The holidays are here!

So, one of my absolute favorite holiday traditions has to be my Dad's fudge. Anyone that has ever tasted it before knows that it is to die for and literally melts in your mouth. He has been making it every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas for as long as I can remember. He is the only person that knows how to make it just right and he does not reveal his secrets! When we were little, Matthew and Adam and I would argue over who would get to help with which batch. Don't get me wrong though, this was no easy task. Stirring the butter and sugar seems simple enough, but I can still hear my Dad saying "no sploshing" over and over again. I still don't know what would have happened if a little bit would have gotten up on the sides of the pan but it must be detrimental since this was Dad's number one rule to stirring. Luckily, we all got plenty of time to practice as Dad would make up to 75 pounds of his famous fudge to pass around to the hospitals, friends, and so on. Well, I was thrilled when Mom called on Monday and said that Dad wanted to start a new tradition with the grandkids. He wanted them to come over and lick the spoons and pots when he was finished. Luke and Taylor were thrilled to say the least! Seeing Luke get to do the things that I remember doing when I was little has to be one of my favorite parts about being a parent. It is so nice to see traditions like this passed down to the next generation.

P.S. Maybe next year we should do it in the afternoon rather than evening. Luke had the biggest sugar high I've ever seen!



Think he liked it?!?

I guess Taylor needed a break :)

Thanksgiving at the Cline's!

Since Mom and Dad went to Colorado for Thanksgiving this year, we celebrated with them the Sunday before. Mom was so sweet and bought all the grandkids Christmas pj's! They were so cute! Trying to get a picture of them all together was nearly impossible but we did the best we could!

Reading the Grinch...one of my favorites!

Thanksgiving, Clemson/Carolina game, xmas tree...

Well, Thanksgiving Day started out with Luke and Hap going out to Hap's Dad's so that Luke could ride a horse. He was beyond excited, but I was concerned that once he got there he might be a little afraid, but as you can see, I couldn't have been more wrong. He was so at ease around the horses, it's like an instinct. Of course, I must give credit where credit is due. Kyote is the most gentle horse you will ever come across, in fact, she's the only one that I will ride. She is 26 years old and has been with Happy since she was just a baby and Hap can remember riding her when he was just a little boy.

When they got home from Wadmalaw we headed over to Penny and Craig's house to spend the afternoon. It was a very relaxing day filled with wonderful family and great food! Craig said the nicest and most poignant blessing that reminded us all that although this year has been extremely tough, we still have so much to be thankful for. God gives us all the ability to cope in times like this and to get up every day and enjoy our loved ones as each day is so precious. The day was certainly not the same without little Craig and he was missed dearly.

Luke and Kyote out at Papoo's

Britton in her first dress and bow...the first of many :)

Henry has learned how to sit up all by himself!

Zack and Britton

Luke wasn't as interested in picking out the tree as we thought he would be...oh well :(