Santa 2008

We saw Santa at Park Plaza mall tonight. Ruby and Trip were both happy to sit in his lap even though Trip was just wanting to get it over with so we could go eat. Ruby told him that she wanted MORE Barbies. Yippee!

Candy Land

I think even adults get bored those last few days before Christmas anticipating the arrival of new toys. Yesterday was especially bad knowing that, because of the icy weather, we'd be stuck in the house for a couple of days so Santa made an early delivery of Candy Land. Ruby and I have gotten in a routine the past couple of weeks of playing a game as soon as Trip goes down for a nap. Then she knows that it's "Mommy" time and she has to entertain herself while I do "Mommy" things. Candy Land was one of my favorite's when I was little so this was actually really fun for me (unlike some of the preschool games which can be really boring). Only 4 more days until Christmas in Heber!!

Gingerbread Houses

Friday night the Brzezinskis & Days joined us for dinner and afterwards the kids decorated gingerbread houses. Yes, that is Rex piping. Ruby decorated most of her house but when she lost interest, Rex jumped in and did a great job giving our house some finishing touches. Trip and Ruby both tasted just about every type of candy on the table and Trip helped himself to icing. Thanks for a fun evening Somer, Clif, Vivian, Bauer, April, Craig, Morgan, and Gavin!! We'll definitely do it again next year.

Holiday Lights 2008

Saturday night we bundled the kids up in their Christmas pajamas and went to see the holiday lights at Burns Park and Sherwood. Ruby pointed out the several "tivities (nativities)" and surprised us when she also spotted "Bethlehem." Trip who is talking nonstop these days was pointing out everything and loved the "choo choo train." He also constantly tells us that "it's dark out there." If you haven't been to see lights yet, I recommend Sherwood over NLR. It's free, a better display, and you get free full-size candy canes! But, $5 a car at Burns Park isn't bad for some easy kid-friendly entertainment either.

Elf on the Shelf

Sunday night, we introduced the kids to our new book "Elf on the Shelf." If your not familiar with this book, in a nutshell, the elf is Santa's helper who reports back to Santa every night how the children are behaving. Every night the elf flies away to the North Pole to see Santa and reappears the next morning in a new place in the house. Each family names their elf and Ruby decided on the classic name "Dwayne" for our elf. When I finished reading the book, Ruby gave Rex and I a look that said, "Yeah, right." I don't think little smarty pants is buying it but we're going to milk it as long as possible. =)

Thanx 2008

We went to Heber Springs on Thursday and had Thanksgiving with Rex's family. 1st we went to Memaw Decker's (Rex's mom's mom) and Ruby had fun hanging out with her cousin, Waverlee, and Trip rocked out on RockBand. That night we headed to Mammaw Jessie's (Rex's Dad's mom) and soon after we got there Uncle Robert (Rex's Dad's brother) showed up with a deer and the men just had to include Trip in on the celebratory action. I tried to edit out the bloody deer carcass. Thank you, Rexy, for not hunting anymore!! Ick!!

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Scarecrow Outfits

A couple of weeks ago we met the Days at the Museum of Discovery for a play date. Ruby and Trip wore the matching scarecrow outfits that belonged to me and Jeremy. I tried several times to get a good photo of them together but just getting them in the same frame was a challenge. Thanks for the outfits YaYa!