MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas Everyone. If you are away from us this time of year we are especially missing you today (and tomorrow). If you are new in our lives this Christmas season we are especially grateful for you and your kindness. We love our Savior and are thankful for this time of year we have to celebrate his life. Here is a copy of the letter we sent out with our Christmas photo (for scrapbook sake):

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from HAMPTON

2010

Dear Family and Friends,

Recently, we went to Busch Gardens Christmas Town in Williamsburg, VA. It was fun, but also a life changing event. As we went to walk out of the park at closing time we turned a corner to see a large nativity of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. As we approached it the music we heard was a Christmas hymn. We all sat there exhausted, but touched by the spirit. Carson and I looked down at Carlee as she sat still and noticed a tear rolling down her face. Candy canes, Santa Claus, toys, gifts, rides, lights, treats, it all meant nothing for a moment. She felt the spirit, just as we did! She, for the first time, understood the true meaning of Christmas. It was a sacred and special time we will never forget.

This year has brought some changes to our family. We have recently moved to Virginia. CARSON spent the summer in the Deep South working in response to the oil spill. He was based out of Louisiana. The time spent there was a valuable experience and a great time to grow closer to our Father in Heaven. While Carson was in the Gulf of Mexico, Northrop Grumman called and offered him a job in Newport News, Virginia, as a welder working on military aircraft carriers. He LOVES his job and has done awesome advancing in his required training. He’s also just recently been called as the Young Men’s President here in our Hampton Ward and is looking forward to getting to know the youth better.

ASHLEE has crossed a few things off of her “bucket list” this year. Some of them include: going to Hawaii (she got to go with her Mom, Sisters and a few friends), quitting her job with the State of UT after 10-years, becoming a stay-at-home Mom, moving out of Utah for a little while, and getting to travel a lot. I feel like I am back in the mission field with a calling as a ward missionary. It’s AWESOME! We have a set of Elders and Sisters in our ward and I love being able to serve with both sets of missionaries. I LOVE Virginia, but I miss my good friends and amazing family we left behind in Utah. I am taking reservations at the Perkins Home. Please drop me a line when you can come and visit.

CARLEE is a fast paced 4-year old that looks like she is at least 6, and often acts like she is about 8-9. She is BEAUTIFUL and LOVES to dance, sing, and dress-up. She is ALL GIRL! She loves to call and talk to her BFF’s (her cousins) back in Utah. However, she also has her a little BFF here in Virginia (Beckam Larsen) that she has already informed us she is going to marry when she grows up. She keeps us laughing.  Carlee is in preschool and is a great student who loves to learn and share what she has learned with anyone and everyone. She is hoping that Santa brings her some beach toys for Christmas because she is planning on spending lots of time in the sand this summer.

We are grateful for our Savior. We love him and know that all that we have comes from him and our Heavenly Father. This year we have been blessed in so many ways. We pray the New Year brings many blessings to each of you. We love you!

Love,

Carson, Ashlee and Carlee Perkins

Taking Reservations!

We are now taking reservations for next fall (or any time sooner) here at the Perkins home in Virginia. We promise to feed you somewhat edible meals, and provide you a bed to sleep in (with clean sheets). We also will provide you with a tour of the area, to include BEAUTIFUL SCENERY! All you have to do is pay for your airfare.

This was at the park we go to for play dates. We took Kailey, Colette and my Mom there when they were out here in November.

You can rent canoes to take out on this little lake too.

...and a walking trail around the lake.

And adorable little 4 year olds in the parking lot.

 Oh and perfect Grandmas that come to visit (hopefully often). This was when my Mom, Kailey and Colette were visiting us. We had a blast. I can't wait for them to come back (hint, hint).

Isn't it beautiful!

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip!

Before we moved Carlee got to go to one more field trip with her preschool class in Willard. We went to the "weed man's" house in Harrisville. It was fun to watch the pumpkin man come to life, but I think that Carlee's favorite thing of the whole field trip was to maul the kittens. She also had class photos this day. Here are a few of the photos I took:

Carlee mauling one of the kittens.

Carlee getting to be able to be a pumpkin head.

All of the kids got to also pick their own pumpkin and take it home.

This is the pumpkin man. He comes alive when the kids aren't planning on it. So funny!

My little poser.

I loved this picture I took of her.

Carlee's class and teachers.

It was also class picture day.

First Day of School (Round 2)

First Day of School

(Round 2)

So far she is LOVING her new school. She goes to a school where High School kids come in as part of their schooling is to teach the kids and work with them. So she gets lots of hands-on and gets to do lots of projects, etc. It's awesome! Oh, and it is CHEAP! Another blessing...

Busch Gardens Christmas Town 2010

Last night we went with a family in our ward, the Stockburgers, to Busch Gardens Christmas Town 2010. They have twins that are in preschool with Carlee. It was beautiful and lots of fun. Here are a few photos from the evening.


Carlee, Elmo and Abby



Carlee (and Carsons) first view of the Sesame Street Characters coming out onto stage. They put on a little Christmas play.


The characters in action...


Clysdales on site. They keep a few in the park even though it is no longer owned by Anheuser Busch.


Carlee, Isaac and Lizzie in front of Carly the horse. I have no idea what Carlee is doing with her face. LOL!


North Pole. This is the building Santa is in.


Carlee was so excited and mesmorized by this set up. It was so cute to sit and watch her. I love this photo.


Carlee and Santa! Santa was in his authentic European robe, since we were in Busch Gardens Europe and this town was Germany.


Another one of Carlee and Santa!


Animated light show that was put to Christmas music. It was awesome.


Carlee loved the arcade that was in the park also. Even though we didn't use any quarters or tokens. We just let her ride them thinking she was playing. PERFECT!


Daniel Stockburger in action on the Guitar Hero


This was in the town of Germany in Europe Busch Gardens. The stage was awesome. It lifted after the band got on and the performers danced and sang on it. Even Frosty the Snowman joined them.


A few rides.


This was SO sweet. Carlee went up and looked at this with the twins we were with that are her age, Isaac and Elizabeth. However, we all just sat there kind of quiet. There was a hymn playing and you could really feel the spirit. Carlee even had some tears in her eyes as we walked away. It was the perfect ending to the night and start to the holiday season.