Christmas Time

Matt and I were really looking forward to Christmas this year. Ella; now four, is really the perfect age for understanding what Christmas is all about. Also, the magical side of Christmas was really real for her. She was so excited about Santa and talked about him almost daily. I think Wren was getting into things as well, because Ella was all about it. This year, Santa brought the girls princess dress-up clothes and movies to go along with the outfits. He also brought Ella a bike. On Christmas morning, the girls came down the stairs to see their presents and they were silent. In fact, silence was their only reaction. They both looked around at everything with no expression, not even a smile. Matt and I were trying to get some sort of reaction for the camera, but nothing. I think they were both stunned and didn't know what to think.

Usually I am a picture nut, but at Christmas time the video camera gets most of the action. So I don't really have any photos to share of the girls opening their presents. We did take a few pictures to send out in our cards though. Here is a glimpse of the Duvall family at the end of 2011

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

When my sister-in-law Ashley decided to have an ugly Christmas sweater party this year, I knew I had to go. So, Jennifer and I decided to make our own sweaters a few days before the party. And because I knew she too would look awesome, I suckered my other sister-in-law. Pam to come along with us. I couldn't leave anyone out of the great fun. So here we are, in all our glory.


Ashley, Myself, Pam, & Jennifer

Trick or Treat

Every year at Awana we have a costume night the week of Halloween. These were our costumes for the night.


and here are the girls with best friend, Lowen

This year Halloween fell on a Sunday. We spent the afternoon with my dad and family. First, we had a cook out at a near by park.

Then the little ones put their costumes on and headed out for some candy.

Trick or Treating was a first for Ella and Wren, and after a few houses, they got the swing of things. I didn't take very many photos, because I was enjoying our walk.

The photos I did get were pretty funny. This photo looks like my dad is breaking into someones house, and Wren is about to destroy their pumpkin. Too funny.

It was a fun evening.

The Pumpkin Patch

The Pumpkin Patch is my one of my favorite places to be, especially in the fall. I feel like this family event marks the beginning of all the holidays, and my favorite season fall. The girls also love coming here. They enjoy the hayrides, and running through all the pumpkins. Then of course picking out the best pumpkin they can carry.

This year, we went with our friends the Gwinns(-Zach) The girls were adorable together, and so much fun to watch.

Fall Fair

I LOVE the fair. It really is a great event. Yes, I meant event. Let me explain. First, it marks the beginning of fall. Second, no where can you go and see the kind of unique people that come to the fair. Pure entertainment. Third, you get to eat a ton of fried food and then spin around and around till you are sick. Now this is pure enjoyment. Now if you think I am crazy, then I know you have never been to the fair.

This year, Matt and I went without the girls. Another fun date night.

Then I had a little fun with the camera.

The next morning, Matt took the girls. This was Ella's third time to the fair, and she was a pro. She loved the rides and petting zoo. Wren still hasn't found her grove yet, and refused to ride any rides. Next year, I am hoping for a better attitude. I am sure she will warm up to the idea soon enough.

Our First Family Camping Trip

As some of you may know, Matt and I have always shared a love of the outdoors. We love to camp, hike, and just look at God's amazing creations. Anyways, since having our girls, I have been looking forward to the time that we would be able to take them camping. Well, I have been patient long enough, and this fall break we packed up and headed down to FDR State Park for a weekend getaway.


Let me just begin with the statement... I forgot how much work camping was?

Matt and I were tired, hot, and in turn a bit grouchy.

Let me end with... it was all worth it.

Sleeping in a tent...



adventuring in the great outdoors...

and family memories...

FDR State Park was built by the CCC. An organization created by FDR during the great depression. This park has great history with FDR and he actually built the little white house very close. We were able to visit that, as well as the warm springs where he built pools for people suffering with polio. Learning about him and the country at this time was really fun.

The girls are sitting beside a statue of FDR on top of Dowdell's Knob. This was FDR favorite place to sit.

I can see why, the view was beautiful

and my view wasn't too bad either.

Then we went over to the warm spring pools and museum

The girls are sitting in the actual changing room they used in the 40's at the warm springs pools

Here is FDR's little white house

Our next adventure was going on the Wild Animal Safari. When we arrived, we had the option of renting one of their vehicles to drive through the park. We questioned it in the beginning, but let me tell you, we were glad we did. The second we pulled into the gate, a zebra started biting the mirror. Not to mention the drooling that occurred from all the animals trying to get the food we had for them.

Enough said...

even thought it was dirty, it was pretty cool that that the animals were so close, literally eating out of our hand

Our third day was spent at Callaway Gardens. We had never been, and it was so beautiful. So peaceful and pretty. The have different areas at the park, and our favorite was the butterfly house. It was a room full of butterflies. What was really amazing, was that they would actually land on your fingers. The room was very steamy, and it was a hot pursuit to catch one, but it was worth it to see the look on Ella's face.

Matt and I definitely learned a few lessons about camping with small children, but we look forward to our next adventure.

My Little Black Eyed Pea

So Ella has had a rough week regarding her face and the things that she ran into. On Wednesday, she ran into another little boy at church. They collided and Ella walked away with a small black eye. The very next week, she slipped on the stairs and walked away with an even larger black eye. The best part about all of this, was picture day the very next day at school. You gotta love her timing.

Braves Game

I just love nights out with just my hubby. Even if it is to a sports event.

Well, we can say we made it to a game during Bobby Cox's last season, and the Braves won.

Art Show

All summer three artist friends and myself have been putting together a collection of art for a show we planned to have. The shows theme was based on how each of us saw Georgia. My perspective was the rural side, and I used photography as my medium. After months of hard work, we had our opening Thursday night. We packed the place out with family and friends, and we had a great time. All that work was worth the out come.

I brought my camera to the show, but this was the only photograph taken.