Hazel Rivers Smith

Well, Christmas came a little early for our family this year. We got to welcome our beautiful daughter, Hazel into this world on December 22nd.  We could not be more in love with this sweet girl!

6 pounds 12 ounces.  19.1 inches long

Ollie was excited, but probably a little freaked and overwhelmed watching his sister in the nursery 

He loved getting to hold his baby sister though.  It was such a sweet moment

Enjoying some sweet snuggles from Ollie

The hospital made us a special meal the morning we were discharged. It was a nice breakfast with a Christmas theme, well it was Christmas Eve, complete with fancy sparkling grape juice and gifts for Hazel.  There are volunteers for the hospital that knit baby booties, mittens and hats for the newborns. 

We're so glad you're here Hazel Rivers! 

Getting ready to head home

All set...first car ride!

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

We went out and got our Christmas tree from our friends at M&M Farms this past weekend. We just love the tree patch, candy canes, hot chocolate, apple cider and the hay ride.  

Out looking for the perfect one

Ollie couldn't wait to get home and decorate the tree, the star topper was his favorite 

All finished

We even decided to decorate the tree at the entrance to our driveway

Sweet moments in front of the tree...

It sure is pretty at night :-)

Boone and Banner Elk Christmas Parade

Taking part in the Boone Christmas parade with the VPC Builders crew

Ollie and Matt's dog, Thor

Later on that day we went to Banner Elk to watch their Christmas parade and the lighting of the town Christmas tree.  

Ollie, Penley and Adali enjoying the parade

Family selfie

Ollie and his buddy, Elijah, waiting on the tree lighting ceremony. Dad's shoulders are the best seat

Banner Elk Town Christmas Tree. Happy Holidays!

Blowing Rock Xmas Parade

Saturday we participated in the annual Blowing Rock Christmas Parade, representing VPC Builders. 

Ollie in his snowman outfit

Casey and I in our festive, holiday snowmen outfits

Thor was our reindeer 

Ollie making sure we had plenty of candy to throw

The boys throwing candy

Merry Christmas everyone!

Parade was a success!

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving with all of our cousins, siblings, aunts and uncles and grandparents on my side of the family.  All six siblings together, plus our significant others and our kiddos made for a total crowd of 14! 

All the siblings, plus significant others

All the cousins...Wells, Caroline, Ollie and Beau.  Getting in turkey mode before bed

Trying to get these 3 little turkeys to sit still for a pic is always challenging 

Then it was off to Grandaddy's and Cacky's for Thanksgiving lunch

Baby Beau and Ollie having fun with Uncle Chip

Being silly with Grandaddy

We had a very special visitor after lunch...SANTA!

Ollie flipped out with excitement over this surprise. He loved Santa!

Ollie wanted lots of pictures with Santa and then he wanted everyone else to take pictures with Santa

Baby Beau took a little while to warm up to Santa

Family shot with Santa

Grandparent shot with Santa

Pregnant sisters shot with Santa

Shelton and I still cooking our little turkeys.  Shelton's 29 weeks. I'm 34 weeks

We topped off Thanksgiving with a Panthers win against the Cowboys! Whoop 11-0, undefeated!  We watched the game with Uncle Chip and Aunt Char Char at Hickory Tavern in Gastonia.  Ollie was really into the game. He really enjoyed cheering the Panthers on

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Gobble gobble :-)