New Year's in The Music City

As soon as it was announced that Mississippi State would be playing in the Music City Bowl, we knew where we would be New Year's weekend.  We had the best time with friends, and Maddie even got to come along with my parent's to help babysit.  2011 has been a great year, watching Maddie grow and change into a toddler instead of a baby, I am so excited to see what 2012 has in store for our family.

Heading into the game.

Trying to stay warm.

Maddie hanging out at the Opryland hotel.

New Year's Eve at the Opryland Hotel.

The boys.

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas

Wow, I can't believe Christmas 2011 is already here and over, but man did we have fun.  Maddie was really into opening presents this year, but didn't care at all about seeing Santa.  Maybe next year we can get a picture of her in his lap without Mommy.  We spent the holidays busy as usual, Christmas Eve was spent with my family.  Christmas morning we woke up to see what Santa had left, and then we headed to Memphis to be with Mark's family.  I love this time of year, getting to spend quality time with wonderful family and friends, but most importantly we get to relive the birth of Jesus, isn't that what it is all about after all!!!

 Ella Grace & Maddie so excited to open presents.

They had to stop and play with each gift after it was open.

Time to make cookies for Santa.

Santa came to our house, and even left a Dora potty seat!!

Aunt Sissy with her three little reindeer.

You can always bribe the child with a cookie!

Cookie time at Mimi & Papa's

So much to be thankful for....

What a busy month November has been, but what better way to end than by remembering how very blessed we are (sorry Mr. Bill for ending this sentence in a preposition).  This year was extra special because we were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with both sets of parents.  Since we were going to Memphis for Thanksgiving dinner, we invited my parents to come along, it was great seeing Maddie with all 4 grandparents.  We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving with our Memphis family, almost like a mini vacation. We spent 5 days in Memphis, and boy did we make the most of it. Thanks so much to Aunt Sissy for keeping us entertained, and for capturing all of these memories on photo, since I left my camera at home, I hope we didn't wear out our welcome!!

I thank God everyday for my beautiful, healthy, perfect family

My lil Turkey!! (Thanks Aunt Amber for the shirt)

The Simpson women

Maddie playing with Nannaw, her great grandmother

Sorry guys I couldn't figure out how to turn this picture, but anyway, instead of fighting the shopping traffic on Friday, Maddie, Mimi (Mark's mom), Aunt Sissy, and myself went to the Festival of Trees at the Pink Palace.

On Monday, Maddie, Mark, Aunt Sissy, and myself went to the Memphis Children's Museum, I thought the mini grocery store was the cutest thing ever.  I highly recommend going if you have small children.

And finally on Monday night, we attended the monthly Memphis Jr. League meeting to watch Aunt Sissy become the new 2012 President....Congratulations...We Love You!!!

There's No Place Like Home

Trick-or-Treating in Memphis

Maddie and her not so Cowardly Lions

                                                    

I guess the cat was her Todo!

Happy Halloween!!  This year Maddie was Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz, here are a few shots we managed to take in between eating cookies from Aunt Sissy and all other sorts of Halloween goodies.

Pickens' Posse

After the big finish

Team Pickens' Posse

Maddie & Lizzie keeping warm

Last weekend we had the opportunity to walk (notice I didn't say run) in Race for the Cure.  I have participated in the event many times, but this year was extra special, we created a team to show support for Mrs. Marie Pickens.  Over the past 10+ years we have all watched as Mrs. Marie has fought this horrible disease called cancer, never giving up while having such a wonderful supportive family and friends by her side.  We all Love Mrs. Marie so much and we know that God still is working in her favor, so that being said GO PICKENS' POSSE!!!

We are Family

Daddy Simpson, Baby Simpson, and Mommy Simpson