Anna's Day!

January 15 was a very special day for our family. We had Anna Baptised at MPPC, which has been our church for 11+ years. We have shared many wonderful moments at MPPC. Rick and I were married there, and Ashlyn & I were Baptised there in 2008. All three of us were Baptised by the same team, Rev. Gary Bullard and Tom Herrington, which I think is very special. We were thankful to have MeMe, Popa, Nana, Papa, and Uncle Matt with us for Anna's service. It was absolutely beautiful!

The Chadwicks

Ashlyn went up front with Rick and I for Anna's Baptism. When Gary walked down the aisle to present the newest church member to the congregation, Ashlyn took off right beside him. She kept her hand on Anna. It was so very sweet!

The Chadwicks & Collettes

A day at Uncle Freddie's!

My cousin, Matthew, and his wife & daughter were in town for Christmas. Ashlyn LOVES playing with her cousin, Celia. We were invited to hang out at Uncle Fred's for the day, which turned out to be very awesome! It all started with a chance to ride his horse, Red. Ashlyn has always liked seeing Red, but usually she will only lead him around, or sit on him for a minute or two. This time, she was fearless. She had a great time with her cousin & the horse! So excited!
Even Anna had a chance to sit on Red!

Ashlyn and Celia


Uncle Fred, Aunt Dee, Celia, and Ashlyn

Meme, Popa, Brooke, Cara, and Aunt GeeGee joined us for a few hours in the afternoon! Even Grammy came out to visit for a bit. The girls really had a fun day & we look forward to Celia coming back to see us again soon!

The 12 Days of Christmas....

We kind of got a late start to Christmas this year, but that did not keep us from having a blast! Rick was out of town after Thanksgiving, so it was the first week in December before we started to decorate. Our first task was to put the lights on the house. Ashlyn requested "many colors that flash allover and everywhere" but we opted to stick with plain white. She still seemed thrilled & it turned out beautiful! Our neighbors ended up doing a colorful palm tree in their yard for her, but no blinking lights. There was a house in the back of the neighborhood that made up for our unwillingness to except her request. We drove over there several times a week!

Anna enjoyed watching Rick put the lights out!
Ash started to get impatient & thought waiting inside the storage container might be more interesting!

Cardinal Tree farm...our family tradition is to go to pick out the perfect tree together.

Ash really liked this one!

We had a great time showing Anna all of the trees! So excited for her 1st Christmas!
Decorating the tree was extra special this year! It was really the first time that Ashlyn could put the ornaments on by herself & she actually took her time helping!The Dance Arts Studio invited all of the parents to come observe the class & they had a Christmas party afterwards. Ashlyn really enjoyed dancing for us.

Practicing Tap with Ms. Katheryn!

The HIS School Christmas Play was on the last day of school. The Fish Pond, Ashlyn's 3 year old class, sang several songs. The girls dresses as angels & the boys were drummers. It was absolutely adorable!!!

Our Little Angel

Anna sat with her Grandparents to watch Ashlyn's performance.

After the play, each class had a party in their room. Rick was able to stay for the party. Nana, Papa, Meme, and Popa were there, too!

Santa came around with gifts for everyone!

Ashlyn was invited to be in the Holy Cross Pageant. She, Eliza, and Gabrielle were sheep. They really liked playing in the hay...maybe to much!

We had a play date with Gabrielle. She also invited Alicia and Zachary. The kids had a blast putting together gingerbread houses. Ashlyn claimed to put all of the candy on her house. I think she looks guilty of sampling the goodies!

The crew with their finished masterpieces!

Our next Christmas celebration was with Rick. We went out to the base to see Santa, who flew in on a C-17. Nana and Papa joined us for the afternoon!

Ashlyn checking out the mini C-17. They use this replica in parades, etc.

Ashlyn and Rick

Ashlyn and Anna...waiting on our turn to see Santa!

Santa & the girls!

So excited to see what Santa brought! Checking out the plane.

Ashlyn & Daddy

The Chadwicks + Santa

Our next stop was Edisto. Every year we head down to my parents' house two days before Christmas. We have dinner and open presents with all of the Collettes.

Aunt GeeGee and AnnaUncle Michael, Brooke, Cara, and Ash

On Christmas Eve, we always head to Georgia to celebrate with Rick's family. On the way, we stop at my Grandmother's in Walterboro.

Anna Hazel with Great grandma Hazel Collette

Aidan, Ash, and Anna hanging out at Aunt Sissy's in GA.

Christmas morning...Mommy & the girls!

Santa brought Anna a cool bouncy seat!

Ash enjoyed opening Anna's gifts for her & was a very sweet big sister!Opening presents with Daddy!

Anna playing with her new toys!

"This Christmas stuff is exhausting!"

Anna slept like this for over half an hour...then she was ready for more fun!

Meme and Popa stopped by Christmas afternoon. Nana, Papa, and Uncle Matt did, too!

The day after Christmas, we went to Nana & Papa's for dinner and to exchange gifts.

Ashlyn was thrilled to get her own video game system for the TV.

"My turn Daddy!"

Rick & Ash playing games...I think they could play all day & all night!

Anna & Papa

Nana and the girls!

The perfect ending to a perfect Christmas season! It is so amazing how children can make the holidays seem so magical...every second of it!

Rick and I are truly blessed to have Ashlyn and Anna!