Christmas 2013

I think Kevin and I have been more excited about this Christmas than any other.  One, our family is complete.  Anna Kate is with us.  No more buying Christmas gifts to put under her tree without her being able to open them.  Also, Bennett is at an age where he understands what is going on and can communicate with us. 

It was fun having the kids help us decorate the house and think about the traditions we want to set as a family.  We talked with the kids about what Christmas is about and why we celebrate Christmas.  We took Bennett to Zoolight Safari.  I have never been because it is usually too cold.  We were suppose to go with Kevin's family, but his sister's family had been sick and AK ended up sick too.  Since the weather was good, Kevin and I took Bennett.  It was good to give him some one-on-one time.  We all really enjoyed it. 

Christmas Eve, the kids helped build and decorate Mickey Mouse gingerbread house.  It was fun. I am glad it came with lots of extra decorations because AK liked to eat them.  Traditionally we go to our church's candlelight service and hope to get to do that in the future.  Unfortunately, this year they only had one service at 2:30 which is nap time for kids.  With so much going on and battling sickness, there was no way I was letting my kids skip nap time.  If you don't know what my children are like, then refer to the Thanksgiving post. 

Christmas Day finally came.  I think Bennett understood what we had been talking about because when I went to get him out of bed Christmas Day morning he said, "Is baby Jesus here?"  The kids got plate/cup, books, and a toy from us.  Santa brought an easel with paints, brushes, chalk, and letters.  Bennett said his favorite gift was his fire truck plate.  We had fun playing with them and seeing their excitement.  Later that morning, the kids decorated cupcakes for Jesus Birthday party.  They each got to blow out a candle after singing Happy Birthday.  That night, we took the kids to see Christmas lights around town.  They may have enjoyed it as much if not more than opening gifts.  We found this house in Peppertree that was amazing. 

My favorite part of Christmas came when I was cleaning up supper.  I knelt down to give Bennett a hug and he hugged me and said, "Thank you Mommy for my Christmas presents.  I love you."  What more could any mother want?

Thanksgiving 2013

This was our first Thanksgiving with Anna Kate.  For my extended family, this was their first time to meet Anna Kate.  It was a different Thanksgiving.  We ended up staying in a hotel in hopes to cut down travel time and make it easier on AK.  The kids did great at the hotel.  We had Thanksgiving lunch at my Aunt and Uncle's house.  All 8 great grandsons + Anna Kate (only great granddaughter) were there.  The kids had a great time playing football and riding go-carts.  My Uncle made a few paddles for the older ones.  I guess they need it more than the younger ones.  We attempted to take a photo of all the great-grandkids before everyone left which was way past naptime for my kiddos.  Therefore, we have some okay photos.  I know my friends think Bennett is an angel (which I do agree), so I have a photo of his less than angelic moment.  Needless to say, Bennett was asleep in the car before we got out of the neighborhood.  From Tupelo, we traveled to DAWG Country (Starkville).  Bennett woke up as soon as we pulled on campus and was begging to get out of the car and go to the game.  It was 2 hours before game time and freezing cold, so we tried as long as we could to keep him in the car.  We finally got out and went to the Union to layer up the kids with clothes.  This was AK's first MSU game and both kids first Egg Bowl.  The kids did great at the game.  They both cheered "Maroon/White" and rang their cowbells loud and proud.  It was a great game.  The Bulldogs won! 

 

 

 

Micah taking Parker for a spin.

All 9 Great Grandkids 

Whose missing? 

My Angel without a nap.

 

Dixie Railroad - North Pole Express

We took the kids to the Dixie Railroad in Calera, AL to ride the North Pole Express.  It was our first time doing this event, but we had participated in the pumpkin patch event last year.  I will say this event is much better.  We went the first weekend it opened in hopes it would be warmer, but it was a cold night.  We got there early as recommended and the kids did not mind.  They enjoyed looking at the trains and walking around.  On the ride to the North Pole, the conductor told us the story of the Polar Express and we sang Christmas songs.  When we got to the North Pole, we saw Santa and Mrs. Clause and the elves.  Although the kids seemed so excited to see Santa, it was a different story when he came to talk to them.  Anna Kate screamed.  Bennett sat frightened.  Bennett did finally give Santa high-five.  Then the elves brought us chocolate milk and big cookies.  No complaints from my family.  Lastly, the elves brought the kids snowmen and us ornaments before saying goodbye.  I had so much fun with the kids and getting to experience this.  I highly recommend it. 

Now when Bennett hears Jingle Bells on the radio, he says he sang it on the choo choo train.  I think this means he had a good time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Festival

CrossPoint has an amazing Fall Festival.  I love having a safe place where kids of all ages can play and have fun.  Bennett and Anna Kate had a great time walking around, playing games, jumping, and eating candy.  Here are some pictures from the fall festival.

 

 Anna Kate as an owl.

Anna Kate and Bennett getting into the candy. 

  Bennett the Fireman

 

 

 

 

October Fun

October was packed with lots of fun.  We had my sister's family come visit with us for a few days.  It was so good to see my nephews and see the kids play together.  AK was more jealous this time when I would hold Micah. 

We also took Bennett and AK to the pumpkin patch in Hayden, AL.  We met some friends and took pictures for each other.  Bennett was so funny.  He talked non stop about going to the pumpkin patch the days leading up to going.  Then when we get there he seems disinterested.  He cried not wanting to go on the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, but once we got on he did not want to get off.  The whole time we were walking around looking at pumpkins, Bennett was more interested in watching the tractors pull the wagons to the pumpkin patch.  Neither Bennett or AK wanted to leave, so I think they enjoyed it. 

We also went to our church's Fall Festival for Halloween.  I have not got those pictures uploaded yet, but it was lots of fun.  Bennett was a fireman and AK was an owl.  The kids seem overwhelmed by all the people and things to do.  I was so proud of Bennett.  He got in the Mickey Mouse clubhouse jumpy thing all by himself and played for awhile.  AK does not like enclosed spaces, so she sat and ate candy. 

Below are some pictures from our this month.

Anna Kate and Ethan 

 Nephews - Ethan, Micah, and Parker

Ethan and Parker 

The Cousin Gang 

   

Pictures from September

We have had a lot going on the last few months.  Having gone back to work, I have to be organized, structured, and prepared.  I got to take the kids to the zoo while Kevin laid new flooring in the kitchen.  It was a beautiful day.  I was glad we got to enjoy this last trip to the zoo to see the animals before it got too cool.