Santa!!!

Going to see Santa went much better this year. Emory seemed to have a better idea about Santa and Gabe was questionable, but it was worth a try! Look at my little handsome man in his bow tie! Not to mention my beautiful girl all dressed up for Santa.

 Here is my best picture from the kids time with Santa. It seems like every picture I take, Santa has his eyes closed. Oh well, at least my kids aren't crying! He did call Gabe a "wrestler" which I think means he is strong? Gabe quickly got off Santa's lap and was rescued from the terrifying jolly fellow.

 Emory was SO happy. She talked to Santa and told him what she wanted for Christmas, I think she would have stayed there all night.

 Safe and sound.

Last year's picture...

                                       

 Two years ago...

 Three years ago...

Happy 4th Birthday Emory!!!

My sweet little girl is four! Emory is such an amazing girl and we are so proud to be her parents. She is truly funny, and not just she's my daughter I have to think she's funny, but seriously funny.

The morning of her birthday she came running into our room and got into our bed. We cuddled and said happy birthday and told her how much we love her. She got powdered sugar donuts for breakfast and picked out her dress for school. Like any other day, it was a struggle and she told me "mommy, it's my birthday." Yikes, she already knows the "it's my birthday" line!

We talked about whether or not to take her to school, but who wouldn't want to have all your friends sing happy birthday to you? Plus it let Grant, Gabe and I get all the birthday goodies set up. Grant picked her up from school and they went and got s treat together. Then she came home to open presents. (notice the birthday crown that remained on her head)

 She opened a calico critter, which I had growing up. She is now obsessed.

 She also got some new legos that Grant and her build during Gabe's nap time.

 When I asked Emory what she wanted to do for her birthday, she said play ring around the rosey. Check.

 Gabe LOVED it too. You can see him smiling so big in this picture.

 Emory is able to write all her uppercase and lowercase letters. She can read her name, and Gabe's name (which I think is sweet). She read her first word this month: zoo! No prompting from me. Her favorite things to do are "projects" meaning crafts, legos or play doh with Grant, or playing pretend with her princess dolls, animals, barbies, you name it.

Her favorite food is beans and rice (from Mi Cocina, which is where we took her for her birthday dinner). She is definitely a picky eater and makes me work at meal time. Her favorite shows are Curious George, The Magic School Bus, and Dora. Emory's favorite books are Sleeping Beauty, Curious George and Pinkalicous. She wears 5T clothes just for the length and a size 10 shoe. This little girl is a no pant girl. Only skirts and dresses! Emory's favorite colors are pink, purple and blue.

 Silly girl!!

 Emory is a joy and we are head over heels in love with her. We will take her sassy and all!

 Happy 4th birthday sweetheart!! We are lucky you are our little girl.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

What better way to start off Thanksgiving morning than with a massive pillow and blanket pile? These goof balls love silly mornings, and of course having daddy home means just that.

Trying to get the kids picture together is some tough work. Gabe is a busy busy boy and does not enjoy sitting still. Here is how things start....

 followed by....

 then....

 resulting in....

 My sweet little girl.

 And there's my crazy boy again.

 We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my family, these guys keep me happy.

First Trip to Baylor Homecoming...

Well I finally made it back to Baylor (haven't been there since my graduation) and I think that was my first time to actually see the parade. It was tough to wake the kids up early to get in the car to drive to Waco, but well worth the trip. I got to see some old friends and we loved seeing Carson, Caden and little Ella Grace.

Family picture on the swing.

 Sweet cousins...

 Love this boy!

 The kids loved walking around the old fountain mall.

 Sic em!!

We had a great time at Baylor with the kids. Homecoming is something we will go back for soon. The kids loved seeing the bears and the wonderful Dr. Pepper floats.

Happy Halloween!!

We had a busy Halloween week this year. So many times to get dressed up in their costumes! This was my best picture of the kids together. Ella as the sheep, Emory as sleeping beauty and Gabe as a tiger. Emory was suppose to be a giraffe, but changed her mind at the last minute.

 An attempt at the tiger hat.... failure.

 Another night we went to trick or treat around the Arboretum. The kids loved running around and getting surprises. Emory chose to be a ballerina this time.

 Another attempt at the tiger hat.... failure.

 Looks like someone got something he liked!

 And then it was Halloween night. A tiger and a ballerina ready to go trick or treating.

 We started off the night trick or treating with our new neighbors, Dakota and Sierra. The girls are so much fun and Emory and Gabe have a great time with them.

 We ran into cousin Ella!

 And finished the night with Abi the mermaid. It's kinda turning into a tradition....

 The girls last year.....

 The girls two years ago.... (sigh, what sweet little girls).

Enjoying Our Fall...

Lately, our days have been full of fall activities. The heat FINALLY ended and we have been enjoying the outdoors. The Arboretum has an amazing display of pumpkins, pumpkin houses and this year they have Cinderella's carriage. Needless to say we are there weekly.

 Emory and her friend Lucy. They are too sweet together.

 Emory, Lucy, Gabe and Will. Best group shot I got.

 The mini petting zoo is just the right size. Gabe is almost giddy when we are there.

 And yes, the face painting. This time Emory was a pink kitty.

 Emory really enjoys going into Gabe's room with me when he wakes up from his nap. She climbs right up to his crib and the jumping begins....

 Another wonderful treat this fall is Emory watching football with daddy. (baseball too thanks to the Rangers) They curl up on the floor or the couch and talk sports talk.