More from Christmas Day.....

New scarves and hats from Kay-Kay!

We really enjoyed watching Allie tear into (and try to eat!)

her presents. She was so excited to play with her new toys...

...she kept clapping when she saw what Santa left her!

We know she had a fun first Christmas!

Mason was happy to get new train pjs and underwear!

Mason was worn out from such an exciting day!

Here Comes Santa Claus.....

Mason was so excited about Santa Claus coming this year....he's at the perfect age! When we got home from church on Christmas Eve, he was ready to put on his pajamas and get in the bed so that Santa could come. (Not to mention he was completely exhausted!) So we put out the milk and cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, we read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and tucked Mason and Allie into bed. Mason got up on Christmas morning and was beside himself with excitement....he could hardly wait to see what Santa had left him!

Santa's been here!

Lights Before Christmas

We took the kids to the Grand Opening of the new McDonalds in Lexington and to see the lights at Riverbanks zoo last Saturday. Katie Beth and Mason were so cute walking around holding hands. Despite the rain, we all had a great time!

Mason enjoyed the snow!

Silly Girl....

Yes, below is a picture of our 8 month old daughter flashing her boobies. Let me just say that she did this 100% by herself and thought it was a hoot! We just hope she'll learn to become a bit more modest when she gets older!

Elf on the Shelf

On Saturday evening, there was a special visitor at our door for Mason and Allie......an elf had arrived from the North Pole! He is a special "scout" elf sent by Santa himself. His job is to sit somewhere in our house and watch over Mason and Allie during the day. At night when they're asleep, he flies back to the North pole and tells Santa if they've been good or bad. When morning comes, he's already back at our house sitting in a new place. ( Mason loves searching for him when he wakes up every morning! ) Isn't this the best thing ever? Every family needs one of these!

This was Mason's face when he got up the next morning

and realized that the elf had flown out of the box and up

onto a shelf in our house. He really is magic!!

Meet "Elfie" (obviously Mason gave him this original name!!)

New Pictures!

To see proofs from their session click on this link: http://www.earthangelportraits.com/index2a.php

Click on the "clients" tab and the password is "stowers." These should be up on the website for the next day or so. (If any family members would like to order some pictures....please let us know before Friday at 1:30!) Enjoy!!

The Polar Express

This past weekend, we went with some of our friends on a trip to NC. We all stayed together in a mountain cabin ( 4 couples and 7 kids!!) and it was SO much fun! The kids all had such a great time together......they were so happy to wake up bright and early every morning and start playing. On Saturday, we drove to Bryson City to ride the Polar Express!! Mason had been counting down the days.......he was beyond excited! All of the kids were too cute in their PJ's.....I loved being able to experience the Polar Express through their eyes!


Mason and Allie believe!


Standing in front of our train car.


SOOOOOO excited!

Yummy....Hot Chocolate!
( She's not really drinking it! :)

Mason loved the Hot Chocolate!

Allie got her first bell from Santa.

Story time!

Going to the North Pole!

Waving to Santa........we've arrived at the North Pole!

Pictures with Santa.... Allie tried to pull off his beard!

Mason, Katie Beth, Carter, Caroline, Camden, Fulmer

and Allie had SO much fun on the Polar Express!!

Sitting on Santa's Lap

Allie and Mason got a chance to sit with Santa while we were at the mall on Monday. We weren't exactly sure what Allie's reaction would be since it was her first time seeing him, but she just looked at him and tried to grab his beard! Mason was a bit shy, but he still sat on Santa's lap and told him what he wanted for Christmas. Hopefully they will be excited to see him again this weekend, since we are taking a trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express!

Thanksgiving Sunday at Nina's

We went to Nina's beautiful new house this past Sunday for Thanksgiving. Allie enjoyed sitting at the dining room table in her booster seat....especially since she was able to get lots of attention from everyone! After we ate, we helped put up the Christmas tree. Mason had so much fun "fluffing" the tree and decorating it. We always enjoy our Thanksgiving Sundays at Nina's house!


Yummy sweet potatoes!


Mason loved playing with trains on the floor
with our cousin Matthew.


Allie enjoyed reading with Brittany!



Putting ornaments on the tree....