Christmas 2010

YAY...SANTA stopped by our house. After the year we had I was worried our kids wouldn't get a visit...I mean between Miles' terrible 2's and Tenley's attitude(which admittedly/ashamedly she got from me) I wasn't sure it was going to happen...

Look at all those goodies...

A PILLOW PET!!!!!!!!! Just what she wanted!

I think the whole Santa thing was a little lost on Syd...she didn't seem to think this morning was any different from any other.

Miles: "WOODY"!!!! "ere's Buzz?"

Happy little Christmas Babies!

Oh yeah...he got cowboy boots.

She was telling me about her Sleeping Beauty Barbie and how she can hold her while she watches the movie.

Santa even did his best to fill up the largest stocking(thanks Nic) I've even seen...yes...it's mostly candy.

Well...I think Christmas 2010 was a huge success. Tenley said they got everything they wanted...except she didn't get her own computer, and she really wanted one. I told her there's always next year!

Santa...was I Naughty or Nice?

I always enjoy when we are in Midland for Thanksgiving, because it means that the kids get to see Santa at Miss Casey's.

I guess the kids were nice because they pretty much got everything they asked for.

Tenley has come a long way...she used to be my "screamer". She HATED sitting in Santa's lap...at least now she can stand to sit beside him.

Miles wasn't sure about this...

Seems I have a new "screamer"...I have pictures where Tenley looks exactly like this!

It's even funnier close up...if that's possible. I know...he'll hate me years down the road for pictures like this.

Poor Sydney...she fell asleep before it was her turn...

I guess Santa made a good pillow, because sitting in his lap didn't phase her one bit.

Oh sure...now he smiles. It's amazing what a candy cane will do. And she sleeps...

Here is the whole gang...it's not exactly easy to get a picture of all the kids looking at the camera, and make sure you can see all their faces...while there are more kids waiting in line for their turn. And she sleeps...

This one's not too bad either. Miles isn't looking, but you can see him. AND she sleeps!

This one we took in Snyder after the parade of lights. It looks like she's sleeping, but she's actually looking at the candy cane Santa is holding...bad Santa!

Decorating the Tree

The kids were so excited when Goose pulled out the Christmas tree(back in December). They couldn't wait to help me decorate it. I was pretty excited myself. I have so many memories from decoratimg the tree with my Mom. As I started pulling out our ornaments I started tensing and getting nervous. What if they dropped one of my precious ornaments? It would be gone FOREVER! I quickly began wondering how my mom could stand to let us help her in the decorating process. I have decided she possessed the patience of champions...seriously...it's a wonder she didn't kill all of us. We were NOT perfect kids, contrary to what you most likely thought. 

I think I came up with a feasible plan...the kids put on their hand crafted ornaments and Momma handled the fragile ones. Yay...everyone was happy!

Miles wanted to get the ornaments as high as he could...he must have thought the tree would look funny with only the bottom half decorated.

Side note...ignore my messy couch...apparently my car got cleaned out, but the stuff hadn't been put away yet

Tenley put a lot of thought into where her ornaments should go. She wanted them all where she could see them

This is where Goose started pretending he had camera skills...he fancies himself a photographer whereas...if I get a picture at all I think I'm doing great.

I like this shot...don't know why I just do. Maybe he should take up photography.

Too many "extra" feet in the picture, but I like this one to.

They are holding their 2010 ornament...Miles got a "cowboy up" ornament with a cowboy hat  and a saddle hanging from the bottom of the "cowboy up" sign. Tenley got one that was decorated like a cookie...she said she liked all the colors.

Priceless!

I'm working on several blog posts, selecting the pictures, editing, wording, things like that...so until then here is an updated picture of the kids...ENJOY!

This is probably the picture I should have sent out with our Christmas letter. It is probably the closest depiction of all three of our kids.

Sydney...taking off her shoes and playing...classic!

Miles...climbing on the door...typical!

 Tenley...smiling ready to take the picture...about right!

Parade of Lights

Every year Snyder does a Christmas Parade of Lights. To be honest in the past it's been hit or miss. So this year I sort of had to talk myself into going. Goose was working and it was just going me be me and the kids. 

Well, the kids are only young once, so I loaded up the kids, stroller, gloves, jackets, hats, a blanket and away we went!

Lights...

I've never seen an electric truck look so pretty!

Cheer Stars of America or Cheer Star Academy...not really sure which it is...or if it's either...

More Lights...

Is that a school bus hiding under all those lights?

and more Lights...

After all the lights, we made our way to the gazebo and waited in line (for 45 mins) to see Santa...I'm not sure it was worth it, but the kids had fun...and I guess that's really all that matters.

Dang Santa...Syd was looking at the camera until he showed her that candy cane.

This year was a good one.

Thanksgiving Highlights

We eat Thanksgiving lunch at Goose's Grandma & Granddad's. Shockingly enough, the only good picture I got was of the food(and this wasn't even all of it!) We had a really good turn out...lots of family and friends.

 On Friday, we made our way to Midland to see Debra's(Goose's Mom) side of the family. We hung out there until Sunday afternoon.

 Wade was so sweet to share his crib...Syd needed a little nap...she made Woody take a nap with her.

 Miles loved playing on Kate's "inside" horsey. He informed me that Kate has a "inside" and "outside" horsey.

 Chris hard at work...we didn't let him stray too far from the kitchen.

 Turns out...Miles knows how to ride a bike...we added BIKE to his Santa wish list.

A little gingerbread house fun. The kids and their helpers had fun building these non-eatable gingerbread houses.

 Tenley had a blast...she was very particular about where the pieces should go.

 A little Uncle Goose and Wade time!

 "I sing because I'm happy"...a little star in the making!

 Cara and little(big boy) Mac

OK...I feel like I should explain this picture. The girls were playing with Kate's jewelry and they looked so cute I wanted to take their picture. Tenley was smiling and holding up her hand showing me her ring. Kate was smiling. So I told Kate to show me her ring...well she did! Next time I'll say hold up your hand.  

 The look just wasn't complete without the tiara

 Sydney & Wade.

 The kids lined themselves up...they were waiting for Uncle Chris to start Toy Story 3.

 Papa & Syd(I can't be sure, but I think she had a rough nap!)

 Wader the Mader(Luke's name for him)

 Miles LOVES his Daddy! I think to him there is no better place to be than his Daddy's lap.

My pretty little girl!

Rachel was so sweet with Syd...Syd enjoyed every minute Rachel played with her.

Tenley crawled up in her Papa's lap and they just loved on each other...very sweet...A great last day!

There you have it...Thanksgiving 2010...it was wonderful!

Thank you Chris & Alanna for opening up your home to all of us...