Throwing Stones

The best part of visiting Gram and Bapa is getting to walk to the lake to throw rocks. Adam, Lottie, and Logan go nuts!

Logan and Lottie find some big rocks.

Adam strikes a pose with lightsaber.

Lottie enjoys a lift from Uncle Doug.

We took a quick picture of the whole group before Doug and Ashley had to leave. We missed you Chris!

Eagle Watching

On Saturday, we got a special treat. We took a boat tour of Lake Ouachita to look for bald eagles. Lottie was excited to use her binoculars.

Shane had his hands full with two kids.

Adam is ready to look for some eagles.

Logan and Lottie haven't found an eagle yet!

At the very end of our tour, we finally spotted one! Success.

Garvan Gardens

After opening presents, we headed to Garvan Gardens to see the lights. The rocks were more fun than the lights though.

They had some fun "gingerbread" houses for the kids to walk through - and play in.

There was even a train, complete with bell to ring.

Doug and Kayleigh.

Blocking the Japanese lantern. Oops.

Another gingerbread house with Christmas tree.

All four cousins.

Doug and Ashley.

Grandparents with the grandkids.

Callicott Christmas

Since we always get the Callicott family together at Thanksgiving, we exchange Christmas gifts then too. On Friday, we did our "Callicott Christmas." Rudolph Adam and Elf Lottie were ready to open presents!






Lottie opens her first present.

Kayleigh opens a present (and battles the paparazzi).

Bapa tests out Logan's new toy guitar - it works!

Adam and Kayleigh help Logan break in his new train set.

Gram helps Adam test out his new lightsabers.

Sam tried to help Ashley open her gifts.

Thanksgiving Day

The cousins were excited to watch the Macy's Thankgiving Day Parade while we cooked the feast.

Adam and Lottie helped make the traditional pre-Thanksgiving snack - veggie pizza.

Doug was tasked with carving the turkey.

Adam was a great helper. He topped the veggie pizza, made some ants on a log (peanut butter in celery sticks), and assisted Aunty Ashley with the crescent rolls.

Fun in Arkansas

We headed to Arkansas for Thanksgiving. Adam and Lottie were especially excited to stay at Gram and Bapa's house and play with their cousins. Once we got there, they got right down to business - leaving toys all over the house!

Bapa leads a dance party.

It's not a cousin get-together without a communal bath complete with crazy hair.

Adam and Lottie introduced their cousins to one of their favorite treats - seaweed. Logan politely declined, but Kayleigh loved it.

Time for cuddles with Bapa.

Uncle Shane was good for some swinging fun! Everyone waited for a turn.

Leaves!

Killeen Veterans' Day Parade

We checked out the Killeen Veterans' Day Parade with Max and Meredith. Adam decided that everyone needed to get into the spirit with combat helmets (saved from his birthday party).

We all enjoyed the small town parade. Lots of JROTC units from the local high schools and veterans!

Lying Around

Elementary School Events

Adam has been enjoying his time (usually) at school. Every now and then, they even have a program that Lottie and I can attend. There was a nice Veterans' Day celebration, complete with patriotic singing. Here's Adam with one of his friends, Ethan.


The week before Thanksgiving, we were invited to eat Thanksgiving lunch with Adam. It was a full Thanksgiving meal, including pie. Adam didn't want to move to sit next to us (kids!), but Lottie and I had a nice lunch with his girlfriends. They, at least, were excited to have lunch with us!

Lottie enjoyed her turkey and the whipped cream from the pie. The surprising biggest hit with most of the kids - green beans!