The Growing Caldwell Family

New Year's day was laid.back and relaxed for us.  We said goodbye to Grandaddy and MeMe as they needed to head home. It was good to see them and have some time to talk and tell stories! We spent some time watching football! Tigers win! What a game! Charlie has been playing Madden and has gotten into football more, recognizing plays, and becoming a Joe Burrow and Cincinnati Bengals fan! He was excited for the Tigers to win and you know Pops was happy!  

Sarah Graves and I enjoy walking along the lake’s edge, skipping stones, and taking in the beauty. It also makes for fun pictures! This girl is fun, keeps me busy, and calls me out when I act old! So glad to have her!  

Sissy had the desire to do a polar plunge and New Year’s Eve with light wind, sunny skies, and temps about 52 degrees felt right for it!   Livy decided to join her and Charlie said he had no desire to be cold! She didn’t dally in jumping in!  She acknowledged the cold, but swam around looking like a mermaid!  Livy made the leap and as soon as she did, she knew it was not for her! Looking forward to a warm shower! Sis was feeling quite proud to stay in for several minutes! Cold, but very happy!  

Some little moments of fun during our weekend at the lake. We thought it was too cold to enjoy sitting around a fire outside, so Sissy decided to roast her marshmallow in the fireplace! Beautiful, clear winter day! The crazies making their own fun as a “sandwich”! Aaron has been giving a small gift each day to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas and remind us of the meaning of each day. This one was an origami book for “Seven Swans A Swimming.” Pops keeps a fire going and the crackling, warm glow feels so cozy! Sissy picked up origami easy! A walk outside to take in the beautiful day! May gave the kids this fun basketball shoot out game. Pops and Charlie spent some time putting it together as an indoor activity for the kids. Charlie and Livy immediately got into and started making up “games”.

We rang in the new year at the lake! First, we started with exchanging gifts with Grandaddy and Mimi! Sarah Graves' big gift from Santa was a paddleboard and Grandaddy and Mimi gave her a wetsuit making it fun to get in the lake! Lack of a wetsuit did not stop Charlie! We made homemade tamales for dinner and they were delicious! Family feud with Charlie as the host! We finished off the evening with a lake special, karaoke! Cheers to a great 2023!