We took Emmie to Shriner’s Hospital in December to get a second opinion on her scoliosis. He confirmed that we were doing everything we needed to do for her right now. He stated that she was not a candidate for casting because she was at the tail end of age and her spinal fusion in her neck. So, we’re not sure what we the next step will be if her back continues to worsen.
As an aside, Shriner’s is a great facility and treated Emmie extra special. We are so blessed to have two amazing hospitals within a day’s drive of us.
After her appointment, we went for some little play at the park in Greenville. It was cold but so beautiful.
A great place to run off some energy. 
Fun footbridge over the falls!
On the way home, we passed by the Promised Land!
A local church puts on a lights display that is insanely busy and huge…This was our second trip. We didn’t get a chance to go last year but made sure we could get over there this year.
Our local town’s Christmas parade is very near our house. When we were parking and unloading, we noticed another large and familiar van…that of our neighbor’s. Camping out with another large family, we also met yet another large family. Naturally, we had to round up as many of our kids as we could to get a quick picture. Nope, this isn’t all of them. I think there were about 26 in all (but some kids were marching in the parade).
Our church’s Christmas party meant Tobin got lots of snuggles.
Mark and I were in charge of coming up with games and the cling wrap game was a must. Wrap up gifts in cling wrap until you make a big ball. The person sitting next to you rolls the dice. When they hit a double, you pass the cling wrap ball to that person etc.
Aside from goofy things like a pack of silly moustaches, we also hid a gift card to a nice restaurant. 
Going up the very snowed over driveway. We didn’t dare try to make it all the way around and stopped before it got really icy.
Emmie was beside herself. As soon as we saw the white stuff, she started making plans. “Somebody’s going to frow snow in my face. Aggghh Din we can build a snowman and knock it down and build it again. Maybe we can cwimb on da cars and get more snow.”
Tobin meeting his Aunt Yaya for the first time.
Cousin J loves to cuddle up with Emmie.
He and Abbie’s cousin-in-law were pretty smitten with Tobin too.
Enough with the indoors…time to head outside and get cold!
Emmie wanted to throw snow at Ace. Here she is “throwing” snow at Ace.
The main snowman.
Emmie and Malachi’s snowman.
An attempt at a really big snowman.
Cousin E and Aunt Yaya getting some loving.
The reindeer freaked out Josiah (I hope ya’ll know I’m kidding), but we managed to track down one tree that we thought was wide enough (but not too wide) and tall enough (but not too tall).
Going on a sleigh ride.
As it turns out it was the perfect width…but the height…well, this is the tallest tree we have ever had. It was huge!
Daddy cuddles are the best.
This was our Tobin at 2 weeks. No. Joke. 
The boys love to play in the volleyball pit when they have to wait on the girls at American Heritage Girls.
It took Malachi over a week, but he finally agreed to hold Tobin. He was very nervous about holding him this time.
Baby wearing…another M.I.T. (Mama In Training)
Be still my heart.
He outgrew his co-sleeper after a couple of weeks.
Napping is such hard work.
Emmie and Ace enjoyed some special one on one time on our trip to Atlanta.
Look! Tobin finally got hair!
Milk drunk. After a good nursing, he is comatose for about five minutes.
Showing off her new ballet shirt.
She runs in to each class and is always willing to engage her teachers and helpers. In short, Emmie loves it! Watching her dance, we could see such joy. This class has been a blessing to all of us.
And then sending me out with both of my besties for breakfast. These two women are my nursing home conspirators. You know…the women who are going to put up with me until I’m old and gray and we’re rocking on the front porch reminding each other who we are. 
He had the kids prep and make cards for me.
And a giant spread of lunch goodies.
Friends stopped by to make goofy faces and eat with us.
And my parents came up. Sure, they came for me…but honestly, they came to love on the baby.
I got some Tobin loving too.
I even got a wished for bike shirt ordered from Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Tobin wasn’t too sure what to think about Granddaddy.
After a trip to Emmie’s ballet, we rushed the kids home for Mark and I to go out to eat at The Chophouse.
I got to celebrate my birthday throughout the week while Kristina visited with us.
And then we all went to see Wonder based on the book by R.J. Palacio. It was amazing and a wonderful end to celebrating another decade.
Fun games
Sweet gifts
Absolutely adorable decorations
And, our church is never hurting for some good food. This was the best carrot cake I’ve ever had.
Tobin loved getting cuddles from everyone…including G.
Baby pants…always adorable.
The girls had fun playing dressup with the tissue paper.
