Christmas

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas! Colton was very excited with all the presents; however, the first thing he looked at was his note from Santa. Santa loved everything, but he was a messy eater. He thanked Colton for the food and the eggs/coffee for giving him more energy. He ate everything, except for the cookie that Matt made for some reason.

Colton recieved the Webkinz seal he wanted, which he named Willy!

As you can see, Colton was very excited over his Pat White jersey! So now he has his WVU jersey with his UNC pjs.

Matt checks out the goodies in his stocking that Santa brought.

Colton and Matt find some "treasure" in the front yard with his new metal detector (check out the pulled up socks...lookin' good Colton) :)

This is the face of too much candy and presents...

We loved our dancing chickens!!!!!!!

Matt and Colton "eat like piggies"-from the Christmas Story movie...

Colton and his Webkinz register the latest addition...

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, we made cookies...

we dressed up in our reindeer antlers, santa/elves hats, etc and drove around singing Christmas songs while looking at Christmas lights...

Colton's favorite house because they suspended Santa and the reindeer...

Matt and Colton track Santa on the computer...

Colton sprinkles reindeer food on the front lawn...

Colton leaves cookies, milk, scrambled eggs, coffee and a survey to find out what Santa liked (along with a thank you letter)...

and we opened our new pajamas!!!!

Christmas at the Straleys

We made it up to WV the weekend before Christmas and no one broke any bones this year! I cannot say that no one was hurt, because Matt's head made contact with the corner of a falling wooden sign! "Isn't that peculiar". We had a great visit and enjoyed seeing everyone including "that guy" from Arizona, who by the way, does NOT have glasses like the guy on "The Office".
Santa made an early visit! He had the help of two little elves! Santa was GREAT!!!




We received some wonderful gifts, especially my huge frame and stand, which I absolutely LOVE!!!

Christmas Door Update

Colton's design and hard work paid off...our door won 1st place!!!! We received a big blue 1st place ribbon!

Christmas Door

Every Christmas at work, they have a door decorating contest. Colton helped me with my door this year. He helped me plan it, find the items, cut out objects, and tape them on in the correct place. It is titled "I'll Be Home For Christmas". Santa gives the soldier a ride from Iraq to his home in Fayetteville (the soldier parachutes out of his sleigh). This is what he created...

Ol' Christmas Tree

We went to the Christmas Tree Farm again this year to find and cut down our tree. It was a little warm, though (notice the short sleeves). Because of the drought and the extremely hot weather this summer, my favorite type of tree (white pine w/long needles) didn't do too well. We went for a Leylend cypress. We found a really beautiful and big tree.

Matt started to cut the tree...
then Colton took over and sawed...
and sawed...
until he finally cut it down. The owner asked him if he wanted a job again for the 3rd year in a row!! Colton just smiled!
Our cute little reindeer!!!



Matt hangs the lights and the angel. Afterwards, we all decorated the tree with Christmas music playing in the house. Mimzy, our cat, did knock it over the 2nd night that the tree was up. It must have scared her, because she hasn't messed with it since.

GA Trip

Matt and I had a great trip. We really enjoyed ourselves and were totally relaxed all week. We hiked to waterfalls, walked to several various areas of the Chattahoochee River, enjoyed the German food/drink, etc. Of course, it would have been perfect if only WVU would have won. The cabin was gorgeous!!! Matt made a fire every night (in the fireplace), grilled some perfect steaks, and yes we enjoyed the giant TV on occasion.

Colton jumped in the hot tub as soon as he arrived. It was a WONDERFUL part of our cabin. Matt and I swore we were just a big pile of mush by the time Colton arrived, because we had sat in it so many times. It was great, because it was out on our back deck that overlooked the woods. Did I say it was wonderful and that we enjoyed it? :)

We attended the Helen Christmas parade. Colton and the other kids enjoyed chasing the candy. They all shared with each other, so that was nice to watch. Of course, we were all excited to see Elvis in the parade.

This was such a cool thing to go to. Matt had us "save" this activity for when Colton came. This was a huge train display. You may be able to get an idea of how big it is by looking at my mom standing on the top floor in the corner. I couldn't fit it all in the picture. It was really interesting walking around it and trying to find the little details (moving figure skaters, all the trains, etc).

Lederhosen!!!!! OK as soon as Matt saw this cutout I was instructed that as soon as my parents arrived, they were to take a picture of us with it. I think it was worth it!!! Of course, my dad got a little carried away (too funny).

Georgia Scenery

This is Minnehaha Falls...my favorite waterfall. This is the one I visited when I camped in the area over 10 years ago. I was so happy to share it with Matt and Colton.

Part of the Chattahoochee River. Matt loved finding all the "good trout holes" up and down the river. It was low due to the drought but still beautiful.
Lake Burton...located in the Unicoi State Park. It is beautiful! We had a delicious dinner of all you can eat GA trout and London Broil at the Park's Lodge. Matt, Colton, my parents and I ventured up an "easy" trail to one of the waterfalls in the area.

Matt thought this was really cool...it was a marker at one of the Appalachian Trail's trailhead. Matt and I walked on the Trail. One day...the whole thing!!!!