The week before Christmas

WANTED
Inexpensive house cleaner. Dependable and must posses the willingness to learn.

Dear Wanted,
I am very reliable and work hard all the time. I don't ask for much in return, just a little love and attention. I am an expert duster (I even do it on my toes) and love to organize. References available upon request!


Santa is a little confused as to when he's supposed to come to our house this year. Since Brian leaves tomorrow for Spain (it's a long and complicated story why he's leaving a day earlier but with a little luck we just might all make it there on time) we decided we better open some gifts before he left. PS - Please don't look too closely at Kendal, she just finished her lasagna and ran to the presents, now I know why I should've bothered.

A view from above

Have you ever seen anything quite like this? He couldn't wait to put it all together. TCU flag and pole, license plate, car flag (hat and polo not pictured). What's next?!

Weekend

We had a great weekend watching Kendal in another solid dance performance topped off by a trolley ride (which she and Beckett both fell asleep). Saturday night we hit a carriage ride and even though it just went around the mall parking lot Kendal thought it was great. We are gearing up for Christmas...only 5 more days!!!

Ok so that hat's a little small

Kendal and Daddy in line for the carriage ride. I can't tell you how many compliments she got on her boots but who can blame her, I want a pair!

Mommy and Beckett on the ride

Did he just see a ghost or something?

4 Months

Here are Beckett's stats for his 4 month check up...
Weight: 13lbs 14 oz (gained 2 1/2lbs in 2 months)
Height: 26 1/4" (grown 3 inches in 2 months - go Beck)

A breakthrough???

As most of you know I have been STRUGGLING to get Kendal to go on the potty. After a week on and off asking at random times to wear her big girl underwear she finally actually went on the potty! Now this is HUGE for her...she has been sitting on the potty for a year and I have NEVER seen her go until this week, she's gone 2 full days without pull ups (during the day) and she has even told me she had to go!!! It's amazing how exciting this can be for me but I guess that's what you call parenthood. Unfortunately we are not out of the woods yet, we still have a few more obstacles, but I am encouraged and again so proud of her!

Another great week

The cheesy "cheese" smile and what's with her pose?! Her last day of fall class.

Shannon's "shower"

Gearing up to decorate the choo choo train

Everyone is very busy in their own way

A birthday party. What girl wouldn't want to be in the princess room?

The Dance... Curtain Call

Evidence that Kendal enjoyed her first dance recital: check out how eager she was to lead the curtain call ahead of all the others... and how the "Hip Hop" dancer had to hold her back. Hey, a girl's gotta have her spotlight right!?!

The Dance... Big Finish!

Here's the closing portion of Kendal's dance... notice her pose when the song ends. Still can't believe how well she did. We are sooooooooo proud!

Part of....The Dance

Our little star

Part of The Dance

What a weekend

We kicked off Friday night with Kendal's first dance recital...it was the best event EVER! Grammie and Grandpa drove up for the big debut and Michele and Sam came to cheer Kendal on (what great friends we have that would spend their "date night" watching Kendal dance). I was a little apprehensive of how Kendal would do but she did amazingly well and I think this is just the beginning of many recitals to come. We also had breakfast with Santa and the kids got to stay with Grammie and Grandpa while mommy and daddy tore it up at a Christmas party!

Waiting for the performance

Afterwards

Kendal and Kara

Making a gingerbread house with Grammie

Tis the Season

With 15 days until Santa arrives Brian and I decided it was time to get a Christmas tree. Our little helper enjoyed the hype but also spent just as much time finding rocks and making us put them in our pockets - gotta love the mind of a 2-year-old!

Hanging the first ornament (a bow and light bulb from her dance teacher).

Becks/Kendal

Rainy Day

Tonight I was sitting on the couch next to Kendal and we were discussing her day. Right in the middle of chatting she leaned over and gave me a kiss. I was so proud that she wanted to spend that time with me and I thought she was actually appreciating our conversation until she immediately kissed the couch.

Can you tell who picked out Kendal's outfit? She's really into dressing herself these days and I just love how she makes her own decision (well, when they are good choices;).

And of course we never leave home without her cars (at least 2 of them).

Several pics

Here are a few pics I thought I'd share, enjoy!

Well hello there!


Kendal was showing Becks her Minnie Mouse, not sure what he thinks about her.

I'm always surprised to find out what's in the refigerator.

All smiles

I put him down on his tummy and he actually fell asleep like this...

faceplant on the mat.

Happy Birthday Reese

Yesterday we went to the park to celebrate Reese's 2nd Birthday. Shannon brought brownies and the kids celebrated his big 2nd year. Get ready Shannon only 5 weeks left until Tripp is born!

Reese, Brody, Emory, Riley, Kendal, Kyle and Tyler

Kendal and Reese

Thanksgiving

Who says you have to cook on Thanksgiving? Apparently no one I know because I didn't cook one thing but definitely ate as much. We decided to head east to Santa Fe for the holiday. So we loaded the minivan (I know I said it but they are practical) and headed out with Grammie and Grandpa. We took two days to get there and went north to the Hopi Reservation on the way home. Not your typical Thanksgiving holiday but we spent time with those we love and that's what it's all about anyway.

Kendal on top of the 1st Mesa at the Hopi Reservation.

The 1st Mesa. Can you believe people actually still live here? We went into one guys home and all came out realizing how much junk we have, he lived so simply. However, it did not convenience me to get rid of any clothes or shoes, you never know when I just might wear that!

I swear he could breathe

Daddy and Grandpa took Kendal and Beckett on the train. It was a huge hit but maybe next time we'll plan it so that they're on it during the day when you can actually see out.

Our Thanksgiving lunch we stumbled upon, it was fantastic!!!

Yep, we actually stayed here and for those of you who can't read it it says, "The Charm of yesterday, the Convenience of tomorrow." Who else can say they stayed in Ronald Regan's Presidential Suite in a hotel with neon pink lights?

Car ride fun