Xmas 2007

What a great Christmas this year in N. Myrtle Beach (NMB)! I had the Christmas week off, so we had some family time in Chapel Hill and NMB.

The holiday festivities kicked off on Saturday, Dec. 22, with Christmas #1 in Chapel Hill. Amelia enjoyed the early round of presents from Mom and Dad as well as the CA contingent of the family. Amelia racked up presents left and right! Blocks, cameras, games, and DVDs were only the beginning of present (or as Amelia calls them, "treats not for eating") parade.

After a relaxing weekend at the house, the present parade made its way to the coast of South Carolina. Christmas #2 was celebrated on the more traditional Dec. 25. Amelia, yet again, unwrapped presents as if it were her job.

Always helpful, Amelia was there to provide assistance to anyone that needed it with gift opening. The highlight from the NMB gift parade was a wonderful rocking horse that Amelia is putting through it's paces. She's rides the range everyday!

On the day after Christmas we (I say we, but I'm the one that really put the pressure on) thought that Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede would make an excellent activity.

For those of you unfamiliar with Dixie Stampede, think Medieval Times mixed in with a North vs. South/Rodeo theme. It's to be noted that if anyone is planning on attending an "eat with your hands while watching horsemanship" excursion, I would suggest sneaking in some plastic cutlery. The show was surprisingly entertaining and watching Amelia was well worth the price of admission. She had a blast and was mesmerized by the wonderful horses.

What a great holiday week had by all! We even had to go and buy a car carrier to transport all of the wonderful gifts back to Chapel Hill! Thanks to everyone who made the Holidays so special to us this year!

Annie Leibovitz, watch out!

Christmas came early for Amelia this year. She's officially joined the rest of the photography- lovin' Kemps -- Santa brought her her very own digital camera.















Here are some of her first images. Mind you, editor-mom has helped keep her Scan Disk empty of multiple pictures of the floor, wall, and extreme close-ups. Other than that, these are all Amelia originals. Enjoy!















For the rest in her first series, check out the slideshow below...
(double-click slideshow for bigger images)

Preschool Winter Wonderland

Today was Winter Party day in Amelia's preschool class. Fun, fun, fun!

The kids decorated stockings with stickers and ate special holiday cupcakes. What more do you need to feel festive?!

Amelia, upon hearing about the party, requested to wear her "Santa dress," and of course, her Santa hat to school. Not the most practical of preschool outfits, but stylish none-the-less.

Be sure to check out the slideshow below for more photos of our festive morning. (double-click slideshow for bigger images)

A Superheroine is born!

Yesterday, Amelia went to her first Superhero birthday party! Binkley classmate Jonny invited her to his party and she had a great time. T he invitation said to come "dressed as your favorite superhero"... what to do, what to do! We haven't really entered that world, as we live in the land of princesses, fairies, and cowgirls.

Rummaging through my quilt fabric bins, I found some suitable cape fabric and proceeded to make my girl in to the best possible superheroine I could. Her homemade cape was a big hit... until... she found a Spiderman costume at Jon's house. It was off with the hokey mom-made cape and on with a real superhero outfit!

This was Amelia first play-date with a group of boys, outside of school. Wow! Is that what I'm in for in a few years?! Boys are loud... and rambunctious... and LOUD, did I say that? She had such a ball and did her very best to keep up with Jon, Truman, and Grayson.

We both had a great time! For more photos, check out the slideshow below. (double-click it for bigger images)

Santa's Helper

Many thanks to dear friend Heather for sharing another one of her daughters' special holiday dresses. Amelia calls this her "Santa dress" and she loves to twirl in it.

She wasn't the most willing subject this morning, but we got a few holiday snapshots of our sweet girl. Not sure we got "the one" for 2007... but we'll keep trying!

A Slice of Holiday Americana

Last Saturday we journeyed to downtown Chapel Hill to enjoy the town's Holiday Parade. It's become a bit of a family tradition for us.

This year our viewing group grew - once again, we were joined by the holiday-attired Freeman family; Lori Westphal and her two great boys; representing Germany were Manuela and Norbert; and Chris Neal completed our group, accompanied by his festively dressed daughter Sarah. We Brinson's could have taken a lesson from the Freeman's and Neal's on how to dress for the season!

After an impromptu vote, we've decided to rename the parade - "The Chapel Hill Scouts and Services Parade.” Why? The "floats" proceed a little like this:

• Police car
• Mayor
• Boy Scout troop
• Garbage truck
• Brownie troop
• Fire engine
• High School band

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Repeat the above list four times, throw Santa at the end, and that’s about it.

Amelia danced to all the bands and ate more candy than on Halloween. It’s small town Americana, but we love it! It was the perfect kickoff for the holiday season.

Check out the slideshow below for more photos of our parade adventure...

Holiday Lights

Well, we did it... as noted in the post below, we decided to decorate for Christmas. Amelia is thrilled! Lee too! I'll be happy if it all comes down before the baby arrives (FEB) and I don't have to pack it up!

We only decorated the living room, so sometimes it can be easy to forget we're in the midst of a holiday. One step in the front room though and we're instantly transported.

Lee's Santa collection continues to grow and the best part is Amelia loves them all. If we'd let her, she'd inspect them for hours.
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Much to Lee's chagrin, we didn't do any lights outside this year. Baby #2's arrival strikes again! He loves coming home to a well-lighted-up home. Amelia and I make sure the tree lights are on inside before his evening arrival (if they haven't been turned on immediately after the morning alarm goes off!).















If I'm not careful, I think I could be married to a Chevy-Chase-Christmas-Vacation-wanna-be! I fear our house could some day be featured on HGTV's "What's with that Decked Out Christmas House?" Yikes!
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Until then, we'll thoroughly enjoy our more low-key holiday decorations. I have to admit, they make me smile each time I walk in the living room. Thanks Lee!
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Brinson Elves

YES, we've lost our minds!

We weren't going to decorate for the holiday this year, what with a baby and X Games early in 2008, but Lee refuses to deny Amelia a Christmas tree. (I think it's just an excuse because he wants one!)

So, in honor of our weekend holiday activities, we've put on our elf suits, done a little dance, and found our Christmas spirit!

Check us out... click here.

Joh, oh Joy!

The Kemp family has grown! Last Friday (11/9) night at 9:30pm Amelia's newest cousin, Thomas Barrett, was born. She's so excited - and so are we!

Thomas has the special distinction of being the first grandson. Although he arrived a bit early, our sweet little one weighed in at a wonderful 5lbs 5oz and 19 inches. Mom Gina is doing well and sister Maddie is quickly settling in to her new role as "big sister."

CONGRATULATIONS Jon, Gina, and Maddie! We can't wait to meet your little sweetie - Thomas!

Zebras, Giraffes, Rhinos Oh My!

Check out Amelia's new pet zebra. She picked it up with GG and Granddad today. An early Christmas present?!?

Julianna and I got a little respite from our little one this weekend while Amelia visited my parents. Knowing what an animal lover she is, GG and Granddad took Amelia to one of her favorite places, the Lazy 5 Ranch.

With map in hand, Amelia was ready to explore. The ranch is pretty amazing -- zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and water buffalo to name a few of the exotic animals to been seen.

Amelia loved every animal there, especially the tiny deer. But, evidently, the most fun was feeding the giraffes. Both Amelia and Granddad got a kick out of it!




















(Looks like my mom has a new career -- photographer. Thanks for the great pics mom and for a great weekend!)