Friday, December 26, 2008

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas day. It was very casual and relaxing. We all got naps and didn't even get out of our PJ's until later in the day.

Pictures from the day....

Checking out what Santa brought


Daddy assisting with the Tinkertoys

Present opening snacks


It's stocking time

Ooooooh, chapsticks!


A real tiara for the princess!


Checking for more presents behind the tree

Wooohooo! A wallet and a princess purse!


The stocking explosion!


Later in the day, riding her bike in the courtyard - notice the purse on the handlebar and the chapstick in her hand

Tinkerbell flashlight firmly in pocket


Being silly


Snow White



Snow White checking out the chapstick

Christmas Eve Gill Family Fun

On Wednesday, December 24th we had 21 members of the Gill Clan over for dinner. It was a 'simple' meal of Standing Rib Roast, Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Asparagus with a browned butter sauce, rolls, a mincemeat pie and a yule log cake for dessert! Jonnie brought oysters and stone crab claws and Scott made homemade smoked mullet dip for us all to snack on before the main meal. Thanks to everyone that helped - it was greatly appreciated. And thanks for your patience - hopefully the meal was worth the wait.

We had a wonderful time. I really enjoed hanging out with everyone even though we were exhausted from the company party the night before.

The dining room / kitchen before the meal


The kids so patiently waiting for dinner...watching Madagascar


Leif playing with his gift from Nana & Papa. I love how his head and the train are all that are still


Avery and Izzy playing in the sand


Avery posing


My attempt at a group picture of the kids. It didn't occur to me that we were missing Katy until today. I also have no idea why this picture looks bluish either. Maybe better next time!


Jenny tried to get a decent pic for my facebook page. I'm not so sure.

Jenny

Anna Banana

Sean probably talking clams :)


Nanny looking all sorts of cutes

Bob, making sure the wine is drinkable....IT WAS! :)


Caryn and Will hanging out waiting for the next phase of dinner preparation

Leif and Jason - Leif just woke up from a nap in the car

Jon Jon is supposed to be taking a picture for his mommy, but I slipped in and snapped one

GG enjoying the conversation

Gingerbread House

On December 20th, the day Avery started feeling better from her bout with strep throat, we decided to put together our gingerbread house kit. She had a blast placing all the candies on the house and I really think it is was the turing point for her feeling better after being really sick for 4 days. She picked up strep at Disney. (Disney pics to come in another post).


Smelling the gingerbread

Holding it together for 3 minutes

The icing was a little runny, but it was still fun

Placing the candies on (that is an old Cinderella tatoo on her hand)

Her finished masterpiece






Sunday, December 14, 2008

HELP WANTED!!

Part time position available for a blogger. Make your own hours. Salary negotiable.
Serious applicants only. Send resume to hahaha@overloadedblogger.com

Monday, October 27, 2008

Sears Halloween Costume Session

















Thursday, October 23, 2008

Christmas in October

If you have wondered why I haven't been blogging, well, it's because we have been busy getting ready for a holiday photo shoot for the December issue of a local magazine. That and every weekend this month is packed with a different event. Oh, and let's not forget how busy work has been. I guess busy is a good thing, but I am SERIOUSLY looking forward to our vacation next week!

We have pumpkins on the front porch and Christmas trees on the inside. Avery doesn't seem to be too confused and she hasn't even asked about opening the presents under the tree. We have some real ones and some fake ones.

Here are a few pictures I took the day of the shoot.

The garland on the stairs


The front room (a bit overexposed)


I was up at 3:00AM baking cookies. Haha, just kidding. I picked them up.

An antique hutch we got earlier in the year.

The Dining Table


Another View


This centerpiece was put together at 7:00AM.


Kitchen View


I have been working on Avery's room decor. It still isn't complete, but it's getting closer.


Avery's Princess Tree


Us in the front room - the photographer took this with my camera - it's a little blurry, but maybe holiday card worthy?????