Merry Christmas!

We had a good night last night. It is tradition in our family to open gifts on Christmas Eve. We normally first have some of Brad's delicious clam chowder and cheese ball and crackers and then open gifts. However, we were invited over to the Lowmans so we did things a little differently this year. We opened gifts and then took the chowder and other goodies over to the Lowmans. We had a good time with Lee and Dave's family. The kids were pleased with their gifts. Ryan especially liked his leg lamp and Savanna her Ugg boots. Matt got an ipod which he was also happy with. Today, we will have our big meal and then we may head over to the Lowmans for some fun and games.

Ryan's birthday

Ryan's birthday was actually Thursday but Brad was out to sea so we decided to wait and celebrate it after Brad got home. Ryan had plans with his friends for all of Saturday so it was decided we would celebrate on Sunday. Then Brad thought he had to work on Sunday but thankfully they called and he didn't have to go in. So, after Matt got off work we all went to a place called American Indoor Karting. It is like go carts only they go really fast (unless you are Savanna) LOL Just kidding - love you Savanna!! After everyone got a briefing (which consisted of a bored worker reading a sign to us) we headed out to the pit. Now, again, when I say "we" I'm not including myself. I was just along to take the pictures! They all had a good time, I think the first heat was a little intense for Savanna but by the second heat she had a really good time. I was glad that I had once again wimped out of something, I would have been a real basket case out there! They only ran two races and then we went to Lynnhaven Fish House for dinner. Ryan loves seafood and one of my clients graciously gave me a generous gift certificate so I was able to treat which really makes me happy. They put us in a quiet (until we got there of course) little alcove by ourselves and we wondered if they knew about us before we got there. Our family tends to get a little loud when we are together, we didn't get too bad though. Dinner was absolutely delicious, I don't think I've ever seen Ryan eat so much! We still haven't had birthday cake, that will be later this week when Brad gets home again. I think Ryan had a great birthday!

Christmas has arrived at the Browns!

Brad came home from his latest "at sea" period on Friday (14th) so it was time to get the tree and pull out the decorations. We had planned on waiting for Savanna to get out of dance on Saturday but the weather was looking bleak (it was supposed to start raining at any time) and we didn't want to wait another day due to the fact that Brad was probably going to have to work on Sunday and then he was going back out to sea until Tuesday evening. I have a portrait sitting here on Wednesday so Brad and I wound up getting our tree all by ourselves - all the kids were either working or dancing. It did start raining right as we chose the tree and I wimped out and got into the car while Brad handled the rest. Since we sold the truck we wound up taking Matt's little SUV to get it. We tied it to the top (yeah, I say "we" like I was actually involved in that!) and went very slow all the way home. Luckily we weren't far from home so we didn't make too many people mad!

When Savanna got home she and Brad decorated the tree and I did what I do best - tell them how to do it and take pictures! Roxie was so much fun, she thought the ornaments were balls and we let her play with one and she loved batting it around until it shattered. It's okay, no one was hurt! She was then fascinated with the balls on the tree and the lights. It was almost as much fun as having a little kid join us! It is tradition that Matthew put the star on - after all he can reach it better than anyone else! Here's a few pics, the one of Roxie in her sweater was a hoot, trying to get the sweater on her was quite an adventure. What is Christmas without a little bit of torturing the dog with silly outfits?

The Babies

I couldn't get anyone else to play with me as I practiced with my new lighting equipment. Lexie is always a poser and loves to have her picture taken (not kidding!) but I just happened to get Roxie in an agreeable mood. Aren't they adorable?

Happy Birthday Roxie!

This is about a week late, but maybe she won't mind :-) Roxie turned a year old on November 28. She has turned into a nice little dog. She still has her moments - grabbing unmentionables and running - snooping in every trash can that is at her level - tormenting Lexie - barking at trash bags - the list goes on and on... But, she is an absolute joy and we think she is the best Schnoodle in the world!!