Christmas

We had so much fun with our family this Christmas! Here are some highlights:

Austin Children's Museum and Hula Hut 

A few days before my parents arrived my uncle (he lives in San Antonio) and cousin (visiting from California) called to see if we wanted to meet them for dinner while my parents were here. We met them the day my parents arrived, so after picking them up from the airport we headed over to the Children's Museum to kill some time before dinner at Hula Hut.

Gingerbread houses

Christmas Eve and Day 

On Christmas Eve my mom and I planned out the nativity with songs and everything. It was a nice little program. Unfortunately it ended up being anything but spiritual. Landon was running around shooting everyone with his shepherds crook. At the end everyone went around saying something they were thankful for. Landon was thankful for shooting, hahaha. On Christmas morning the kids (including Uncle John) lined up youngest to oldest and marched out to find their stocking full of goodies.

For as long as I can remember, whenever we ask my dad what he wants for Christmas or for his birthday, his response is always, "World peace". Looks like he's going to have to ask for something new. Dad finally got what he's always wanted!

Witte Museum, The Alamo and Rainforest Cafe 

The day after Christmas we went took a trip down to San Antonio. Even though Ainsley didn't love "Remembering the Alamo", it was a fun day. A few days later our California family headed back home. It was so much fun celebrating Christmas with them this year! We miss you guys!

Catching Up . . . Yet Again

It seems like I've been doing a lot of catching up lately. Between doctor appointments, helping out at the girls' school, joining a woman's soccer league, allergy shots for me and Kaylee, trying to stay healthy, my church calling, entertaining a three year old, and all of the daily hubbub, I've started to neglect things like scrapbooking (it's been a year), sewing (although I did finally finish Landon's quilt), and of course, writing. So, on that note, here's some of what we've been up to this month.

PTA Reflections

Kaylee entered a PTA contest this year and ended up with a second place ribbon for photography in the Pre-K through second grade division. The theme was "Beauty is . . . " She decided that "Beauty is Flowers", so we took her to the botanical gardens, gave her a camera, and let her shoot away; she made a collage out of her pictures. We were able to attend an awards dinner where she received her ribbon.

Let it Snow

After hearing about the major blizzard along the east coast this is going to sound like nothing, but yes we did enjoy a day of snow flurries a week or so ago. It didn't stick, but it was fun none the less. The girls were in school when it took place, but since it's such a rare occurrence here their teachers took them outside to play in it.

Christmas Cookies

Last week the girls had an early release day from school, so we invited some friends over to bake and decorate sugar cookies. The little boy in the red is Kaylee's friend Jacob. They're in the same class, and as it turns out our sweet little Kaylee has a crush on him. We've been told by his parents that the feeling is mutual. It's funny though, when he and his sister (she's in first grade) come over, Kaylee plays with Madelyn, and Landon plays with Jacob.

Class Parties

On the last day of school before Christmas vacation the girls had class parties. Ainsley's class (along with the entire third grade) made ginger bread houses and ate a giant feast of goodies. Kaylee's class just had a giant feast of goodies. Landon and I ran back and forth between the two parties.

Christmas Outfits

Grandma Gadd loves to send Christmas outfits to the kids. This year she made lovely skirts for the girls. I was included this time, so the girls and I have matching skirts! I don't have any full length pictures of us, but the skirts turned out so cute. Landon received his first tie, which is adorable on him!



Today Grandma and Grandpa G are flying in from California, and tomorrow Uncle John arrives. This will be the first Christmas we've spent with family since we moved to Texas. We're so excited to have everyone here!

Christmastime is Here

The weather has turned frosty, and there's a chance of snow on Friday. We don't get snow very often in Texas, so we are hoping that the weather prediction is correct. Our house looks and smells (yummy cinnamon plug in) festive, almost all of our shopping is complete, and we are ready to focus more on the birth of our Savior. 'Tis the season for hot chocolate, fires in the fireplace, scarfs, and warm sweaters. I love this time of year!

He's Not a Baby Anymore

Landon is growing up so quickly! I'm sure part of it (like his sass) is due to having two older sisters, but mostly he's just getting older. He recently discovered that he loves taking showers. If we let him, he'll stay in the shower until the water runs cold and then, through chattering teeth, argue with us about getting out. He loves Transformers. He and Chris like to watch old Transformer cartoons together and are usually calling each other by their Transformer names. I usually have Rumble and Soundwave Transforming around my house. Bumblebee is another favorite. Wii boxing has suddenly become a hit in our house. We haven't been playing the Wii at all lately, but the other day he and Kaylee decided to play Wii Sports, and boxing was their game of choice. Landon's boxing style is entertainment in and of itself. Apparently he really wants to play Band Hero too. I was looking at it online yesterday, and he announced that he really wanted it. When I asked him if he even knew what it was he said, "Yeah Mom, it's rock 'n' roll!" I love having a little boy running around my house. He can be such a stinker, but for the most part he's tons of fun. He may be growing up fast, but he'll always be my little guy.

Catching Up . . . Again

Halloween

Couldn't make it to ward party - Went to another ward's party - Library party - Pumpkin Carving - Trusted Kaylee with a carving knife - Carved it by herself - 50's girl Ainsley - Devil Kaylee - Dog with jelly bean spots Landon (Jelly Bean Dog) - Mom slaves over Landon's costume (sort of) - Landon decides he wants to wear Batman pajamas - Compromise - Trick-or-Treating - Grandma and Grandpa Y - Lots of candy - Lots of fun!

Portraits

Another Surgery

Landon - Adenoids - Very brave - Wild after anesthesia - Big scratch on face - Asked for and ate three bowls of goldfish after surgery - Grandma G - Speedy recovery - Doing great

Happy Birthday to me!

November 18th - 31 - Celebrated with Mom before she went home - Cake - Landon baked - Kaylee frosted - Ainsley decorated - Grandma supervised - Decorations - Presents - Flowers from Dad - Good times!