Science Museum.

Nana and I met Cindy, Ray and their kids at the science museum to celebrate Christopher's birthday.

Luke the snowman, Dade the reindeer, and Audrey as Santa.Audrey found some books to read (then I noticed she also found a used piece of gum that she promptly put in her mouth... lovely).

Digging for dinosaur bones.

Building towers (Josh, Luke, Dade & James).

Fireman Dade.

Christmas Day.

We spent Christmas Day with my family. There was so much unwrapping going on that I hardly had any time to take pictures! I think Luke officially has every car and truck you can possibly buy! Dade got his first bow and (suction cup) arrow set.

Audrey got clothes, bath tub toys, and more baby dolls!

We spent the afternoon at my Aunt Melanie's then drove to my Uncle Danny's house with my grandmother, cousins and their kids... it was a full day!

Christmas Eve.

We were in Tyler for Christmas Eve with Tommy's family. Audrey made some tea for Papaw,

and read books with Mamaw.

Getting ready to open presents after dinner. (Luke, Audrey, Josh and Dade).
Santa came and gave all the kids a book and a stuffed animal. Luke got a moose and "If You Give a Moose a Muffin."
Dade got a cat and "If You Give a Cat a Cupcake."

Audrey got a big, soft princess book.

Santa was here.

Dade and Luke helped me send Santa an e-mail letting him know that we would be leaving town early. The "snow prints" Santa's boots left.I heard the boys go into the living room twice before 3 o'clock and had to tell them to go back to bed. When Tommy and I got up at 5:45, we found Luke asleep on the couch with his presents beside him!Audrey got more clothes. The boys got more cars and trucks.

Pre-Christmas at home.

We let the kids open their gifts from us on the 22nd before going out of town. This year Dade and Luke picked out a cake mix and icing to make a birthday cake for Jesus, and we put a piece out for Santa.

This was Elfie's last spot before heading back with Santa.Luke
DadeAudrey had a great time ripping paper off her packages this year."Cheese!"Princess coloring paper. We got the boys real woodworking tools and a wooden toolbox kit to build with Tommy. When I asked a salesman at Sears if they carried the hand drill in the store, he took me to the toy section. I tried to explain that it was a real tool I was looking for; he proceeded to tell me that it sounded "very dangerous" and that they carried a (real) "12 volt drill that would be small enough for kids to play with." Was he kidding?!

WARNING: this is not a toy!

Monster trucks they asked for.

The garage.

Dade and Luke built a garage for their Hot Wheels out of math blocks.

Season Openers.

Dade and Luke were finally able to play this past Saturday. They also had pictures so we were at the Y from 7:45 - 9:45 then back again from 12 - 2. It was cold and drizzly but it was a great day!

The Texans, winter 2009 flag football.

Dade playing center.
Playing defense and trying to pull a flag.

With Dad after the game.

He was soaking wet and covered with dirt and grass... he loved every minute of it!

The Astros, winter 2009 t-ball. (We obviously had no vote in the naming of the teams!) Dade was going to just play football but since he had been practicing t-ball with the team, Coach Shaw told him he might as well play!

Luke

Dade

Luke playing 3rd, Dade at pitcher

Trying to keep her hands warm.

Ready to run.

The Duke.