Chickfest 2009

Chickfest is a tradition that originated about seven years ago with the four "chicks" you see below. Although it has evolved over time as some have moved and had kids, the purpose has remained the same....to get together at the Christmas holidays and have a weekend filled with some sweet girly fellowship! Total chickfest participants this year: 4 moms, 3 husbands, and 7 kids. See pictures below to experience the fun for yourself....

Dedicated Chickfesters (from left to right: Dayna, Carrie, Dangela, and me)

The group--From left to right: Four Hills, Three McCurdys, Two Lampmans (husband and other two sons had to stay behind in Baltimore), Five Ebelings, and a partridge in a pear tree!

We included the husbands and kids (at least those who could be there) this year...here is a picture of a few of them lounging around (from left to right: Dangela's husband James and dog Bunker; Dayna's son Luke, husband Jeremiah, and twin sons Hayden and Taylor).

We went to a Breakfast with Santa hosted by the preschool Dangela teaches at. This was Katelyn's first encounter with Santa and did great!

Molly, Katelyn, and Piper at Breakfast with Santa

A Quick Trip to Austin

Dave went to Atlanta on business last week so Katelyn and I took off on a trip of our own to Austin. We left Wednesday and came back Saturday. It was great to spend time with my parents and my sister Jessica. See below for pictures and details...

I had coffee with two of my girlfriends from high school--Erin and Roxy. It was so great to catch up and have some much-needed girl time!

We (me, Katelyn, and my mom) got together with my sister, her mother-in-law, and a friend to make "Turtles." This is two pecan halves pressed and held together with caramel and dipped in a combination of melted milk/dark chocolate (see pictures below)! Be still my heart!

My mom bought Katelyn this super cute "Time to Cook" apron to wear for our turtle-making party

She loved wearing it!

Me, Katelyn, and MaMaw in front of the Christmas tree at Breakfast with Santa pancake breakfast at the church where I grew up and got married in Austin and where my mom still attends (Bethany United Methodist Church). We didn't see Santa (the line was too long, and both mommy and Katelyn were too impatient to wait), but Katelyn did make some cute crafts (see pictures below).

MaMaw and Katelyn in front of the Christmas tree

Coloring a Christmas card for Daddy

A snowman to stick on the fridge!