Last weekend, we made our annual visit to Lanett for Christmas in the Valley with the Bennett side of the family. We had a great time! Ellie always loves this trip because she gets to spend time with Jack. Jack is Brian's cousin Jason McKay's little boy. We love him!!

While we were there, we spent Saturday evening with the entire family. We had our annual chili supper at Jason & Laura's house. I told Laura she was incredibly brave to have all of us in her house. The kids were really good and were very patient while everyone ate dinner. We had a great time watching the kids open their presents. It was an early taste of Christmas, and they loved every minute of it. Brian and I were thrilled to get to spend time with everyone. We were quickly reminded how important it is that we make time to be in Lanett with everyone more than we have been, especially in the last year.

Saturday afternoon (yes, I know I'm out of order but I'm following the pics below), we took the kids to ride the merry-go-round. This is an annual tradition for us and something that Brian did as a kid. It is very important to him that he has been able to share this tradition with his girls. Ellie loves the the merry-go-round. Mollie was not a fan at all. She and I watched from the sidelines while Pawpaw took pictures. I'm not sure how many times Ellie made Brian ride it. However, I think Brian had to finally convince Ellie that they had ridden it plenty of times. After that we headed to McDonald's for a little play time.

Overall, it was a very fast trip; but a great weekend. I always enjoy watching Brian as he spends time with old friends and gets quality time with his family. They are the sweetest of people. Thanks to Carolyn and Rick for letting us stay at the Round Up.

I found this picture last week and have been meaning to post it ever since. It was one of those moments when I caught Mollie playing with Ellie's toys. Part of me wanted to fuss at her and remind her to be careful with Ellie's Fancy Nancy glasses, but at the same time, I got very tickled at how cute she was. Enjoy!

As I warmed up breakfast at church this morning for Mollie, Ellie asked if she could go find Mrs. Laws by herself and go on to school. I told her yes but quickly called her back. I put my arm around her and whispered a prayer in her ear that the Lord would help her not to pitch any fits and that she would make good choices.

In her sweet little way, Ellie looked at me and said, "That's OK, mom. I prayed about it last night."

I think Ellie believes that once you pray for something, that is enough. I guess I wish that I had faith like her. If she asks for it, then God's going to take care of it. Oh, to have the faith of a child. It all makes me giggle though. I just love Ellie and her sweet little ways.

By the way, she'll tell you the prayers are working. Two good days in a row - good week so far!

The pictures are of the last minute practice for the K3-K5 Christmas program at ABSS. Ellie had a great time practicing. However, when the big moment came, she ended up sitting by Mrs. Laws. It was all a bit overwhelming for her. We were thrilled though. Ellie did not freak out. She stayed under control and sat with the group. Yeah, Ellie! She was really cute and has been singing all the songs ever since.

Brian has been working pretty much non-stop. Alltel has added back in projects that had been cut. Last week, he worked 3 nights in a row. This week he only has to work one night. However, he's on call next week and will work 3 nights - a couple are double shifts. If you think about him, keep him in your prayers!

We had the privilege of hosting 2 meet & greets this weekend for a potential youth pastor for our church. The first meet & greet was here at our house. It was so fun to have everyone over. It was our first big party since we finished the renovations. Yes, the Florida/Alabama game was on in the den. Our dear friend Tammy was dying b/c she couldn't be down there watching the game the entire afternoon. The second meet & greet was Sunday afternoon at the church. Things went really well. We were so thankful.

We discovered today that we are really going to have to watch Mollie around the Christmas tree. It seems that the temptation to open presents that are in gift bags is too great for her. ha!