Lights of the South & Visit with the Greers

LIGHTS OF THE SOUTH 2008
~ a yearly tradition ~

We have made going to Grovetown to Lights of the South an annual tradition, which began 3 years ago. Each year, we have gone out there with a group of friends; the Greers, Bells, Lewises, Hursts, Bells, Greggs, and several others have been part of this tradition at some point. Last year while we were out there, the Greers promised to come back this year to continue the tradition with the children, and we were so excited that they did! We had such a terrific time, and just as in September, Alli and Maddox picked up right where they left off. They were thrilled to see each other. It really is amazing how sweet a little friendship can be, even at 3 1/2 and 2 1/2 years old, respectively. Of course, Brad and I had such fun being with Emily & Stephen, as well; it really seemed like "old times" with them here, truly as if nothing has changed and like they aren't actually living 8 hours from here.

While we were at the house, the kids played and played...and played! There were occasional times when we could wrestle them into doing something calm, like watching about 15 minutes of a movie together. When that happened, they assumed their "regular positions" on the little blue couch:

Of course now, Boots got to be part of the fun, too! She loved Maddox, and Maddox loved her, too. 'Good thing he likes babies, because he is getting a new brother or sister next summer!! :)

I want to take a moment to explain the next 2 pictures. Last Christmas, Nana & Papa gave Alli some doll furniture: a couch and a chair. She has played with them ever since. Well now, they are perfect for Boots, and although she prefers the couch (she fits on it better), she seems to think they were both made just for her! It is hysterical, because they really are just the right size!

Okay, so back to Lights of the South....
We were glad Brad was able to be with us, because he was post-call and back-up call that night, but luckily, he did not get called in and was able to enjoy the festivities. This year, we went out there with the Greers, Lewises, and Greggs.

Here are Alli and Peyton:

Oh, so silly!

Peyton, Alli, baby Lauren, and Maddox with the snowman, getting ready to get hamburgers and the world's best hot chocolate!

Getting excited about the hayride!

The girls
(yes, Alli had an awful bruise on her cheek from playing too hard)

Boots, all bundled up
(and tired, with that left eye getting small ~ just like Dede!) :)

Stephen and Maddox

Brad and Boots

Britt and Boots

Alli roasting marshmallows with her Daddy ~ always such fun!

The Lewises (Ashley, Grant, Lauren), Brad & Elizabeth

The Greggs: Elizabeth, Neal, and Addie Dayne (baby McKay was home with a sitter)
* I want to comment here: Neal's 'stache was part of a long, ongoing dare/prank, for lack of a better explanation, that was going on in the Orthopedic Department. If you think this is scary, you should see the pictures of all of them with full beards!! :) Ahhh...boys will be boys.

Britt & Alli, Peyton, Emily & Stephen
(Maddox is between E & S ~ see his feet?)

The Babies: Lauren and Elizabeth ~ always the youngest participants

The kids were mesmerized! They were squealing and pointing and having such fun!!

Here are several pictures of just a fraction of the sights to be seen. We did not visit with Santa this year, since we had already seen him at the mall, but we enjoyed everything else and can't wait for next year!! This is truly one of our favorite things to do during the holidays and makes it feel as if Christmas has arrived!

"BELIEVE!!"

Beauty and the Beast

Tara

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Toy Train

Santa's Castle

Cinderella's Palace

Swan Lake

Candy Land