Maya's Milestone

Maya wanted to get her ears pierced so off we went to Claire's today. She was so calm and collected. She didn't even flinch. I couldn't believe it. We keep telling her how beautiful she is and she keeps saying "Oh I know!! :)"
She was all ready to go.

She had her hair clipped back. (and started to gather an audience)

Had her ears pierced..

... and admired herself in the mirror.

Luckiest girls in the world

My lucky girls also have a grandma in Scotland who has a talent for finding gorgeous dresses for them. Check out the beauties she sent this year. My kids love them and wore them to church today! Thanks grandma!

Gramma Jamma Gram!!

Just like my sister in law, Tib, I wanted to post about my mom's amazing Christmas Jammies. She makes them every year and she didn't disappoint this year. Mom, if you're reading, Morgan says she'll gladly take another gown just like the one she has.. even if it's a different color :) She's in love! We think they look great. We got some interesting pictures.... :)

The Big Christmas Surprise

In lieu of large presents this year we opted to take a surprise mini-vacation. The kids didn't know where we were going this past Monday until we pulled up to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. The place really is amazing. It has an indoor waterpark with many slides and an incredible amount of water attractions. The waterpark truly is the highlight of the resort. We also decided to get the kids a theme room called the Kid Cabin. They basically had their own cabin-themed room within the suite.

They also had a game that the kids could play where you used a wand to find various treasures throughout the hotel while completing various quests. Morgan and Maya had a good time playing that game while Melody took a much deserved nap.
They also had storytime with Santa. Can you see a little blonde girl who edged herself up to be as close as possible to the big guy?

Melody enjoyed the view from a safe haven, at a distance..

Morgan wasn't enthralled, but participated nonetheless...

The highlight of the trip was definitely the waterpark, which we visited 3 times.


We did end up leaving a night early because while the beds were adorable, they were way too close to mom and dad, were extremely uncomfortable and the kids all developed a cough. Daddy managed to get some money off our stay which was a bonus. We had a nice rest in our own beds last night and have some great memories.
Maya says it's the best present ever.

Hardy Har Har

My kids are trying to tell Knock Knock jokes this morning. Both Melody and Maya said "Knock Knock!" at the same time! When I said, "Who's there?" and Melody started to answer... Maya got her whiney voice and said, "ooohhhh!!! But I knocked first!!!"
At least she makes me laugh. Otherwise her lifespan might be in question.

Who needs boys!??

Girls are just as good at wrestling...
If you ask me.. Melody's winning.

Christmas Happenings

This week we made our gingerbread house..


Felt some cold weather.. (for Texas)

...and had breakfast with Santa..

I was feeling left out...

So I cut my hair too..

Ornament Exchange and Christmas Dresses

This year I participated in Tiburon's ornament exchange. I was excited to receive my ornament today from Kami! Isn't she cute for getting me an ornament for all of my M girls!? Thanks Kami!

I also wanted to post the girlies in their new Christmas dresses. Yay for Target!

Getting into the spirit of things

Morgan and I had a fun time making some Christmas cards this year. We mailed them out last week. Nathan and I are done shopping. I have teacher gifts all ready to go. I have wrapping paper and just need to wrap. All the decorations are out. The only thing left is to get some stocking stuffers. Now we can sit back, relax and enjoy the season. (and do a little baking) I love this time of year and the extra time I get with my kids doing stuff as a family.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Monkey See Monkey Do

Monkey gets her hair cut too!!

Maya's New Do

Maya decided she wanted her hair cut short. Here's the new do.

State Champ!!!

Check out the new North State Level 5 All-around champion in the silver division!
We are so proud of her. She also earned first on floor, second on bars, and third on beam. She's worked so hard and it's so great to see her do so well.

Mini Me

No... not this one....

Maya.

Isn't it funny how things out of the mouths of children don't sound the same as when adults say them? Every time the kids ask me for something unreasonable I tell them that I want a million dollars and that's not happening either. (Yes, I know.. sarcasm, not a good plan.)

Here's this morning's conversation -
Melody: "Mommy I want to go to Chuck E Cheese"
Me: "Really Melody? Well we can't go right now. It's not even open yet."
Maya: "Well I want to go to the Natatorium but that's not happening either!"

More Pictures

Here are the individual shots. I love them.

Annual Family Picture

Here's this year's picture.

Patriotic Day Parade

Every year Morgan's school has a patriotic day parade, usually on Veterans Day. The two littles decided to come along this year and enjoy the festivities. We all walked the 1 mile walk (I was pushing the two littles in the double jogger - good times.)
Maya and Melody decided to get their groove on to the song stylings of the 4 & 5th grade choir. (***Note**** Maya dressed herself. I just had to mention that.)



Morgan and her good friend Baylee....

Love for Grandma and Grandpa

My parents came to visit this weekend and we had a great time. Grandma always has a way of getting my kids to relax! We got pictures of Grandpa too but they're on Grandma's camera. We'd love to see them mom! Thanks for a great visit.

Addicted to Harry

Much to my delight, Morgan has become addicted to the Harry Potter series. She started the The Sorcerer's Stone last week and finished it this evening. She is understanding it and is excited about it. It's so fun. Of course I took pictures!


She was so proud of herself for finishing all 309 pages and her mother certainly was too!

Halloween Pictures

Behold the Countess of Darkness! (check out her nails!)

Daphne's looking pretty smart! She's ready to solve a mystery.

What's this? Is Daphne a shape shifter? No.. it's the costume of choice for the preschool party.. Supergirl! A girl can never have too many wardrobe changes.

Princess Aurora is blowing you a kiss. Pull up that dress Aurora!! Modesty! Sheesh!

Three unlikely friends.