Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Hillenbrand Family Christmas

Last Saturday we celebrated Hillenbrand Family Christmas. The day consisted of laughter, surprises, food, and lots of "John Davids".

Beautiful Rachel
He has a smile because he knows how shocked Jan will be, by the surprises he has for her. Hehehehe
Can we open gift now??

giggle, giggle, giggle
Mary Poppins, anyone?
Even the kitties received gifts....
My favorite part of the day....John's surprises for Jan and her reactions.
John has more up his sleeve....This is about the point all the "John Davids" were said...
That's right kids....Jan Hillenbrand has a Wii!! Our apologies to some parent out there who will have to explain to his crying child why Santa didn't bring them "everything" on the list. : )Later that evening Paul, Rach, and I headed down to Opryland Hotel to look at the lights and the most beautiful Nativity I have ever seen. This white Nativity is life size and the Christmas story is read over the speakers by Johnny Cash (from Heaven....really!).

Friday, November 28, 2008

O Christmas Tree

Today we got our Christmas Tree and on our way we made up new lyrics to the song, O Christmas Tree.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You make my house so pretty {Alison}

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
Now I have to vacuum every two hours {Paul}

Here are some snapshots from the day.

This one is too big....

This one is too small...

This one is just right....perfect in fact.


Step One...

Christmas Trees are VERY thirsty...

The Tree is straight and the lights are on...Paul's work is done here.

Rachel brought the party and helped decorate the tree

Buttons set up the Nativity
Ta-Daaa!!!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

This time last year...

This time last year I (Alison) was with some of my most favorite people on this earth....my childhood girlfriends and their families. Eliesha (friends since 4 yrs.), Melissa & Melanie (since 4th grade), and Stacey (since Jr. High)...ALL of my childhood memories revolve around these women in one way or another. We have laughed our way through EVERYTHING!! The awkward styles of the 80's and 90's, new boyfriends, heartbreak, newer boyfriends, more heartbreak, vacations, new schools, summer camp, new homes, lost pets, sibling rivalry, youth group, mistakes, achievements, you name it we've seen it together. Not to mention their families, truly being my family. I love these people and feel so blessed to still have them in my life.

"A friend knows everything about you and loves you anyway." (anonymous)









My Bosom Friend - Eliesha
Julia, Little Ray of Sunshine!! (Eliesha's daughter) What a hottie!
Sweet Janie - My mom's friend & Eliesha's mom



















































Me & Stacey (she would kill me if she saw I posted this picture....aaaah friendship)













Melanie & Melissa - precious friends










































My visit wouldn't be complete with a trip down Memory Lane - lunch at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, a look at the homes we grew up in, and schools we graduated from.
















































































Bus Stop - Covered to protect from the snow.