Christmas Spirit

We had a fun "christmas spirit" day getting ready for the holidays! We started by making some festive cookies that the boys promptly ate.

Then, the tree and outdoor lights were put up. Daniel and Brooks crack me up! They pulled up stools and just sat and stared at the tree while eating their apples.
Finally, after baths, dinner and in p.j.'s we decorated the tree and topped it all of with a cup of hot cocoa. Tucker, of course got involved. Hope he doesn't decide the ornaments look like chew toys.
Proud of their finished product!

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family. We had such a wonderful time in Waco hanging out with the family. Here are all the grandkids "hanging" around...couldn't resist! My mom had the kids make these shirts on Wednesday with their hand prints - so CUTE!
This is Daniel around 5:00 - completely worn out.
A little game of monkey in the middle post lunch/naps...

The kids put on a play for us right after lunch that was so cute. They had rehearsed it the day before and even had props - note Daniel's ears and tail (he was the puppy).

Nathan just loves the new bb gun at Buddy and Birdie's house. He was "hunting" birds for hours in the fields. Birdie was not happy about the whole thing!
Daniel getting some love from Birdie
And, it would not be a trip to Waco without lots of rides in the jeep. Brooks was actually able to drive and steer the jeep really well this trip which was so much fun! It's so adorable to watch them drive.
Thank you Birdie and Buddy for a wonderful time! We love you.

Annual trip to Rodeo in Waco

In October we always make a trip to the fair and rodeo in Waco and always have such a great time. I couldn't include all the pictures, because I am an impatient blogger, but here are a few.
the four older kids had such a blast on the rides. I am pretty sure Daniel has never laughed so hard!
Brooks was so sweet and loved on all the animals in the petting zoo
Daniel too! He and this goat were friends.
Nathan always loves petting all the animals. He is really so sweet with them
Cara, Codi, Nathan, and Daniel - the fab four!

Football Season

Nathan just finished up his first football experience this fall and I think despite a slow start, he had a great time. His team was named the "Rabid Dogs" (their choice) which was interesting to cheer for. But, it was a very positive experience and now he and Michael love to throw the football around in the yard.

Halloween

Nathan (Gingka) and Daniel (Kenta) ready to head to the party!
Brooks (superman) having a blast at the party - he was not into the pictures beforehand.

Brooks 2nd Birthday Party

Brooks had his birthday party at Austin's Pizza today and he had such an awesome time! Thank you everyone for coming to celebrate this precious boy.
Abigail
So happy and excited when everyone was singing
Amy and Charlotte
Cousin Codi
Cousin Cara
Daniel
Nathan
Birthday Boy - post pizza and cake with all the colors and dirt to show for having a great time.

Happy Birthday Brooks!

Brooks turns 2 today!! We are so excited that our little guy is continuing to grow up and be so much fun. I choose some pictures to describe a little bit about him. This one is FUN!!
MISCHIEVIOUS!
DIRTY!!
THOUGHTFUL
SWEET

Daniel chose an "army" theme this year for his 5th birthday so we were all in camo gear and did lots of activities/games in the backyard. We had a great time and I think the kids did too. I am pretty sure we could have just had a trampoline and cake and everyone would have been happy.
Ryan excited about hitting the target!
Brooks and Joy hitting the shaving cream target with the water guns - this was a big hit!
Nathan zip lining- most of the kids loved to do this too...Daniel wanted to call it "flight training"
blowing out his candles
Codi and Daniel hanging out after the party...I have to say she was so helpful during the party and just a delight to have around.
Birdie and Buddy, who always make it to the boys' birthday parties, hung out afterwards with us for lunch. Thank you so much for all your help and love!!
A rare photo of the birthday boy and mommy

Happy 5th Birthday Daniel

How are we so lucky to have such a bright, fun, and energetic five year old? Happy Birthday Daniel. I cannot believe 5 years have gone by, but you are definitely a blessing in our family and we love you so much. Below are some random pictures that I though were fun to show and see how much you have grown and changed. What a sweet little man.