMottes :-)

And all the kiddies - this year there were 10!!

It's my Birthday! My B-B-B-Birthday!

And I got a yummy Flamingo cake!

Someone Got a New Toy

Lullabelle got a new Quackers, but she's not quite ready to part with the old one.

At Least Connie Was There

Last weekend was the final Georgia home game of the year - UGA v. Kentucky. Marc was in Arkansas for the christening of the Rowes' new bundle of joy, for whom he is the godfather. So Connie joined me in Athens for the weekend for some birthday celebrating, shopping, pizza and football.

We had a good but cold time in our red and black (and grey) at the President's house for the pre-game reception, and then headed to the suite to get ready for the guests' arrival.

One of the perks of sitting in a suite - outdoor heaters! And great seats. And a coffee bar. That didn't make the loss to Kentucky any less painful. But it did help to have such a fabulous friend with me.

What We'll Do Today

At least until I pick Marc up from the airport. It's rainy, it's cold, it's a perfect day to be lazy and completely unproductive.

The After Party

I completely forgot that I had these on the camera. . .

After the homecoming game, we came home with wings, chips and beer and hung out with the Thompsons and the Alexanders. It was a perfect way to unwind after such a busy week and lots of fun. The dogs had more fun than we did.

Lullabelle got to cuddle with Sean and give Trip kisses.

And Sandy, as usual, begged for food. But Bob kept the Doritos for himself.