Christmas lights

aaahhhhh... i just noticed a strand of lights out. this isn't this best picture... it looks better than this! Brady and Breck love to look out our windows at the trees.... it's magical to them!

Tis the Season

Lights, cords, plugs.... that's really all a boy needs. These strands of lights and electricity make them bonkers.... but in a good way. It's so much fun to see their excitement.

Outside Fun

The boys had a good time outside while Brian hung the Christmas lights. They are sooo excited this year for Christmas!

Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Day was a really nice day! We've had such awesome weather this year in Dallas. I have a lot to be thankful for and it's nice to have a day to celebrate all those things.

First Hello's

Well, here are a couple of my first hello's on Thanksgiving Day! The Healey's arriving and Mom in the kitchen getting her gravy on.

Are you ready for some footballllllllll?

Can't imagine a Thanksgiving Day without a little football being tossed around. Apparently I'm not really skilled at this game, my expression looks a little frightening. Maybe I should stick to cheering on the sideline...nah.... playing is more fun!

Boys in Motion

Love that top picture.... it's the total spirit of boys... always in motion! The cousins always have a good time with each other. Glad they're able to grow up together.

Food

Had to do a little highlight on Chuy because he LOVED his dinner. He ate like a man and then when asked to smile, he did his famous cheese face! Think he has a little sweet potato on that front tooth! mmmmm mmmmmmmmmm!

Eatin' the Bird

Thanksgiving Dinner was absolutely scrumptious, I must say. Mom cooked the turkey , sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and a few other things while Jolee and I made a few dishes too. Brady made the big step to the kids table this year and he loved it. I know he felt super special sitting there with his cousins. Miles the dog made periodic appearances at all ends of the table and I'm sure was fed his fair share. All in all, a very yummy meal.

Making the Christmas Chain

Here's what we do while the Cowboys are playing in the background...assemble Christmas Chains! Not sure if we totally get the concept and am sort of expecting all the chains to be torn off real quickly, but it was fun making it and it's another tradition that I always did as a kid. Nothing like building the anticipation!

2009 Turkey Trot

It's official, we made it to another turkey trot! 42nd annual turkey trot and you couldn't have dreamed up better running weather! I'm sort of big on traditions, and this one is real important to me. What a great way to give thanks for our health and family while we run together... and the spirit of the people around you just makes you smile. I always feel so joyful inside when we run this race... it's a special one! This year the boys were actually excited to come and see all the people....no crying or screaming this year... pretty nice.

Getting Ready to Trot

Here are the two handsome fellows just out of the car, getting ready for mom and dad to give them an awesome ride with so much to see...2009 Turkey Trot!

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

Well, I can't remember how many years I've done the turkey trot, but probably about 15. Brady and Breck have been at it every year counting back to when I was pregnant with both of them... yes, I trotted even then! I LOVE this tradition, it's so much fun and such a great way to start our day of Thanks.

Bounce House mania

Lucky us... the Turkey Trot had tons of bounce houses for the kids. They also enjoyed a marionette Christmas show and twisty balloons you'll see below. So fun.

Turkey Trot Kids area

Brady spied the twisted balloons floatin' around, so we HAD to find the balloon man. This guy was a hot commodity at the turkey trot. The line was long, but he was a fast twister, and both boys got dog's on a stick. I personally didn't want them to have the stick because it quickly turns into a deadly weapon when territory lines are crossed in the stroller, but I didn't have much choice, the dog balloon apparently can't exist without the stick.

My evil knievel

RIGHT.... Breck is my dare devil. Little chuy needs another nickname; evil knievel. This is another instance where I sing my praises to the video monitor. Breck was having his quiet time, or in his world, not so quiet time. I had brian check on breck.. and this is what we found. Breck scales the built in desk without assistance of a chair, we figure he uses the drawer handles. He throws off books, changing pad, diapers & wipes. Then he moves on to the shelves where we keep pretty, breakable things because we thought they were out of reach. He chooses to hurl those items off as well. He spends a little time flipping the light switch on and off then proceeds to stunt jump off the desk and rip apart all the books he took down. Good times. Last time this happened i found him asleep on a pile of shredded rubble. I have a feeling this little guy will continuously keep me on my toes! Gotta love him though and his aventurous spirit!

Brothers

Hmmmm..... I asked Brady to go into Breck's room on this chilly November morning to let him out. Well, Brady happily obliged and ran to Breck's room. He didn't come out, so i assumed they were playing. About 5 minutes later, I hear "mamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa come here"! This is what I found when Brian and I walked in the room. I guess Brady is making sure Breck knows who is big brother.

Beck's visit to Dallas

Here's little Beck on his first visit to Big D. He's 2 months old and cute as a button. He looks a lot like his Daddy... so funny how it seems first borns tend to do that.

Beck and I bonded fast... I love the little man and I do believe the feeling is mutual!

Breck was VERY intrigued by Beck and I can see them playing a lot in the future...especially since they are only a little over a year and a half apart.

Anticipating

Brady and Breck always get so excited when friends come over to play. Here they are eagerly awaiting their really good friend, Jack and little sister, Avery... and my good friend, Amy! It was fun as always... lots of running around & laughing.

The little creators

Here are Brady and Breck making their Birthday cards for
Papa.

Birthday Celebration

Dad's birthday, November 18, 2009. Whenever our crew gets together, Dad always feels the need to get the kids measured up. Without fail, everyone is always a little taller. I believe Jacob is now 5'11 and a half! That little piece of wall right there is an important part of our history and I hope it's preserved forever...meaning....if the kitchen is painted.... DON'T paint over that part!!!! Please... it's important!

My Daddy

Here's 'The Man' enjoying his day. Dad's birthday was fun and memorable because he spent it with what's most important to him: FAMILY.

Dinosaur Exhibit 2009

OK, this was a really, super cool exhibit and definitely worth checking out! The Dinosaur exhibit has life size, noise-making, realistic-moving dinosaurs set right out in the middle of nature! Seriously, this is the coolest thing and really lets you imagine what it must have been like when these crazy creatures ruled our planet. I've seen dinosaurs inside museum buildings, but it just wasn't the same as being able to see them among trees and our living environment. The boys would only get so close to a few of these dinos and they would cling a little tighter when they 'roared'... but i could tell they were honestly intrigued by them and enjoyed getting to see these life sized replicas! I think I've found a new place to come, the Heard Museum...that is, and might have to invest in a membership. Lots of learning and fun... and it's outside which i LOVE!

Land of the Lost

Yep, a little 'land of the lost' right here in Mckinney, Tx. This exhibit is open until Jan 31, 2010, and I highly recommend it... especially for those with boys! You get dinosaurs mixed right in with real nature and a little exercise to boot!
FAN-freakin-TASTIC!