Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Random In January

If you look back on past blog posts for the month of January, you will find that this month is always a bit random for the Ballard family. I always find myself at mid month trying to decide how to lay out the pictures and activities we've done thus far. Similar to the past, I will now present a post of random (yet important) events. First, we are a gaming family. Steven and I have always loved games, and hopefully we've pasted on that same love to our children. Many past evenings have been spent playing some of our favorites. Second, our town of Fayetteville has taken it upon themselves to add a few awesome new restaurants. We decided to go try them out, in the interest of boosting economic growth of course. One of those restaurants happens to be our very favorite from Memphis days, so Steven and I headed out on that night to enjoy dinner at Bonefish Grill and some awesome comedy from Bill Cosby. It was a fantastic evening. Other highlights include the girls getting their art work ready for display and a few cold days spent surrounded by games at Fun Fun Fun. Like I said before, random, yet important.

Back To The Blog

I recently completed three more years of blogging for our family. When that great feat takes place I have the honor of getting it printed. It turned out fantastic if I do say so myself. I love that we have these memory books for our kids to keep and enjoy for the rest of their lives. We often find them looking through the first book printed, which began with our days in Memphis and brought Haley to our clan. Three moves later, Azure added, and living on the East Coast, we now have book two complete.  I can't wait to hand them the second "installment" of their last three years. Six years total of Ballard family fun and happenings. Here's to many more ahead!


Thursday, January 2, 2014

Christmas Break Activities

I love Christmas break. No schedules, no agendas, no nothing. We're free to play and enjoy activities day after day. This year we packed in the fun. Bowling, painting, skating, and the movies were just a few. Our favorite activities were tubing (featured earlier), and our visit to the NC aquarium. It was impressive. They had some very exciting exhibits and exotic animals that we've never before seen, including an albino alligator. With a surprise stop to Macaroni Grill after, it was definitely a family favorite.



Christmas/New Years '13

We had a Brazilian Christmas Eve feast this year. Ham, Arroz e feijão, Christmas rice, and salpicão. It was absolutely delicious. The kids were very excited Christmas morning to see if Santa really came. Since they're such great kiddos, they were in luck. Many exciting gifts were given and have been immensely enjoyed over the past week. We also enjoyed a fantastic New Years with great friends and food. I'm happy to report we made it past midnight at their house and rang in the New Year with all awake except the youngest two Ballard's. We are so grateful for this Christmas season, to spend time with family and friends, and most especially to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. How lucky we are to have a knowledge of Him and of His perfect example and sacrifice. From our home to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!