In the kitchen.

3 taste testers and 1 inspector.

Baby's bath.

She's stinkin wet! I can clean her.

Dade helps Dad.

You know you've worked hard...

Where's Dade?

Leaves.

Girls' Night Out.

Audrey and I had our first night out together. She requested that we go to Chuck E Cheese... it's the company that counts, right?

Leaving.

She was telling her doll, "say cheese and smile for my Mommy."

Fun and games.

Hot cocoa and Target.

Audrey said she wanted us to "push buggies" on our night out, so we made a three-fold stop at Target for hot cocoa and coffee, new headbands and to push a buggy.

Swimming.

Too many days inside due to rain and cold weather can lead to this... a sock fight ensued that had to be broken up.

Yes, we still have 4 children.

Here is proof that the older two have not been forgotten!

Unhappy.

About the only time Audrey gets upset is when its time to sleep.

Take my picture.

Sorry!

The boys having fun with Uncle Andy and Austin.

Christmas Night.

Playing with new toys? Not so much.

Mini me.

Baby? Check. Phone? Check. Groceries? Check.

Naptime.

Luke flies!

Angry birds.

Playing an educational game with Uncle Matt.

Without brothers...

Who would invent a lego lock for your overnight bag?

Frugal Family Fun.

Go to Frugal Family Fun Blog to enter to win an iPad and an assortment of children’s books courtesy of Target!

Anticipation

We made our annual Polar Express trip on Thursday with my parents, my sister and her family and my brother. It is always SO much fun! I took the kids to choose their new pajamas earlier in the week; the boys both wanted Lego Star Wars, Audrey picked purple (her current favorite color) owls, and Wyatt got sports pjs.

We had tickets for the 5:15 departure so it was still light enough outside to see the countryside while we drove down the tracks. During the ride, music from the movie is played, hot chocolate and rice krispie treats are served, your ticket gets punched with a 'B', the Polar Express book is read, Santa gets picked up from the North Pole and passes out bells to all the kids and Christmas carols are sung while the kids dance up and down the aisle... magical memories are made.

All Aboard!

Child of mine.

Multi-tasking at its best... just bathed her babies, talking to Mamaw, and grabbing a snack from brother's tray.

The stockings were hung...

I finally let go of the expectation (and the guilt that came with it!) that I would make handmade stockings for all four kids, and I ordered them instead! I am incredibly relieved! The kids found them wrapped under the tree today and enjoyed opening an early gift. Tonight that are watching The Polar Express in preparation for our train ride this Thursday night.

Snowglobes.

Lights

Last night, we drove to the square to look at the Wonderland of Lights. It was beautiful! The kids were in their pajamas, Christmas music was on and everyone was in a joyful mood. We also drove through the neighborhood where I grew up then stopped at Sonic for a treat. Is there any better way to spend a chilly evening?

All better

Chocolate pudding makes everything good. Audrey after a collision with Cowboy Dade's gun.

(Cow)boys will be (cow)boys.

My eldest boy roped my eldest son... never dull here!

Sweet

The kids and the chocolate dipped pretzels!

Wonderfully made

A few weeks ago, we studied the five senses and how God made us and knows us perfectly. The boys drew self portraits... they are too cute to not share them!

Luke.

Dade

Nine and ten.

Christmas dice.

Roll the dice, add the dots and decorate the ornament with the correct number of M&Ms.

25 books.

I wish I would have seen this idea about a month ago! We will definitely be adding it into our Christmas season next year.

Popcorn balls.

My first attempt per Luke's request for his Kindergarten Christmas party tomorrow.

Uncle Andy

Ready to ride!

My boys.

Ouch.

Brushing.

Cookies.

A sampling of the final product.

It snowed!

Our snowflakes.

Wild

Dade learning to sharpen a pencil with dad's pocketknife.

A tubfull!

In words.

I want to make sure and document our life until I can get pictures uploaded from my camera. I figured out how to transfer images from my phone -- see previous post, but somehow managed to delete ALL the photos from it last night!

Thanksgiving week -- We went to the Goforth's on Monday. Susan, Matt and their boys arrived that night. Took Christmas pictures Tuesday (you can view a few of them at Susan Gentile Photography -- client proofing -- password Tyler). Wednesday was spent with Houston friends. Delicious Thanksgiving meal Thursday. Drove to Wright Patman lake Friday morning to camp with my parents through Sunday. Home Sunday afternoon.

Dade's football party was Thursday at Chuck E. Cheese. He got a trophy and Tommy got an engraved pocket knife for being an assistant coach.

Dade and Luke had their first sleepover this past Friday night. They were invited to a campout for their friend, Micah's birthday. We made a date night of it and left the little ones with my parents, had dinner and got some Christmas shopping done. The boys roasted hot dogs, made trail mix, watched the Polar Express, hunted (fake) bugs in the yard with flashlights and had trike races. Dade woke up at three and tried to get out of the tent; he told the dad that he thought it was time to get up! The boys had a GREAT time!

The kids and I made paper snowflakes one morning this week and Christmas cookies Saturday night. We are looking forward to more Christmas activities from our paper chain in the coming weeks! Our Elf, Jack arrived and has found lots of good hiding spots; the kids all look forward to finding him each morning.

Other updates... Wyatt started clapping this week and tooth number two is trying to come in. Audrey got herself COMPLETELY dressed including socks and shoes the other day. She is very interested in her alphabet and often asks "what letter is this?"

Friends.

We were able to meet up with some Houston friends for a picnic and playdate at the park over Thanksgiving week. The boys knew they were going to get to see a friend but I kept who it was a surprise. We all had a great time!