At the creek

We had a lot of rain last week, so David and I (Deborah) went to the creek to see how full it was. It was about 6 feet deep, and a few places were at least 10 feet deep. (We measured.)Stuart swims through the current......and shakes all the water off of his fur!The beavers have been at work again! David crossing the creek on fallen trees The trees here used to be so thick that we couldn't see the field on the other side! Look at the roots sticking out of the bank...It won't be long before those trees fall too! The view from the other side of the creek. You can see (in the pictures below) how this spot in the bank has divided......and a few more trees have fallen in.A deer :)Crossing the creek again.

The Opening Session of the 106th Tennessee State House

For pictures from our day at the Tennessee Capitol yesterday, visit our political blog, www.11smithsforhuckabee.com.

A Very Special Baby

We are so excited about the arrival of the son of our dear friends, James and Hope Gallagher!

Nicolas Elliot was born this morning at 4:10. He weighs 9 lbs. 15 oz and is 22 inches long. Nicolas means "Victory of the people" and Elliott means "The Lord is my God"

Nicolas with big brother Patrick

A Recent Photo Shoot

On Saturday we enjoyed photographing the Carroll family. Visit our photography blog to see more of the photos.

Our friend Amy and her boys came to see us today! We had so much fun with them. They live in Ohio and we hadn't seen them since last July. We had to take a lot of pictures, of course! :)

Amy and Nathan, who just turned 2Precious Ryan (8 months old)

Amanda enjoying Ryan

Nathan getting sleepyRyan liked seeing his reflection in our water purifier

Christmas Day

The well-filled stockings (with the overflow on the counter above) A new tie (with trombones on it!) Apple Cranberry Dumplings -- our traditional Christmas breakfast

One more picture of the tree before the presents are openedThe boys inspecting their new targetEven Stuart got a present - "People Crackers!"He wanted to eat all of them Everyone in our family loves to read, so we always give each other a lot of books for Christmas. This year's grand total was 44!The Christmas tree at our grandparents' house Stockings for all the children and grandchildren