Christmas Tree Hunt

This year we asked Maggie and Harrison to come with us to cut down our Christmas tree. Harrison has seen our pictures from last year and has been talking about going with us for weeks. The farm we went to is great! They take you to the trees on a hayride. They also have a petting zoo, play area, train, snack booth, and picnic area. We found it last year and loved it. On our way there Samantha asked if I remembered the one ear goat. I had totally forgotten about it, but it obviously made an impression on her. Yes, the one eared goat is still there.

This was the kids first pick for our Christmas tree. After we told them it would not fit in the front door they decided to look for another one.

Here are the kids ready for the hayride out to the trees.

After seeing all the animals the kids were thrilled to find a playground for them to get out some of their engery.

The girls and boys enjoyed the train ride around the farm.

Let's go find our Christmas tree!!!!

After we cut the tree down the kids helped me drag the tree to the road so the workers could bring it up front.

Breakfast with Santa

Samantha's school had a Breakfast with Santa last weekend. We has a good time. Samantha got to see her friends and run around with them, and Cole managed to eat 3 donuts.
Merry Freaking Christmas Santa. Love, Cole. What he was really said was "No, I don't want too!!!"

But at least he enjoyed his donuts.

Christmas in Bethlehem

Our little Eskimo!
Last weekend our church had their annual Christmas in Bethlehem. They make the story of the birth of Jesus come alive. It was wonderful! As we entered the city and had to sign the census or risk being thrown in jail, Ceasar was on his thrown and we walked through merchants on our way to the stables to hear the story. The high light for the kids was getting to ride a camel.

"Look a donkey!"

Brandon, Samantha, and Cole on their camel ride.

Samantha and Cole loved riding the camel. As you can see they were all smiles!!!

The stable where we heard the Christmas story.

Samantha checking out the petting zoo. Her favorite was the calf. She laughed everytime he mooed.

Thanksgiving

We had another wonderful Thanksgiving. This year we went camping with my Dad's side of the family. We spent 5 nights in cabins at Flint Creek. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins ALL DAY. Samantha and Cole would crash every night after an exhausting day of playing, exploring, and smores.

Cole found a very comfortable spot on the swing with Honey. He loved to swing on the porch.

Uncle Tim and Uncle Frankie starting a camp fire. There were two people who were eagerly waiting to make smores... Honey and Samantha.

Samantha wanted me to show her how to roast a marshmallow not burn it!

Eating yet another smore!!!!

Big Daddy, Honey, Samantha, and Cole at our cabin.

Samantha and one of her many cousins, Brooke. They had a blast all week. Samantha felt like such a big girl when she was allowed to go off everyday and find her cousins.

Cole had a great time playing in the dirt... literally for hours.

The annual Morton Flag Football game. All the guys look forward to this every year. This year they didn't get to play much... it started to rain.

We had a great time! Samantha ate 6 plates of turkey on Thanksgiving day. Then on Friday she ate even more. I think it is safe to say that she loves turkey. Cole cut 2 teeth while we were there so he didn't eat much. It was so great to see everyone. What a fun and relaxing way to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are looking forward to next year.

Lighting of the Doves

Last night we went to the Lighting of the Doves. It is a festival in the Woodlands to kick of the Christmas celebrations. We had a blast. There were tons of things to do for all of us. There was music, craft booths for the kids, snow hill, food, and drinks. The highlight for us was the arrival of Santa. He read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and turned on the Christmas lights. After the lights were turned on there were fireworks. It was a wonderful way to start the holidays.

Daddy and his kiddos. The kids were more interested in the ice carving going on to my left than Mom taking a picture.

Bethany, Brad, Maggie, and Harrison met up with us. Here are the kids waiting in line for the snow hill.

Brandon and Cole going down the hill. Cole loved it!

Maggie on the hill.

Look at Harrison's hair! So funny.

Everyone loved the snow hill. I don't think anyone thought they would go so fast.

Frosty the Snowman was even there!

Cole was dancing up a storm to a Raga band that played on one of the stages.

I have to say that I got a great picture of the Big Guy. What a great Santa!!!

Cole made that star at one of the craft booths. He hasn't let it out of his site since last night. This picture was taken while Santa was reading. The kids once again were not interested in the picture. We had such a great time... I think this will become part of our holiday traditions.

Happy 38th Anniversary

Today my parents, Ginny and Frankie, are celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary. Growing up I always knew that my parents loved each other more than words could say. Their love for each other was evident in their day to day living, not only to my brothers and myself but also to our friends. Thank you for being such great role models. You are an inspiration to us all. So here is to the two of you and to 38 more wonderful years together. I love you!!!

This is a picture from Frankie and Timothy's birthday "poker crawl" this past summer.

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast

Yesterday, Samantha's class had a Thanksgiving feast. Everyone brought differnet dishes for the kids and their families to enjoy.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This is the lobby of our resort, Mayan Palace in Mexico. We had the best time in the 5 short days we were there. The resort was great! Small, not crowded, and clean!!!! We ate lots of food and drank lots of beer.

Brandon and I on a sunset cruise on our way to dinner.

Brandon looks like he is enjoying himself way to much! This was from the luau at our resort. I know what you are thinking a luau in Mexico?!? We said the same thing but for $25 we had an open bar, good food, and the best entertainment. Scott won a hula contest too. Everyone one needs to check out his performance on YouTube.

The pool had a swim up bar. Needless to say the guys spent a lot of time there. Well, I guess I spent my fair share of time there too.

Mary Louise and I had a great time. The guys played volleyball and the girls got to sit in the sun, drink frozen drinks, read, and take the occasional nap. It was as perfect as it sounds.

Mary Louise, Scott, and Brandon relaxing in the pool after a morning of zipping on wires through the jungle.

If you look real close you can see Brandon para-sailing with the city in the background.

The people at the resort had no idea what they were in for when they invited Brandon and Scott to play volleyball. These two could be heard all the way down at the beach laughing and trash talking each other. They were on opposite teams just for that reason. Once they got a little comfortable with everyone else playing no one was safe. After the first game the Bran and Scott were called the Hardy Boys by both staff and guest of the resort. What can I say they make an impression.

Hands down one of the best signs ever! This is the name of a charter fishing company at the marina.

The resort is located across the street from the marina. Surrounding the boats were tons of shops, bars, and restaurants. If you are ever there you must go to "Victor's." It is a restaurant that serves a shot of tequila with EVERY drink you order and after your meal they bring you a Kahlua drink. The owner, Victor, walks around going from table to table making a toast and taking a shot of tequila. We had a blast!! At the end of the trip we were ready to see the kids but not ready to come back to the real world.

Halloween

Here is Brandon as Frank the Tank from the movie "Old School." He was very proud of his costume. Much to the party goers dismay he decided not to be in total character... no he did not go streaking.

Cole and his new best friend Rylie. These two were so cute running and playing together. They did not say much but they seemed to know what each other wanted to do. They would look at each other and just start laughing. TOO CUTE!!!!

After tick-or-treating Samantha decided she was in charge of handing out the candy. She planted herself in this chair. Some of the other kids helped hand out candy too. Here is Samantha and Roo waiting for more trick-or-treaters.

The family picture. Samantha wants to be a cat next year and have me do her makeup like I did mine. Cole loved my cat makeup. Every time he looked at me he would get a huge smile on his face and say "Mommy, you a cat!"

Cole loves trick-or-treating. Bran said he would go to the door and yell "TRICK-OR-TREAT!" And if Cole thought the people didn't give him enough candy he would sit down right in front of the door and pout until they gave him more. Candy Whore!!!!!

Jamie the vampire and Terri the cat. We got to stay and hand out candy while the Dads took the kids trick-or-treating.

Frank the tank and the gynecologist. Chad had a sign on his back saying, "I'm not a gynecologist but I will take a look."

The Straughan's! Thanks for having us over, we had such a great time.

Brandon with Curious George and an Astronaut.

Callie (the cat), Jaylin (the devil), and Samantha (the astronaut). The girls had a blast playing together. Don't they look so cute!

I hope everyone had as great of a Halloween as we did. The kids got lots and lots of candy and ran and ran until they were exhausted. And Brandon and I got to hang out with some great people and eat great gumbo.