Ellie's Room

We sometimes refer to the sunroom as 'Ellie's room' so it is only fitting that she receives a puppy-sized entry...

The verdict?  She loves it...

Many apologies for all the iPhone photos recently... We got rid of our old desk in preparation for sunroom rearranging, and all contents - including our camera cords - are stuffed into boxes!

Monday's Funny

We are so easily amused by our sweet little puppy!  Ellie found a makeshift bed in an old comforter last night... It was a little small.

Much better...

Happy Monday!

How...

...could you not love this puppy face?

My father-in-law has been trying out his birthday present, a new camera, and I am in love with this sweet little picture of Ellie.  It is also making me think that a camera and perhaps some photography lessons need to be on my birthday wish list too!

Weekend for Ellie

We don't have much scheduled this weekend - other than a few yard & estate sales with friends, along with a girls night for me and a Masonboro Boys show for Jeff. I plan to spend some time spoiling my puppy... I mean, could you say 'no' to this face?

Have a great weekend!

A Christmas Story: Part 2

Early Christmas morning was reserved for our little family gift exchange with Ellie and Bootsy! Both of them were clearly ready for the presents!



We all missed the Whittakers in New Orleans (on Christmas Eve too!), but were with them in spirit - sending lots of love & holiday wishes their way!



By mid-morning, we were headed to my dad's for more gift opening and breakfast casserole, made by Jeff (a Christmas miracle?) We all caravanned to Matthews for more gifts with mom, dinner, and lots of games at Yiayia's!



The festivities didn't end there, but with a few drinks at Angry Ale's to get us warmed up for Shiva's birthday! Fortunately, Lindsey hopped off her flight home in Charlotte to celebrate too. We had way too much fun playing Beatles Rock Band at Sarah's house on Saturday night... The picture is a little blurry, but it shows all the girls rocking out together for Shiva's 26th!



We topped off our week of Christmas cheer with a visit from my brothers, John & Richard, and nephews, Caleb & William, on Sunday night. We had another big family dinner - with siblings, grandparents, cousins, the whole crew! I also lost (badly) to the 6 and 7 year olds in Wii.

Our first Whittaker family Christmas was so full of holiday happiness... We are blessed by such wonderful family & friends! Most of all, it was perfect to spend it as husband & wife!

A Christmas Story: Part 1

Merry Christmas! We had the best first Christmas together, with lots of visitors, family & friends!



We kicked off Christmas on Sunday with the Christmas pageant at Church and the arrival of my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins from Houston.

Christmas week continued with a combined Kelly birthday and Whittaker Christmas celebration on Monday night. After a delicious dinner and birthday cake, we exchanged gifts. Now if only we could find those pictures of Kelly modeling her new Snuggie!

On Tuesday, my sister April and her family came into town for a big family spaghetti dinner at my dad's house (18 people in total). Wednesday night was girls night at our house, complete with melted snowmen (my favorite holiday beverage) and the Masonboro Boys at the Gin Mill.



Christmas Eve was spent wrapping a few final gifts, and a quick visit from Santa for Ellie!



We spent the evening at Church and my Yiayia's house, before heading home to tuck the pups into bed before Santa came!