Oh the weather outside....

Ok, we're from Florida.  I know what you are thinking... BEFORE Florida, you were from VERY cold places (like Michigan and New England...) But seriously?  I've lived in Florida longer than anywhere else, so I can say this:  Snow - Bad.  Warm weather - Good.   Feel free to enjoy a few frosty photos:

That's Grandma McGregor's house... next door to Ryan's parents.  Ryan spent his childhood "sneaking" over for treats, and I find myself doing the same for a cup of tea and some good stories.  And to my non-Michigan Immediate Family: YES.  Grandma asked about EACH of you by name. 

The mail box that received so many letters from me while Ryan and I were dating...  the days before email and cell phones with "free" long distance.

Road Trip Picture:  Because she's so cute.  Carly fell asleep with her birthday present and listening to, who else, The Chipmunks.  Yes, her bangs have been repaired by Aunt Randee.  As soon as I snapped this picture, I noticed her seatbelt BEHIND her.  You will be happy to know that, nap or not, this Seat Belt Nazi IMMEDIATELY woke her up and made her wear it correctly.  Free lecture included.  You are welcome, Carly!

If I don't look too closely, I can imagine this is the Bahamas.  And that it's warm.  Mmmmmm.... But really, it's the off the back porch, looking over the Family Fields... this afternoon.  Yup, as cold as it is, Michigan has fantastic sunsets! 

Special SHOUT OUT to my MOM today!  Thanks for your Labor of Love, 38 years ago!  In the words of your Chipmunk grand-daughter, YOU ROCK!  I love you!

Road Trip

Ah, the Road Trip... no one enjoys it more, or does it better than McGregor's.   Almost there...

(*photo by Carly)

More Christmas Fun...

We have enjoyed a wonderful day at my parents!  Relaxing, EATING, having some presents, watching Mary Poppins...

Carly and Ben got cameras from Grammy and Papoo, and Auntie Laurie, Uncle Tim and the Cousins.  They've been snapping away all day, and Carly wants her own blog.  Ryan said, "No way!" I said, "Hmmmm, that could be pretty funny!"  We are taking a poll, so let me know.

Mom showing off a few of the travel things she got from Tracy and Dean and Torrey....

Euros from Laurie and fam for their upcoming trip to Italy.

Craft kits from Tracy and family...

Bakugan game from Tracy and family... he was VERY UPSET he left his DS at home and has to wait to play.  Fortunately, he will have unlimited time to play on our LONG drive to Michigan.

Ribbon Candy for Uncle Steve.  He loved it when we were little, and I think he was pretty happy to see it again!  He gave the kids camera cases and SD cards for their cameras.  They can take 4000 pictures!

Fun game from Torrey... again, notice the bangs.  Oh boy. 

... and finally....

Love this ornament on my Mom's tree... We are so thankful for time spent with family and for MORE family time coming this week... Even more thankful for God's AMAZING Gift to us:

He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.  I John 4:9

... now that's what I call LOVE!

Merry Christmas!!!

All I want for Christmas are some....

Sweet Santa.  He brought Ben and Carly Chipmunk Beanie Babies.  Since they are going to see the new Chipmunk movie tonight.  Carly LOVES the little girl Chipmunk, Brittany.  So much that she immediately said she wanted to dress like her today.  Which SEEMED fine, I mean, she has plenty of pink clothes, right?  She came downstairs sporting a pink skirt... pink shirts layered together... pink boots... bangs.  My girl has never had bangs.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!  We made it to EIGHT before she gives herself a haircut... and on Christmas morning.  And so she can look like a Chipmunk.  So, thankfully we are on our way to see Aunt Randee tomorrow... we DEFINATELY need a hair-intervention!!

Hope you enjoyed that chuckle... and Merry Christmas from our family to YOURS! 

*self photo with her new camera from Grammy and Papoo and Auntie Laurie and Uncle Tim, Jeff, Kristin, and Amanda!  Thanks, from the Newest Chipmunk!

15 years...

*sigh*

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

Can we go to the park???

(I know! 2 posts, ONE day!)

After the Cookie Adventure.... the kids were asking to go to the Park.  There's a great one a block from Rochel's house.  But we didn't take them there... 

...we decided to just give them their Christmas present EARLY, and take them to the Park.

Turns out, they LOVE their Christmas present.  Imagine that!

Disney's Hollywood Studios...

 Rockin' Roller Coaster... You've heard me mention our love of Guitar Hero... what better than a Rockin' Roller Coaster to go along with it?  Here's how long the wait was:

No, we aren't CRAZY, we'd NEVER wait 150 minutes for a ride.  We only waited 120 minutes.  No, I'm not kidding.  Yes, it was well worth it. 

The woman sitting with Ryan is me.  You didn't think I was waiting in line for 120 minutes and NOT ride did you?  I HATE roller coasters (since having children... my equilibrium is OFF... used to love them before.  Or it could be AGE!)  But I was so tired of standing, I wanted to sit down!

Close up, because it's funny.  This ride TAKES off like a shot, and THAT'S when they take your picture.  0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds.  Intense. It was actually extremely fun.  And yes, I'd go again.  Plus, Aerosmith blasting through the whole thing.  It's gotten me through many "Runs"! 

And there's a gift shop, of course...

HA!  That's our girl.

The main reason we came to this park today... to see a few Christmas Lights.  Carly found a NEW family for her Best Christmas Lights Award!!

Merry Christmas From The McGregor with the Eyes!

Christmas Cookies

Well, you didn't think I made cookies with them, did you?!!?!? 

Advent Activity of the Day... "Decorate Christmas cookies with Aunt Rochel"  and Carly said "I was wondering if we were going to do anything about cookies this year" (Read: I was wondering if you had bought the oreos for Santa yet).  She's well aware Mama doesn't bake:)  I'm ok with that.  Because their auntie-who-lives-2.5miles-away DOES bake.  And she really DOES wear aprons when she does.  And she has EXTRAS for friends who might be helping.  I never get offered an apron.  I get offered Eli.  Who I happily wore out for an over-3-hour-nap!

There was a ton of Red 40 dye-free products to use on the cookies... and even Ben had a good time being creative!  Notice, no apron.  Ben's experience with aprons would be his Mama tying him into his chair at dinner time using the apron.  Hey, is it MY FAULT he can't stay in his seat?  Yes, probably it is.... ANYHOW, no apron.  He's slightly afraid of them:)

This beauty LOVED this activity, mostly because they got to eat ONE!  Mmmmmm, and I'm sure we've all heard how awesome Aunt Rochel's sugar cookies are... Ben told her MANY times she should have a business.  I think what he said was, WE should have a cookie store.  I'm sure he didn't mean ME in the WE. ha!

Thank you, Rochel, for a fun fun morning... and you are WELCOME for the nap!