Christmas with Ray and Jean

Look at that pile of presents!












Thanks?? I think. (This is the box my mom put a dancing chicken in. Couldn't resist taking this picture!)
















Yee Haw!



















Where's the spurs?







My Mom and Dad came up for a visit on Saturday since we couldn't make it to their house Christmas Eve. They brought with them some great presents, including a membership to the zoo! The kids are really getting a kick out of their stick horses and velcro dart boards. Thank You Mom and Dad!

Christmas Day with LP and Mollie

Is that for me?!












I think I can really tear up that steel ball bearing now that I have some tools!












Getting to work.



















Watching a movie in our new sleeping cots.







Roger's dad and step mom came over for a visit Christmas day and brought some great gifts for the kids. Jacob helped LP build the work bench, and Julia helped Mollie and Roger build the stroller, playpen, and swing for her new baby doll. The kids are having so much fun with their new toys.

Christmas Eve visit with Aunt Lori

Julia cuddling with Aunt Lori











Roger's mom bought the kids a play kitchen and his Grandma made the hats and aprons. Too Cute!

Snow Angel

What?!?!

The kids helping Grandpa open his presents.

We spent Christmas Eve with Roger's mom and step dad. They brought Grandpa home from the nursing home to visit and Roger's sister, Lori, flew in from Chicago. We were so excited because we haven't seen Lori in a long time, and we didn't want to miss the opportunity to visit. Julia took to Lori like they've never been apart, and they've only met twice. It was a wonderful time had by all.

The next George Strait

Mr. Strait himself













Showing Mommy how it's done





















Jacob is always so interested in Roger's guitar and wants to play all the time. Of course, we can't turn him loose with it, but I was able to get this guitar all for him. He loves it and plays every chance he gets. I have to say he's getting pretty good! :) He even lets Julia play sometimes.

Decorating the "Crispy" Tree

Obviously, putting on the tree skirt was very interesting, even to the dogs.

Notice the cluster of ornaments snuggled close together in the front.

JP putting on the bell ornament he picked out for himself this Christmas.

Julia putting on the snowflake ornament she chose.

Jacob helping put the berry sticks in the tree.

The kids finally understood what Christmas meant this year. They know the story of Jesus, that Santa brings us presents to celebrate Jesus' birthday, Julia got to see Dancer and Prancer up close, and decorating the tree was big fun. Julia can't quite pronounce Christmas, it always comes out "crispy". They were both soooo excited about seeing Christmas trees, so having one of their very own was over the top.

Pastry Chefs at Work

Sugar Bear





























Those are so yummy I can't help myself!!













Hey! I got icing on my nose!













It's shaky sprinkles and I helped.








The kids and I made some cookies for a Church party. We had a great time, but I couldn't seem to keep the kids out of the icing. They were so hopped up on sugar by the end that they were bouncing off the walls!

Hanging Christmas Lights

I didn't push the issue of hanging lights with Roger. He really doesn't like doing it, and after the McKinney firefighter died doing it, I didn't want to push my luck. The kids and I put lights on the bushes and trees instead. Of course I had to pick the coldest day of the year so far to do it. We had lots of fun and kids were always wanting to go outside and see the lights.

Rudolph got run over by a Firetruck

Roger went to donate blood for a McKinney firefighter who was injured in an off-duty accident. This engine was sitting on the ramp and I couldn't resist taking a picture. After a good look, it is an actual mount, not plastic. Too funny!

Christmas Pictures

Of course on the first icy day of the season we had an appointment to have the kids Christmas pictures taken. We braved the cold and ice and have some great pics to show for it. Enjoy!

Make mine a skinny Latte, low temp, with lots of whipped cream!

Now that's my kind of latte!

Gotta love fresh kettle corn on a cool fall afternoon.

We went to Dickens of a Christmas on the square in downtown McKinney the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It has become a little family tradition of ours. We went to Coffee and Cream first thing for coffee and hot chocolates. The kids had a great time coloring at the table (notice the HUGE latte cup for the crayon basket). Later they snacked on some fresh kettle corn while watching some carolers.

Thanksgiving at Grammy's House

And THAT'S for putting me in time out!














Julia, the Entertainer (she's actually pretty good you know!)




















Alright, I think the turkey's kicking in. I'm ready for my nap!















The Belle of the Turkey Ball in her new Snow White slippers. Thank you Grammy!



















Ready for the long ride.....







For Thanksgiving we went to Roger's mom's house, AKA Grammy, then went to my parents on Friday. The kids had a great time, but were definitely tired of traveling and being in car seats by Friday afternoon. We snapped a few pics. Hope you enjoy!

Chicken Biscuit's House

The kids go to the most wonderful sitter in the world once a week (thank you Ms. Tami!). When we go, the kids insist on going to Chicken Biscuit's House, better known as Chick-fil-A. They love the chicken mini's. We always have a great time eating breakfast out with Mommy before going to Ms. Tami's house.

Halloween 2008

Is he supposed to be the Lion or the Tinman?!













Throwing the "candy" at the photo op.
















He just saw all the "bounce hops" and this is the look of unbridled excitement.


















The shoes!











Pin the tail on the donkey. We had to cover his face with his hat because he wouldn't keep his eyes closed







The kids went as Dorothy and the Scarecrow. Julia was sooooo excited to wear her "sparkly party dress and sparkle shoes"! She grew out of the first pair of ruby slippers I bought her, so I decided to hit the outlet mall and buy some red Converse and decorate them. She still asks to wear them all the time. I also made JP's costume with some felt and rope. They had a wonderful time at Church and I look forward to planning next year's!