Sunday, January 3, 2010

Christmas

This year, Jerry was so kind to buy me and the boys a cat for Christmas. (We had been wanting one for a couple of months----Jerry is not too fond of cats). Anyways, after a visit to the ASPCA and PetSmart, we found a cat that was to everyone's liking (actually Jerry picked her out). Her name is Ivy, and she couldn't be sweeter! She is not a cuddler, but will follow you around the house and lay next to you. (I should say me....I am her favorite). I have to admit, it is kinda nice having another female in the house, finally!

Christmas Eve brought another wave of winter chill, but this time we got snow! The boys were thrilled :) Unfortunately, the winds were very strong, so the boys couldn't really go out and play in the snow. It did snow again later in the week, and they got to play then. (More pictures on our picasa web album).

In our family, we like to shift the emphasis of Christmas more on Jesus' birthday, so this year, I made a cake to celebrate. Eli couldn't wait to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, but ended up in bed with a fever instead. Oh, well....there's always next year. Eli was just as happy to help eat the cake instead :)

A few days later, we had a visit from Grandma Carolyn. With grandma comes lots of presents, so the boys had a fun time playing with their new toys. We even took her to Main Event for some arcade games and skii ball (her favorite, I think.) With grandma also comes shopping, so we hopped from Target, to Walmart, to Hobby Lobby, to Frisco Resale, Sprouts, and Bass Pro Shops. I came home with all kinds of new treasures to show Jerry (who was not too thrilled, might I add.....GULP!) See you next year, Grandma!

Posted by Picasa

Holiday Festivities

On Thanksgiving day, we met another friend from karate at Bass Pro Shops to see the Christmas kiddie area. When it came time to visit Santa, Eli was shy, but still sat on his lap (without looking at him or saying a word). Isaiah on the other hand, did not hold back and screamed bloody murder any time we got near Santa (it was hillarious!) Since it was Thanksgiving, we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves-----just how we like it!

This picture reminded me of Ralphie and his little brother.....You'll shoot yer eye out, kid!


In early December we took a fieldtrip to the "Polar Express" at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. We watched the Polar Express movie that morning then the boys put on their jammies, and we were set for our train ride......huge dissapointment. The train ride was only 15 minutes long, with some cheesy singing and a brief visit from Santa. (Eli was mute of course, and Isaiah screamed as expected!) We were told that each child would receive a special gift from Santa at the end of the ride........which ended up being a dinky coloring book and a couple crayons. I'm sorry, but that was LAME! Good thing we got our group discount :)



That weekend, we bundled up for the Little Elm Christmas parade. As I suspected, the parade was VERY short and kind of cheesy---I guess that's what you get in a small town. Of course, there was more candy for the kids who didn't seem to mind the icy winds. I was glad the parade was so short, because it was super cold outside!
That same night, we braved the winter chill to attend Frisco's Merry Main Street. Jerry was on duty directing traffic, so we paid him a visit :) The event featured sponsor booths, school choirs, concession stands, and craft activities for the kids. Eli enjoyed playing in a hand bell song! (You can see the video on our picasa web album). One trip around Frisco Square, and we were ready to go home and get WARM. Poor Jerry still had to direct traffic for 2 more hours, but he made it home without a hint of frostbite :)


The weekend before Christmas, Jerry was on duty again for the Holiday Lights at Frisco Fire Safety Town. As some of you may know, it is a miniature town replica complete with little roads and stop lights! The boys were in Christmas light heaven----(or "Chimmis," as Isaiah would say) Eli had his 3rd and final visit with yet another Santa, and this time he actually told him what he wanted for Christmas.....a Bumblebee Transformer!

See the red balloon? Yeah, it got loose and flew away......both boys had a meltdown, so Mom had to go get another RED balloon. Eli told me later that "the Lord" probably had our lost red balloon.....So precious!

Posted by Picasa

November Outings

Not only did November hold several birthday parties, but a handfull of outings as well. Not thinking clearly, I took the boys on THREE field trips in THREE days. First we drove about an hour to see a planetarium show at UT Arlington. The next day, we met a friend from karate and visited the Dinosaurs Alive exhibit at the Heard Museum in McKinney. The following day, it was down to Dallas for a field trip at the Dallas Children's Museum. Whew, were we all pooped! About a week later, I took the boys to a community parade in Frisco where they scored loads of candy from all the floats! Finally, we had one last outing at the Dallas Arboretum to see the famous Pumpkin House. It sure was a busy month, and we had lots of fun.
Taking a ride with Nicholas at Dinosaurs Alive Exhibit



The boys enjoying the water table at the Dallas Childrens Museum


Frisco Community Parade (one of the best and longest I have ever seen)


Overjoyed with all the "punkins" at the Dallas Arboretum
Posted by Picasa

Birthday Parties Galore!

Between November and December, we were swamped with birthday parties almost every weekend! First was Thomas, then Jordan, then Emma. After Thanksgiving weekend, was Becca, and finally Isaiah. Of course, I had to throw him an Elmo themed birthday party with hat and overalls to match. His favorite gift was an Elmo backpack, which he proudly wears everywhere we go----hey, I don't mind. I don't have to carry a diaper bag anymore :)

Isaiah was a little overwhelmed by all the attention and never did blow out his candles.
(Daddy had to help.)


Becca's birthday party at the Wiggly Play Center in Frisco.


Thomas' Super Hero party in Quitman, TX.

Jordan's Pirate birthday party. (Eli and Isaiah were some of the few kids who actually wore costumes---thanks to Mom)

Emma's "Yo Gabba Gabba" party in Dallas


Posted by Picasa