To get you in the spirit...

and one to make you laugh:

Christmas in Vicksburg!

Well, I think it's official. Our holiday 2007 plans are to spend the weekend in Vicksburg with Debra. (Deb, better get to cooking) ;)

I'm excited about spending time in Vicksburg this year. I can't remember the last time I was in Vicksburg. I think our plan so far, is for everyone to travel down to Vicksburg on Thursday evening(Dec. 20th) and be there for Laura's graduation the next morning. Then we'll spend the weekend playing games, touring Vicksburg, eating, playing more games, snacking, playing more games, and of course, eating some more. Then at some point we'll be playing Dirty Santa! I already have that special place on my mantle for my dirty Santa gift!

I'll then drive Cody back to Birmingham at some point - probably late Sunday or early Monday (Christmas eve). Mom and Jan will probably stay in Vicksburg till Christmas Day (Or Christmas Eve). I'll actually be back in Birmingham on Christmas Eve for the first time. (Jaxon has been worried not getting any gifts from Santa because he tore up his outside sleeping pillow, but I reasurred him that he hasn't been such a bad dog and that Santa loves him anyways). So, it will be a lot going on that weekend and so much fun! I know that Mom has already been out buying things and planning her trip. It'll be great being together to celebrate. By the way, do you think there is any chance of snow in Vicksburg at Christmas? ha, yeah, I didn't think so.

Christmas in Vicksburg

Jaxon the Amazing Paper Dog!

So, when we first got Jaxon, we thought, wouldn't it be great to be able to teach him to get the morning paper. (Especially on cold days). Well, miracles happen in December right? He has been getting the paper for about a week now. The Sunday papers are a little tougher, especially this close to Christmas with all the sale flyers. Here's the video:

Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving was alot of fun. It was great to see everyone. Notice that the photo of Laura. Despite what she looks like, she's NOT full of turkey and dressing. Although, little Jedi Knight was probably full of turkey that day.

Dirty Santa!

It's Back...
By Popular Demand!
DIRTY SANTA!

Well, I laugh everytime that I think back to that game of Dirty Santa last year (or two years ago). I don't even remember what I got that year, but, I do remember the Belly Dancing kit (see photo above) and that shelving that Ken broke... uh, I mean got. So, Becky, start thinking of a good gift. I'm looking around the house for a good gift. Hmm... what about a doggie ball? ha -- since we have so many dogs in our family now, that might be a popular gift. So, put your thinking caps on. See you all soon.

Tis the Season...

We just got this in from the North Pole and looks like some of the Hydricks have been working overtime to spread some holiday joy! Thanks for the email John, although it wasn't really that difficult to imagine you all dancing like these elves.

Here's the link to watch them dance. http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1151883103

Thanksgiving Turkey

Ok, I tried to find a photo of Josh to use here, but, couldn't find a good one. SO, I chose THIS TURKEY instead!

Can't wait to see everybody.

YIPPEEE!

YIPPEE!!!

Just as we all expected, Jan made it through the Great American Smokeout and QUIT SMOKING!!! She is now one of thousands of people who succeed and quit smoking during the Smokeout!!!

CONGRATULATIONS JAN! WE KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!!! WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU!

Beautiful Fall Colors

Even with the drought that we've had, the trees are looking great!
Thanks Mom for the photos - who needs the Smokie Mountains when you have these trees in your yard?

Simon Says No Smoking!

I've created a little 'distraction' for Janice so that when those cravings get tough, she can distract herself with a game of SIMON! Just hit the play button below and see how far your memory will take you.