Thanksbirthmas

Obviously I have some catching up to do. Somehow the time since Thanksgiving has been taken up with other things. Our trip to Dallas was a great time with Grandma and Grandpa. We celebrated Thanksgiving, Brooks' first birthday and Christmas! Here are a couple of pictures to get you caught up with us.

It's Contagious

First it was Daddy's turn for a haircut, and then Mommy's...and last night it was Addy's turn. Her first haircut was a success. A little more was cut than Mommy had planned, but we think it turned out pretty cute. She kept pretty still with the help of lollipops. It will be sad when she outgrows that bribe. They come in so handy!

Addy's New Room

I was a bit discouraged to realize that projects that used to take a weekend now take about two weeks. I guess there is a good reason for that, right? Our guest room is no more, but that doesn't mean you still can't come and visit! Adalynn has been moved into her own room (with a fresh coat...er, three coats of yellow paint) and it has a distinctive girly feel to it. She is very excited about it, and Mommy is very excited that both of her children are now sleeping peacefully through the night!

Reformation Day, Halloween, 10/31, etc.

Brooks enjoying the bounce house

Adalynn taking a swing

Little Daddy

Little Mommy

Our family

I hope you had a happy October 31. Our family dressed up and went to our church for the annual Reformation Day Celebration. We usually try to find a theme for our costumes, and this year decided that we would go as our family, in reverse. Adalynn and Mommy switched and Daddy and Brooks switched. I did not clarify with Adalynn that we were only switching appearances, and not roles. As I was fastening her seat belt (or trying to) before we left the house, I asked her to obey Mommy and sit still so I could do the seat belt. She said, "No, I'm Mommy!" Fortunately, that was the only time she tried it. Adalynn really got into the games this year especially when she discovered that there was candy given out. I think I saw her with 4 or 5 different lollipops during the course of the evening. We all had a great time, and came home with a ton of candy. The good part for Mommy and Daddy is that Adalynn hasn't yet discovered that it came home with us!

Thanks for the help, kids

Bath time is turning out to be a combo deal - clean the kids and clean the bathroom. From the amount of splashing that goes on with the two of them, I always get a clean floor...or at least a wet one!

Mommy in training

This is what I overheard yesterday:

Adalynn to Brooks:

"Brooksie, I have talk to you. You hit Matthew and Adalynn. That was not good. You need a spanking and sit in time out chair."

Do you think she has heard those words before?

Later, Adalynn to Matthew:

"Come here, Matthew, I have talk to you. You hit Brooks. That was not good. That was not good, Matthew. You need to sit in time out chair."

Funny.

Exhibition, anyone?

Preston & Davis came to stay with us last weekend, and the kids had a great time playing together. They even performed some very impressive "gymnastics." See for yourself!

So big!

Two of Brooks' new games: showing us he is "so big" and playing peek-a-boo.




Brooks has enjoyed some privileged Mommy and Daddy time today - Adalynn is in Chattanooga for a couple of days.




Other than quality play time, Brooks enjoyed a reading time with Mommy. And don't tell Adalynn, but he also played with her toys.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Adalynn has a special birthday message for her Grandpa.

Our Baby Boy

Adalynn tends to be in the spotlight quite a bit, but we can't forget our little cutie, Brooks. He is growing up so fast, and learning a lot. Here he is in his first baby-length feature, with his newly acquired skill of waving bye-bye.

All Aboard the Potty Train!

Adalynn is experiencing a new stage of life - potty training. I'm encouraged that she is doing so well, though I have a feeling we'll be going through a lot of lollipops.

Movie Debut

Here's Adalynn in her first web feature: a short film about vacation at the beach.

Living Responsively

Several years ago we decided, "Remember who you are...live responsively," would be our family motto. We know we are sinners, and are in need of a Savior. We know we are made in God's image, and should be a witness to that in all that we say and do.

So, here we are on the web. Hopefully it will be a fun way to show off to our family how big the kids are and share the funny things that they do. And hopefully it will also be a way to remember to keep the big picture in view as we live our day to day lives.