RECORD SNOW

OK, I know I wrote about this yesterday, but it just kept snowing. Dallas got 12.5 inches of the white stuff...an all time record.

These are some images from this morning after the snow had stopped.

Dain went out two times yesterday to shake the trees to prevent limb damage (don't I have the best husband?).

Isn't she the cutest girl?

And isn't he the cutest boy?

The neighbors built a snowman... it's as tall as Dade.

I love the boots.

Dade helped the neighbor boys build a fort. It was very impressive when completed.

This is Miss Anne from across the street. Our kids love this family. Aislyn went right to her and couldn't stop smiling.

What a wonderful day.

SNOW DAY

I was, not so gently, pulled from my sleep this morning hearing the words "Snow, look, snow...can we go outside?"

I had to take a few pictures. I have been in Texas for 4 winters now and I am fully confident in saying that we have never had a winter like this. We have never had so many days of snow and never this much at a time.

Do you see our little friends on the top branch? We are just glad he's out there and we're in here.

I turned my back for two seconds while Dain was leaving for work this morning to find this. They even got the chairs out themselves. I know it is a little dark.

This is what it looked like from the front. Even cuter.

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.