Our Gymnast

Kaitlyn had her gymnastics Christmas show this week. She was....adorable! Love this girl so much and how hard she works.

Showing me her name in the program!!

Her friend, Kylee

School Christmas Program

Something I now look forward to every year!! The kids performance at their preschool Chris program. Kaitlyn especially has been practicing for weeks and Mikey, well Mikey is turning into a full on 'boy', sigh.

Visit to Santa and the Lights

Our favorite spot to visit Santa and see some spectacular lights is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Charlotte. This will be our third year visiting. Mikey gets to watch some awesome trains (his new obsession), we get to make s'mores, nature Christmas ornaments and Santa is amazing!!

Family Trees

We tried something new this year. Instead of driving up to Boone in the NC mountains, we visited a local tree farm to choose and cut our family Christmas tree. We went with our neighbors and had such a fun time! Penland Family Tree Farm is in York, SC and had so much to offer. We chose a tree and daddy sawed it down. Then we sat by the large bonfire and enjoyed hot chocolate (even though it was 60 degrees!!). The kids navigated a hay bale maze and climbed on and through the mulch tunnel!! It was a great time. 

Burke Thanksgiving 2014

We had such a nice Thanksgving. We initially had NO plans and were looking forward to it! Then we got an invitation to go to our friends the Marinelli's and accepted. It was really nice not having to plan and prepare a meal. We just relaxed together and then the kids and I made a couple of desserts and appetizers. Lunch was so great and the company was even better. Pat and Joe made place cards for 'King Mikey' and 'Princess Kaitlyn' that included balloons! Even the tablecloth was a coloring activity for us! And when we got home, our Elves had returned from the North Pole!! They even brought gifts- puzzles and a movie for Mikey (Thomas, of course) and the Frozwn soundtrack for Kaitlyn (thanks.). We've missed Red Sparkle and Buddy and can't wait to see what they will be up to leading up to Christmas. We are very THANKFUL for the friends and family in our lives!!

Reminiscing and being Thankful

Just what the title says. 

Thanksgiving 2011

Our Father

Give us this day our 'dirty bread'...

Fun with Mimi and Papi!!

We had the best visit from our Mimi and Papi. The kids had a blast/ they have been looking forward to this for months now. We made spaghetti and meatballs, helped Mimi bake an apple pie, visited the children's museum in Charlotte and rode the 'train' and of course did a ton of shopping!!! Can't wait to see them again at Christmas!!