Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoosiers!

Between Holly being a cheerleader coach and her mom buying Vera cheerleader outfits, she is well on her way to becoming an Indiana Hoosier cheerleader. One can only dream.

Point that toe Ve!

Her official profile shot for the program. I can just see it now, "Vera Anne Terry comes to Bloomington all the way from Orlando, Florida. She has dreamed about attending IU since childhood...not Clemson.  

Just sitting back and showing off her rocking skills that she learned at Mama Lucy's. I love the  little white and silver sneakers, it just makes the outfit look legit. Thanks Guga; hopefully she'll get to wear this outfit all the way to the final four during March Madness. Go Indiana! 

Vera, meet Rory

On our way home from Indiana we were able to stop in Indy and visit with my college buddy Katie and her sweet little Rory. Rory was just a few months old and so tiny. Her hair was so blond you couldn't even see it; adorable! Vera was really interested in her and can be seen here checking her out. I can't wait till the girls get older and can really cause some trouble together. Future IU roommates?

Pistol Pete

It has become somewhat of a Indiana tradition to go for a horse drawn carriage ride. We were lucky enough to get the same horse as last time, Pistol Pete. We all bundled up and set off for our horse ride through downtown. Here are my two favorites standing next to Pete. He kept trying to get Matthew to pet his nose, and Matthew and Ve wanted nothing to do with it. 

Uncle Ron, Vera and I talking to one of the other horses, Jake.  Vera looks a little unsure, but she had a blast once the ride got going. 

Just taking in all the Christmas lights. SHe was oblivious to the fact that cousin Jackson was sneaking in for a kiss. 

Reece just loving the ride. He stayed snugly warm under a super thick blanket. 

Vera and Daddy with the Santa Clause in the background. Every Christmas as a  kid we would go downtown to look  at it, and now Vera is enjoying it too. Love it!

Our little family. It was a fabulous evening with Pistol Pete and family. 

The next day it started to snow. We had to pause for a quick picture with the flakes as they were falling. 

Snow!

Today it snowed in Fort Wayne, naturally the last day that we were all here. Anyway, we all got our snow gear out and headed outside for some sledding action. Vera loved being pulled around in the sled. Here she is just relaxing and taking in all the snow. I just love my little snow bunny. 

Go faster mom! 

Reece wore himself out running around and playing in the snow. Here he is in full stride. 

Luke on the other sled with Uncle Dan. He kept leaning over to see the snow and falling out. 

Uncle Dan and Chubs taking a break from the action 

Best friends Luke and Veve

The snow was falling in this one, and I loved every minute of it. I wish it would fall in Florida. 

Cousins enjoying a ride together. Notice the snowballs conveniently placed in their hands by Guga. 

Weeeeeee!

Dan and the boys made a snowman and snow weenie dog. It was hysterical! Jackson sat by the window and waited for the snowman to come to life like in the song. It was beyond precious. I just love snow days. 

Christmas Morning 2011

This Christmas started at 7:15 in the AM thanks to Vera, my little built in alarm clock. We headed down stairs to wake up the rest of the clan and commence present opening. 

Here we are attempting to wake Reece up; he wanted no part in the morning festivities. He was only interested in sleep at first, but who can blame him, we were up super late on Christmas Eve. 

Vera opening her lion from Luke. She received so many wonderful presents; it was almost too much for her to take in all at once.

Luke and Vera waiting for a present to be taken out of the packaging. They were so patient waiting for all the tape and safety measures to be removed before play could commence. 

Ve just playing with the wrapping paper while the cousins took a turn at opening some gifts. 

Vera's main present this year was a Bitty Baby from American Girl. She loves baby dolls, and when she saw this one in the box she just got excited. She leaned in on the box and started to bang on it. I loved it!

Vera learning the art of patience. She currently has none. 

One of Guga's many presents was a kitty cat piano. She absolutely loved it! It makes a million sounds and has tons of buttons for her to push. Despite the fact that Luke got one too, she constantly went after his.  It was hysterical to watch. 

We got Jackson a Darth Vador outfit to go with his light saber. Here he is killing off his aunt. He was so serious when he had the outfit on. He marched around and was bigger then punch. 

My best Christmas present. The diamond earrings from Matthew were nice too :-)

Ve and Luke tickling the ivories

Just enjoying the afternoon with Guga and taking it easy after a morning of  presents and Santa. 

I loved that Vera got to spend Christmas in Indiana. There is just something magical about bringing your little one back to the home and church of your childhood. I have great Christmas memories here, and I loved making new ones with Vera and Matthew. It was a magical morning and we are so blessed to celebrate together. Thank you God for your indescribable gift of your Son. Merry Christmas all. 

Special PJs

After church we all changed into our Christmas pajamas from Guga. Here Veve is in her set with her Santa hat. All the cousins had matching hats and jammies

Reece was super excited about something. 

Our attempt to get all four grandkids together for a photo. 

No Uncle Matthew, this was not a good idea. 

Vera loves sitting in her great great grandpas chair. She pushed Luke out of it every chance she got. 

After all the grandkids were snuggled up in their pajamas,  Santa and his elves came to Fort Wayne. The result is below. 

A Very Merry Christmas Eve

Uncle John, Guga, Aunt Judy, and Uncle Ron all posing for a sibling photo.

Growing up, Christmas was always special, my Grandma saw to that. All the family would gather together at her house for fun and good times. And here we are years later still managing to get together, despite the various cities and miles between us. Even though my Grandma is no longer with us, she still gives us the gift of family every Christmas, and I know that she would be so happy with all of us and our family traditions. We all have so much to celebrate and be thankful for this Christmas.

Vera is all smiles with Aunt Heidi

Just the cousins. We're a good looking group if I must say so myself.

Vera and mommy in their Christmas outfits

All the second cousins attempting to take a group photo. Vera is refusing to be held, Reece is measuring something in the background, and Jackson is making a funny face. Ahhh...family.

I can't get enough of those cheeks.

Reaching for a present that isn't hers

We were assigned the part of "a Partridge in a Pear tree" for our annual singing of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Vera was not excited to have the largest part.

Every little girl needs red sparkle shoes and a fluffy dress

Snuggling with Daddy and watching the gift exchange

Reece helping Uncle Ron lead the group in Christmas carols.

And this years Man of the Year Award goes to...Uncle John. You can always spot a MOTY by his silky boxers and Santa hat. Better luck next year Matthew.

Pausing for a quick bottle before church. We were all late and ended up having to sit in the front row, and we are not front row people. It was a wonderful Christmas Eve and a great way to celebrate our Saviors birth.