The Warbington Chronicles: 2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas Highlights 2011

Christmas at the Cleft

Our Traditional Christmas Eve Seafood Fest - YUM!!

The long-awaited Kids Gift-Giving on Christmas Eve

13 years of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

CHRISTMAS DAY!!

dirt-biking clothes for Will

An initial ring for Riley Catherine

A chin up bar for Wesley and all kinds of goodies for Ty (including, although not shown, the oh-so-popular Monster Truck crash course with Grave Digger)

Books from Mom and Dad

What it's really all about . . . Happy Birthday, Jesus!

A Christmas Week at Nonna and Papa Ron's

Mother (and Daddy - a new convert to this passion of Nonna's) LOVES to give gifts.

Family Gifts

Team Warbington (raft and oar)

Team Deagle (skis)

Team Kirkland (volleyball net and backyard game set)

we roller-skated . . .

rode the ranger . . .

hung out and watched movies . . .

wore our matching family sweatshirts . . .

And just had a general good time loving on one another as much as possible.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Nothing gets us in the mood for Christmas like our Christmas Kick-off Weekend in Tennessee. This year we did all of the same things that we ususally do - made our ornaments, ate breakfast at the Apple Barn, made cookies at the Old Mill Candy Shop, and ice-skated on Sunday morning. This year, the kids did get the chance to do something extra-special (something Mom has always dreamed about doing. Still dreaming - too many kids waiting in line and my maternal insticts trumped my desire to leap over the rope and shout, "My TURN!!") They got to spin their own pottery. For $10 each they picked out what they wanted to make, got a lesson in spinning and shaping (I really have no idea if those are the correct terms or not, but I feel so professional using them, so humor me.), and got to create a one of a kind work of art. About 3 weeks later we got them in the mail - sorry, no after picture. They turned out beautifully though and the kids (and mom) were ecstatic opening the package when it arrived. As always, it was a great start to a most joyous time of year. Enjoy!

I love it when Chuck gets involved!

I do love this picture.

This is happiness. Joy to the World . . .

Okay, here comes the exciting part. I still can't believe they got to do this!

Wesley wasn't real interested at first, but ultimately he gave in. No regrets. (Well, except for mom who still hasn't had a chance to make anything.)

Monday, October 31, 2011

Real Men

Let's be honest. If you are a middle aged American woman (even a very young and hip middle aged woman) who spent the Thursday nights of her childhood watching Little House on the Praire, then somewhere in your recipe of the perfect man there is at least a little bit of Charles Ingles. Okay, A LOT of Charles Ingles. Why? Because Charles Ingles was REAL MAN. He wasn't afraid of hard work. He wasn't afraid to get dirty and tired and maneuver a plow with one hand while carrying a rifle with the other. I love Real Men, and this is a tribute to 3 in my life.

And, here they are! Working together with Dad at the lead.

This is the REAL, Real Man.

Real Man in training . . . Drive that wedge, Will.

Another real man in training . . . watch these action shots.

(Look closely and you can see his cheeks puffed out.)

This kid, uh, I mean Almost Real Man, doesn't do anything halfway.

Look at my baby rip that log apart with his bare hands. I love it!

That's right, a real man will bend over 200 times to pick up 200 logs to carry to the woodpile, if that's what it takes to get the job done. "Don't worry, Half-pint, we'll be safe this winter when the snow blows in. Pa's fire will keep this little cabin toasty and warm."