more sights in sc

Where birds are plentiful, crabs can be caught from the dock and history abounds; ahhh, Edisto Island.  We got our 'history' on with a trip to where the first shot was fired in the Civil War, Fort Sumter.  The boys answered questions after touring the fort and earned their 'Junior Ranger badges'.

Back at our beach house while raining we crafted and made cut out cookies.  And when the sun came out we literally ran outside!  Kayaking, crabbing, jumping on the trampoline filled our moments while basking in the sun.

(more photos still to come . . . )

christmas in the south

Where the moss hangs and the trees lean down to greet you (Edisto Island, SC); we spent our time laughing and catching up with family.  Busying our selves with hand made decorations, gingerbread house competition and good old fashioned play while it rained for several days.  Breaking of bread, conversations, telling of stories and listening to giggles; what a sweet way to end 2014.  Taking advantage when the weather cleared for hikes, marshmallow guns and more.  

(Part 1 of photos, more to come . . . )

 all the family

 sweet Moses

 um, I was just tasting the frosting

 gingerbread houses (even adorned with broccoli, I don't know ask Greg)

 snowflakes to decorate the tree

 dancing cousins

anyone seen Uncle Damian?

 boys will be boys

first grade prayer service

If you look for the microphone you will find Blaise.  Here is another hint, look for the 'little' boy wearing a holly crown.  Blaise was a reader today at the prayer service.  The whole first grade did a great job with the story of Jesus and singing songs.

Joe, Blaise and Dan or as Joe stated 'middle, little and big'

gingerbread houses

Ambrose's class is taking a field trip tomorrow to the George Eastman House to see the gingerbread houses.  The houses and/or creations are made by local individuals/groups.  Blaise and I had a mommy/son date today while Ambrose had an after school club.  

We marveled at the creativity, shared some gelato and picked our favorites: 

feast of the immaculate conception

Ambrose's class led the feast day mass today at school.  His part was to welcome everyone and read the introduction for mass.  He did a great job, he was loud enough, articulate and even looked up occasionally.

I had the pleasure of sitting right beside him and sharing in mass.  The principal sang Ava Maria (chills, pure chills every time) and what a pleasure seeing all of his classmates participate so well in mass (even singing).

holiday meal with wonderful friends "family"

The meals that are depicted in Martha Stewart Living always intrigue me to look at but not necessarily to try to copy the whole meal myself.  We got together with 3 other families and each brought a dish or two and it was as if Martha had showed up and put her special touches on these dishes.  The food was magnificent!  And the best part we didn't pay fancy restaurant prices; instead we all just enjoy getting together and making delicious food.  From hot spinach dip, deviled eggs to salad with fresh pears, caramelized pecans, blue cheese, homemade dressing and croutons to lasagna with organic ground chicken, gruyere cheese and par boil noodles.  A roasted squash and kale dish, berry galette, chocolate trifle . . . .well let's just say thank goodness I don't eat like this every day!

Our hostess kept the kids entertained with games, activities and so much fun!!!  We are truly blessed to have all of these families in our lives!

Who can make the best Santa?

 Hmmmm . . . .

Gio, Bella, Jacob, Julian, Jaxon, Teegan, Ambrose, Alessandro and Blaise