It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I haven't posted anything in forever because we seemed to be in a spell where all the back to school hoop-la was over and we were just waiting for the next big thing - and now it's here! The holidays!

For three years we have taken a picture of Ben and his Social partner Katie in front of our tree before the big Christmas dance. Hard to believe that when they first started he had to stand on a box to be the same height!

We enjoyed the big time thrills of the Annual North Augusta Christmas Parade! Ben walked along with our church float throwing out CHRISTmas tshirts and Amelia was walking with the cheerleaders. For anyone who didn't get the pleasure of a small town, red neck Christmas parade with homemade floats, motorcycles, tractors and Santa on a firetruck, I threw in a few extra shots so you wouldn't feel deprived!

I think this kid was done with the parade!

It wouldn't be Christmas without the struggle of a Christmas card. Every year our neighbor Julia comes over to help with the photo session. Here's an out take, and one that Julia took of my three favorite people while I was having a hissy fit with my camera instruction manual.

I liked this picture with the lights but it looked a little like we were on fire! And it felt like it too! Those old timey bulbs are hot! I can't believe we never burnt the cabin down with those 90 year old lights and a cedar tree!

It's hard to believe she's day over 30, but Gangee hit the big 7-5!
We surprised her with a little family time, japaneese steak house, and cake! Who'd a thought that the best family photo we've had in a while would be taken by a japaneese chef while singing happy birthday and beating a drum! This is a just a picture of the real picture - but the original will be prominently displayed at Gangee's house so I'm sure you'll all see it at some point!

Mr. President

 I heard this morning that there were 42 days until the election. No matter which side you're on, I think we'll all be glad when it's over.

I spend most of every election season trying to keep my mouth shut - but there's one candidate that I didn't mind publicly endorsing - and - he's already won!

Ben ran for President of the Freshman Class and was elected last week. Despite his expression in this picture, he was very excited and of course we are proud of him! They video-taped a speech from the three candidates to be broadcast in all the Freshman classes. It could only be 100 to 115 words, had to be mostly an introduction of themsleves, and could not under any circumstances have the words "I promise." I think that might be a good guideline for all politicians!

This was Ben's speech:
I’m Ben Carter. I’m running for President, and if you don’t know me – here are 10 random facts about me and also some reasons to vote for me.

1. I’m honest, loyal and respectable.

2. I’m a hard worker.

3. I love Baseball.

4. My sister’s a senior and full of high school advice.

5. I surround myself with great friends – you know who you are .

6. I hate pizza – I know, weird.

7. I want the class of 2016 make history as the best ever.

8. I could eat Waffle House, Miyabi and Zaxbys for the rest of my  life.

9. The respect of my fellow students and teachers is very important to me.

10. Remember – I’m all in, so vote for Ben!

Today North Augusta High School, tomorrow the White House!

Go Jackets!

One of the things I love most about living in North Augusta is high school football. We love us some Yellow Jacket football around here! We aren't among the largest high schools in the state and we certainly don't have pricey facilities, but we make up for it in spunk and pizzazz.  EVERYBODY comes to the high school games.

Our players run through a smoke filled helmet (no busting through wussy paper signs for us!) Some local guy does fly overs in his little plane (we've even had parachuters bring in the game ball before!) 

There are tailgate parties, a great band, a real mascot, a "bod squad" of guys who paint themsleves up in the student section - it's just full out fun.

This year, it's been extra special because Amelia is enjoying her senior year as a cheerleader. 

If you're a "Bachelorette" watcher - the guy in the picture is Ryan Bowers, local celebrity and one of the bachelors on this past season. Our first game was televised and he did the sideline commentary. You can tell the girls really hated that.

I think the expression on her face in these pictures says more than I could put into words as to how much she's enjoying it!

A new tradition is to let all the seniors run through the helmet during pre-game. They love it!

If you're feeling sorry for Ben because he's being neglected in all the photos - don't. I tried my best to take a few pictures of him enjoying his first game as an actual high school student but he's was having none of it. Someone else caught this one of him - with part of the"D-Fence" sign. You never know when he'll schmooze for the camera!

Last First Day of High School / First First Day of High School

If I was really good and organized I could post a picture of my babies' very first 'First Day of School' pictures side by side with this one for an AAAWWWwwwwww moment - but we all know I'm not organized! So I will just have to have an AAAWWWwwwwww moment strictly on the fact that I have one who will never again be posing by the front door for her first day of school, and one that is supposed to be my baby who is off to HIGH SCHOOL.

Ben felt the need to do a girly pose! Quite the ham as always.

The big difference this year is nobody needs a parent to take them to school. Seems a little sad now but I'm sure it will seem like a good thing in a matter of days.

So it begins! I would like to think that they will hop right up and get going every morning this year - but I'm an old pro and I know first day adrenaline when I see it. Good thing we don't have to document ALL the school mornings!

So Long Summer!

I will admit that even I started to doubt the wisdom of taking 5 teenagers to a 3 bedroom condo for a week of vacation. But miracle of miracles  - we all actually coexisted in peace.

I still love Surfside Beach. I guess it's in my blood. We had a good week - some days were overcast - so we managed to spend a lot of time on the beach without becoming lobsters!

The boys are at a stage where they cannot take a picture without doing something goofy or striking a "sears catalog male model" pose. So I gave up on cute pictures.

The girls on the other hand brought color coordinated outfits in anticipation of their photo ops.

So I guess this wraps up my babies' summer. In four days it will be time for the annual first day of school photo by the front door!
It sure did pass quickly!

Our LIttle Queen

Amelia had a wonderful time at the Distinguished Young Woman of SC program. Just like Girls State, it was a great time to meet lots of super girls from around the state.

She and her friend Kristen from Greenwood continue to insist that they will room together at Clemson!

And like her friend Kelly from home, her new friend Kelly is quite a character!

They made visits to Children's Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club with gifts in hand. 

She fell in love with her host family and their precious girls. She was so lucky to have the Collins to come home to each night. I know it made the week more relaxing. They are an adorable little family!

The director, "Mrs. Vicki" won Amelia's heart as well.

She did a great job in all the categories and made top 8!

Her cheering section could not have been more proud! And had a good time playing pageant critics! Ha! 

I'm glad my baby had so many great opportunities this summer - but I'm glad it's all R and R these last few weeks before school! She deserves it!