Photographic Traditions

Last year marked the start of photographs that were dubbed as traditions. They happened by accident but became 2 of our favorites from last years holiday season.

So to keep tradition alive we captured those moments again plus one more!

The Annual Tree Talk with Charlie and Bubs

2008

2009

The Prettiest Girl in a Treeskirt

2008

2009

This year for Bess' Christmas photograph she (and I) found it quite entertaining to place stockings on her feet! She just giggled! All the while, holding HO HO HO close to her! So, it seems as this was destined to be her Christmas photo to be taken for many years to come!

2009


Christmas may be officially over but we are still celebrating around here and enjoying our family time together!

Let the Playing Begin!

Finally the backyard was semi dry and the sun was shining! Charlie and Wylie were suited up and made a run for their new slide! We were so excited to watch them enjoy thier Christmas present! Bubba had everything looking perfect and had laid fresh pinestraw out just so my sweet babies wouldn't fall into the mud holes that our lovely dog Hank has dug in the backyard!

Wylie was slightly perplexed by what the playset was doing in the back yard.

Charlie was quick to test out the swings. Needing no assistance, he did his own version of swinging!

Wylie was a little more apprehensive but very eager so Daddy was near by to lend a helping hand!

Then we had to test out the swinging seesaw! This was a hit for both!!

And quickly Charlie was climbing up the ladder like a pro! No help needed!

Bless her heart. Wylie had to have a lesson on ladder climbing. Not so sure if cowboy boots are the appropriate shoe choice for playsets but I wasn't going to be the one to take them off of her feet!

The climb up got the hands a little dirty so it was imperative to have them clean before her slide debute!

Finally, after everyone had gotten their feel of the new playset, Bubba decided to lay a little more pine straw. Good thing we had a rag handy because Neat Freak spazzed out when she saw the pine straw on the slide and swings. Such a little helper, she was so willing to clean up so everyone could continue in on the fun!

Come on over and play on our new (and clean) swingset!

And a Merry Christmas was had by ALL!

Wow! What a fun filled few days The Bailey Bunch has had! From Christmas Eve breakfast in Chester to Christmas Day Fun with both sides of the family, Charlie, Wylie and Bess had a wonderful time! Unfortunately the rain posed a slight problem for our much anticipated playground surprise on Christmas morning! Somehow, we were able to find plenty of entertainment indoors!

Wild Man Charlie loves the "airpane" Santa brought him. Of course his new riding toys and mini trampoline take the cake too! Elmo has been a big hit with Charlie lately but Santa brought Charlie a new Seasame Street character to love... Ernie! Charlie loves to take Ernie everywhere!

Miss Priss Wylie hopefully has her baby doll fix for a while! Our little mama is surrounded by baby dolls and all their accessories! She has loved feeding her babies, washing her babies, styling their hair, pushing them around and changing their diapers. She does all this in her new high heels! Such a character our little priss is!

Bess' first Christmas was filled with a lots of teething rings, rattles, noise makers and a blocks. If she can "taste" it, she is good to go! Bess took it all in and hung in there despite the change in nap schedules and routine!

The Bailey Bunch had a wonderful time celebrating this special time of year with our families. Charlie, Wylie and Bess are so loved ! Everything was wonderful in every way!

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard this year to be a good little boy! My mom and dad taught me to say thank you and please. I really am good at saying thank you but I'll admit, I could do a little better on the please word! Every night at dinner I try really hard for you and I eat most of my food, unless we are out of ketchup! If mom says we are out, I just can't eat my food. Sorry about that Santa! Maybe you could leave my mom some "dat" or ketchup in her stocking so we never run out! Santa, I admit that your elves might have possibly seen me hit my sister. I assure you it was only a time or two! I also assure you Santa, she was not totally innocent all the time so if you got a bad report about my behavior, do you think we could chit chat before you put me on the naughty list?! I really think you should be proud of me for listening to my mom and dad when they tell me not to climb out of my crib. It is so hard some nights Santa but I really think I have done a good job! Another reason I think I deserve to have my name on the Nice List is because I have been such a good big brother to Baby Bess. Sometimes when she is crying, I try to cheer her up by getting in the crib with her! That's what good big brothers do! Isn't it?! Santa, for Christmas this year I really hope I get a "fash light" or flashlight. I absolutely love them! Oh, and Santa if you see an extra whisk for the kitchen, could you throw that in my mom's stocking?! I accidentally broke hers this morning playing baseball with it! Fly Safe Dude!

Love, Charlie

Dear Santa, I am pretty sure my name is on the Nice List this year! I have tried really hard to be a sweet heart to everyone! I always throw away my "tash" or trash in the trashcan and I try very hard to be polite and show good southern manners and wipe my nose when it is running! My mommy says I am such a good helper. She taught me how to help her empty the dishwasher and I love to put away the sippy cups and "owls" or bowls for her! I have also been a really big help and have learned how to clean with "ay" or spray! Santa, I have tried really hard to learn how to use the big girl potty but I really don't think it is all that great! But Santa, I sure do LOVE undies! So if you are out and about and see a pack of undies, I think that would be great! Santa, I have tried really hard to be nice to my brother. I won't lie, it gets pretty tough but my mom says boys are rough and I have to learn how to "shake it off"! So I am trying just for you (and her). Now, if your elves have seen me doing anything to my brother, I can promise you it was strictly self defense and was totally called for! Santa, another reason to add me to the Nice List this year is because I have been the best big sister to Baby Bess! I find her pappies for her, help feed her bottles and I even help change her diaper! So Santa, if you think I deserve a treat or two just for how sweet I have been this year, I would love a new baby doll! Baby Red's leg just won't stay on these days and I really want a baby doll with 2 legs! One more thing Santa, if you see a spare tube of toothpaste lying around the North Pole, could you pack it up and deliver it to my dad. He gets really aggrivated with me every morning because some how I manage to wonder off with his toothpaste! I just love that stuff!!!

Happy Travels! Smooches to Rudolph!

Love, Wylie

Dear Santa, Well Santa, I must say, I think I should be at the top of the Nice List this year! Since arriving in June, I have hardly made a peep that wasn't adorable! I have been so sweet to my mommy and daddy and started sleeping through the night so early just like good little girls do! I always eat all my food and love to play in my bouncy so my mom and dad can clean the house or help my older brother and sister! Come to think of it Santa, I really don't know if your elves have seen me do anything "bad"! Oh, wait, I bet they did see me do just one thing! I can't help it though. Otis' ears are so much fun to pull. I know I shouldn't pull ears but his are so furry sometimes I just can't help it! I always try to give him smooches after I pull them though! Santa, I have tried really hard to always have a good attitude for my mom! And just in case you are still not convinced, I give really good smooches on the cheek. So, if you do think I have been a good little girl and should maybe be left a treat or two tonight, I would really like some new pappies! Mine just seem to grow legs and walk off. That sure would be a great present to see tomorrow morning. Santa, there is just one last thing, if you see a little toy for my doggie Otis, do you think you could wrap it up for him? He gets fussed at alot for eating our toys and I think he would love one of his own!

Bundle up for your ride tonight!
Love, Bess

Merry Christmas to All!

Santa's Busy Elves!

Santa has had a busy year! He has been so busy he dropped by 709 at the beginning of December.

Everyone was out and about when Santa stopped by but luckily trusty ol' Otis was holding down the fort! Santa gave strict instructions to Otis on just what needed to be done so Charlie, Wylie and Bess would have a wonderful Christmas!

After their conversation, Otis was officially named "Project Manager" of the Christmas Operation! The excitement is truly beaming from his eyes!

So Otis did just as he had been instructed to do and told dear ol' Dad exactly what Santa had said! Dear ol' Dad could hardly contain himself when he learned that Santa's project was going to require 11 hours of assembly!

However, with a little organization help from the mother figure of 709, all the pieces of Santa's project were organized into stacks and labeled for the troops to begin the tedious task of assembly!

And so, Santa's South Carolina Elves went to work! In a cold garage being warmed by a propane heater, the project began with 2 elves working side by side for Santa!

It was ALL business with these 2 elves! Never a moment of silliness to be found!

Although the 2 elves were enjoying their assembly job from Santa, they got wind of a jealous grandfather who was just aching inside to spend a few cold hours in a poorly lit garage after a hard day of work! Being the kind and thoughtful elves that they are, they decided to include Pop the Elf in the Christmas fun!

They worked night and day, following a booklet of directions! Never complaining! These are clearly Santa's BEST elves!

They worked as a team to build ladders, swings and slides! They used the Buddy System when the going got tough!

And in the end, Santa's masterpiece was complete!

Santa could not have chosen better elves to work on this project for Charlie, Wylie and Bess! They are lucky little kids!

Charlie HEARTS Hats!

From an early age, Charlie had a love for hats. It has never mattered what size, shape or form the hat comes in. He just simply loves a hat.

Charlie has also always liked to showcase his holiday spirit with festive hats!

Now, I know you may be thinking, you put him in those hats. He had no choice but to let you lay them on his precious head and snap 9,000 photos of him. To that I would say, yes you are correct.

But these creative hat inventions are all his own. This is a daily occurrence at 709! And one that we find tends to get more and more creative!

Example #1: The Holiday Hat made from lights!
A must have for this holiday season! A little cumbersome to fit but totally festive!

Example #2: The Classic Tobogan!
A must have for the cold chilly outside play dates! So anxious to sport this classic look, we still are waving proud the price tag on top!


Example #3: "Air Bow" or Hair Bow
Even that old left over wrapping ribbon has a purpose too! Let Charlie design your holiday hairbows!


Example #4: The WWI Look
Yes folks, mixing bowls do have purposes other than cooking! My at the creativity at this house!


Example #5 Easter All Year Long
It may be Christmas and we may be waiting on Santa but never would Charlie dare to forget his next favorite holiday character the Easter Bunny!

Example #6 Tupp - o - WEAR
Again, many of us stand marveled at the level of creativity this child has. It may be an ordinary left over container to us all but Charlie sees great potential in the smaller things in life!

Example #7 Basket Case!
This is how I feel somedays after all this creative energy has surfaced at my house! I think Charlie was giving a shout out to me here!

Example # 8 Bag of Tricks
This is a daily hat Charlie sports after he dumps all the Legos out! I am particularly fond of this one as I am the lucky winner that gets to pick up all 100 pieces of Legos just so Charlie can have a hat!

Example #9 A Hunter's Breakfast!
Any occasion is a good occasion to wear a hat!

Example #10 Real Boys Wear Pink!
Yes, Charlie has even found how to successfully rock a pink cowgirl hat!

My little man. A fan of hats from early on! How I love you!

I just wonder if Baby Bess is going to follow in your footsteps?!