FUN WITH FRIENDS AT THE ZOO

AZ now officially "smiles" for the camera...which in turn means that we only have a few more weeks until we get fake smiles. Luckily I got a good shot here as we started at the Zoo.

I'm not sure if Dade is excited about being at the Zoo or if it's all about the Superman shirt.

The Zoo is always more fun with friends. From left...AZ, Dade, Kylie and Emi (in the stroller).

One of my many vain attempts at trying to get a picture of the two of them together. I did end up getting a picture of the two of them, but this one definitely gets more smiles.

After lunch the kids ran around exploring...

Don't you remember walking along ledges?

I am still dumbfounded why this little statue is so popular, but it seemed that every kids wanted to climb on it.

AZ just wanted to give it hugs.

Mr. Adventure.

Feeding the birds is my favorite part, both actually feeding the birds and watching the kids do it.

Last time, a bird came flying by right as we walked in so of course she wanted nothing to do with the birds after that. She showed no fear this time.

A favorite feature of the Fort Worth Zoo is the train. Just look at those smiles.

Thanks, Jen for making it a great trip. See ya next time.

WACKY DAY

Today was Wacky Day at pre-school. Dade has been looking forward to it for about a week.

He put his own outfit together. It included...two different shoes, pants on backwards,

Momma's shirt (also on backwards), two different socks worn on his hands, and to top it all off...one of Dad's shirt sleeves worn on his head.

He was by far the cutest kid at school (and of course I'm not the least bit biased).

CHRISTMAS PART V - CHRISTMAS DAY

There is nothing better than Christmas morning. The kids were so excited to play with their toys that we had to remind them there were more toys and gifts to open.

We started with stockings. Dade had to make sure every last thing was emptied. I was sure he was going to put his head in, just to double check.

After Christmas morning at our house we went to Oma's House for the second round of presents. The kids really love this part. The entire living room is covered with gifts.

This is Aislyn's shot of her arm all the way up her stocking at Oma's. She didn't believe me when I told her it was empty.

I love this picture. Dade is focused on his new toys and AZ is looking right at the camera. She never misses a beat.

In the tradition of my Aunt Loretta, I brought a pinata. I can't remember a Christmas growing up that didn't have a pinata. It was definitely the highlight. I think it was a great hit this year too. Unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures of the little kids hitting the pinata. The only ones that turned out our this one of Grandpa and ...

this final shot of Katy's. I'm still not sure who liked the pinata the best...the kids or the big kids. Thanks Aunt Loretta.

I love the holidays. I am still sad that it is all over. It took us a long time to put all the decorations away this year. Can't wait till next year.

CHRISTMAS PART IV - CHRISTMAS EVE

One of our family traditions is to open two presents on Christmas Eve (Pj's and new book).

Aislyn looked truly surprised with each present.

Dade, oh Dade my careful boy. Each present was unwrapped with care.

And as usual, he stopped to read the book before continuing on to open the next present.

Now, notice Aislyn's style of unwrapping. Much the opposite of her big brother. And let me tell you, once she got the idea, there was no, NO holding her back.

Another family tradition has been that Mom and Dad never get to open their own presents...that is without some help from one of the kids...

or maybe both.

CHRISTMAS PART III - CHRISTMAS SNOW

So we had a wonderful surprise this Christmas Eve...snow and quite a bit of it. Dade woke up from his nap and immediately started getting himself ready to go outside.

AZ was excited to get all bundled up...doesn't she look cute?

But unfortunately only lasted about two minutes outside. Cold, Cold, COLD.

Horrible picture, I know, but if you look closely you can see Dade making his first snow angel, all the while giggling up a storm.

Just a little bit of snow on his pants:)

I got one shot of the three brave explorers. Are you smiling at Dade's face?...I am.

It might be a little hard to tell in this picture, but his cheeks are so red.

AZ decided the best place to get warm was on Momma. We danced a few songs and she was all set to go.

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS PART II- TREE TRIMMING

Here is our little helper. He was so determined to get each ornament in the right spot (which I still can't tell you what the right spot is...).

He loves the magic of Christmas. He didn't want to miss out on anything.

Little Miss thought it would be a good idea to turn Mom's apron into a blanket or should we call it ...

a reading blanket. She got out several Christmas book and sat there to read them all.

More picture to come...

CHRISTMAS PART I - PARKER SQUARE

We live in a wonderful place. We are surrounded by good, caring people. Our community maybe a little smaller than some in the area, but that's why we love it. These pictures are from an annual Christmas event at Parker Square. The kids love it. This year one of the activities was to help promote/celebrate the new hospital opening in April.

As you can see, they dressed Dade up in gown, hat, gloves so he could pretend doctor to a sick teddy bear. (Aislyn wanted in on the action and big brother didn't mind one bit)

He was very concerned when he couldn't find the teddy bears heart beat...the nurse was a little taken back.

Her face just seems to say...me too.

After the doctor dress up we moved on to the barrel train ride. Mommy stayed with the stroller as Daddy hopped in to help AZ.

Which kid is having the most fun....Dain?

From the train ride we drove these really cool race cars. I wish I had taken a picture of the cars. They are about 16 inches and the kids (or Dain in AZ's case) get to steer and they love it so much, they will even wait in line...does that tell you something?

After the cars we bounced in a few bounce houses, walked around a little, made a craft, got a few glow bracelets and headed home. We love it here.