A Christmas and The Peabody

On Sunday night, we hosted my family's Christmas at our home. Justin grilled some yummy steaks and my mom and Melinda brought some fabulous appetizers, sides, and desserts. Everyone had a great time eating, hanging out and of course opening presents. I think the most favorite gift of the night was Colby's drum set from Brian and Melinda (we'll remember that!). Both Kinsley and Colby have been banging away on it all day!

Colby with his new camo hat.  Courtesy of Beau, of course.

Elmo Live, so cool. Thanks Mimi and Pops!

London's place to nap: a box of clothes.

Me and my fabulous new bag. Thanks for parting with it Melinda!

In her fancy duds

Santa's Little Helper

The whole gang

On Saturday, Justin, Mimi, and I took the kids to the Peabody to see the Christmas decorations and the famous ducks. It was decorated so beautiful! The kids LOVED the ducks. I thought Colby was going to go hoarse quacking at them!

So tired from all that quacking.

Kinsley writing on the wall at Huey's for lunch.

That is one huge tree!

In an old phone booth at the hotel.

This Thomas the Train is made completely of gingerbread!

The duck fountain

Quacking away

The kids in front of a huge gingerbread house

Enchanted Forest and More

We have busy these past few days. Here are a few pictures.....

Kinsley making chocolate chip pancakes with Daddy...YUM!

The kids made a "house" in the alcove in our den. When I asked Kinsley what her address was, her response, "108 Title Max." I think either she's watching too many commercials or the marketing department for Title Max should all get raises.

Kinsley had her preschool Christmas party this week. Colby and I got to eat lunch with the class. We also got to watch their Rudolph parade and have story time with the class. So much fun!

In their "poofy" vests. Thanks Mimi!

Yesterday we went to Enchanted Forest. My favorite part is the Festival of Trees. Different companies and individuals decorate trees with different themes and compete with each other.

Colby's favorite part of Enchanted Forest...going over the bridge and back.

Mimi and Pops came over Tuesday night to watch the kids while Justin and I went to a Christmas party. Mimi got this shot of Kinsley with her Christmas tree that she decorated. A little lopsided....

Hanging with Pops

Santa Picture

So it's a little small, but here is our Santa pic. Notice the entire family is in the picture. The kids were having no part of Santa, so wonderful Mrs. Claus suggested we all look at a book. Meanwhile Santa sneaks into the picture... genius!

Zoo Lights and More

On Friday, Mimi, Pops, Justin, the kids and I all went to Zoo Lights. We decorated cookies, rode the train and carousel (twice) and of course looked at all the lights and animals. It was quite chilly but worth it. We all had fun but I think Colby had the best time. Combine lights and animals and Colby was in his element. We met up with some friends there and Kinsley had more fun hanging with Ethan than anything else. On Saturday, we left Colby with Mimi and Nanny and went with some friends to see a local church's Christmas program. It was amazing. They had a light show, live animals (camels, a donkey, and a herd of sheep) and great music with a wonderful message. We really liked being able to show Kinsley the story of the birth of Jesus and reiterate the true meaning of Christmas. On Sunday, Justin was part of  a chili cooking team for our church's chili cook off. While they cooked, all the wives and little girls went for a shopping day. It was great! Sadly, Justin's team didn't win, but the chili was really good!

The best cookie ever!

Playing in the "snow"

Sharing a blanket with Ethan

Kinsley ready to see the living Nativity

Having fun at Mimi's

Show Week

Yesterday was Show Week at The Little  Gym where Kinsley takes dance and gymnastics. The families all got to come in and watch the kids do a tap, ballet, and gymnastics performance. It was so much fun. After last year having been at a "conventional" dance school it was nice to be at a little more laid back place this year. I am still amazed at how much they learned in such a short period of time. Kinsley's sweet dance teacher made the girls little tutu's (so cute)! There are only 2 other girls in the class and Kinsley is the youngest by a little over a year. She still did great and we are so proud of her! Here are some pics from that day and video of the tap and ballet performances.

Getting her medal

Busy, Busy

We have been busy with lots of Christmas activities lately. On Thursday night, Kinsley spent the night with Mimi and made gingerbread men and reindeer ornaments. On Friday morning, we took the kids to see Santa (I'll try to post picture later...it was actually pretty good). As tradition, if the kids do good when seeing Santa (and we use the term "good" loosely), Mimi takes the kids to Build a Bear. Kinsley got Holly Moose which she renamed Mrs. Claus. Colby got Hal the Moose which somehow got named Lit Up (his antlers do light up). Friday night our Sunday school class served and ate a meal with a local homeless shelter. It was a humbling yet amazing experience. It was also a big night for the kids, because they stayed with a real, non-family member babysitter...and did great! Today we went to our city's Christmas parade. The kids had a blast. Even Colby was waving at everyone! Tomorrow will be a special day too. Our church is having their Christmas cantata and Kinsley will get to go to "big church" with us. She went last year and did fabulous and had a great time.

Mimi and the kids with their bribes, I mean rewards

the best seat for a parade

waving to the parade people

waiting patiently for the parade to start

Put down the Scissors!

So Kinsley decided to cut her hair today. Colby was napping and I was putting away laundry throughout the house. Kinsley was at the table working on art projects with scissors and crayons, just like she does everyday. She calls me over and says, "Look Mom!"  I couldn't figure out what she was trying to show me. She tells me (very proudly), "I cut my own hair!" Then I see the tuffs of hair all over the floor. At first inspection I really couldn't tell, but tonight at dinner I saw where she hacked away. There are some really short spots. Thank goodness she has curly hair so I am the only one who really notices. Needless to say, the scissors are gone!