We live in a zoo with our four kids, dog, rabbit, hamster (that was only supposed to live two years but has somehow managed to surpass the Guinness Book of World Records for hamster life) so it only seemed natural to add, yes, a kitten.
​      "You've lost your mind" were my husband's words, sprinkled in with a few more colorful thoughts, as he tends to live his life primarily with reason.  I on the other hand, am the emotional one.  The thought of our oldest son being in the eighth grade reminds me he only has four more years until he'll miss knowing the comfort of a ball of fur curled around his shoulders while he studies on the couch. Our middle boys play with our dog constantly, but don't know the snuggly wake up call from a pounce on their chest. 
​     Then there's our daughter.  Our eight year old little girl has begged - no - pleaded for a cat for years, much to my husband's dismay.  He's stiff-armed the feline frenzy for as long as I can remember, but the time has finally come.
​     This morning, when the presents were opened with toys and electronics in full swing, there was one more box yet to be found.  Shaking his head, my husband gave me the look with a half smile, then held the box for the kids to peek inside.  Squeals were abundant as each of them held the little one, making it impossible to determine who was in more disbelief.
​     The kitten is tiny, soft and beyond adorable.  He's playful and fuzzy with the cutest little nose.  His tiny paws haven't touched the ground as the kids take turns holding him - and yes - even my husband has warmed up just a little.
​     It's a Christmas to remember with a new addition to the wildness of our home, but well worth the years of waiting.              We hope your Christmas wishes came true today, and pray you'll have the Happiest New Year of all.                

     In this day and age it can take quite a lot to find the time to get into the Christmas spirit.  Work, relentless schedules and the madness of everyday life can make it nearly impossible to stop and enjoy the holidays altogether.
​    One may wonder if the same held true hundreds of years ago. 
​    We love going to Williamsburg, Virginia for the opportunity to question just that...while gaining the cherished time to slow down long enough to enjoy this holiday season (even if it means locking up the kids to make it happen). 

    After a cool night of history, Busch Gardens was beautifully decorated for Christmas as well.  

    The simplicity of fun and togetherness without chaos and demands brings the kid out in all of us, no matter what the year or even century. 
​     May your days slow to enjoy this time, if only for a minute...and may your Christmas and holidays hold endless laughter and love.    

   It's a Christmas Miracle.  The house is quiet, no electronics are on and our 10 year old son is
   reading.
   a.
   book.
​    Not because we made him or because of school, but because he wants to.  Did you feel the earth shake a little bit on that last sentence?  Yes, he wants to read two books he discovered written by a brother and sister team, Ben and Joy.  The brother, Ben even has his own Awesome YouTube channel with thousands of followers.  
​    What's it all about you might ask?  If you've ever heard of a game called, Roblox, that's what Ben works/plays with, having tons of fun along the way.  You can catch his channel:
           https://www.youtube.com/user/NubNeb
​  and read Ben's book: http://amzn.to/2yNLRws 
  and Joy's book: http://amzn.to/2x4BFCv 

   I'm beyond impressed that a brother and sister team so young, are able to accomplish so much, while doing it in a clean, fun level I can feel comfortable allowing my kids to watch and read.
​   The books make an excellent Christmas gift and you can get them for your son or daughter who "love" to read as much as ours. 
​   Trust me, it's Amazing.  (Thank You, Ben and Joy!) :)