Chi Omega Market Shopping

When you go shopping with the girls, and you need a bigger vehicle to get you all home.  It was a tighter ride on the return, because we found so much good stuff at the Chi Omega market.  So excited to go home and decorate for Christmas!

Bass Pro Shop

John Chris had the day off, and the boys were at school.  We decided to do a little Christmas shopping at Bass Pro Shop, and Ridley was along for the ride.  Ooooooo and pointing were her reaction to all the animals.  She was completely entertained as we gathered up some goodies for the boys.

Northpark

I really pushed my good luck today, and I was pleasantly surprised at the wonderful afternoon.  I needed to pick up my bracelet at Tiffany's at Northpark, but I had all three kiddos.  I knew I didn't want to go after Thanksgiving, but I didn't want to wait until after Christmas when the mall calms down.  I decided we would go for it.  

The plan was to run straight into Tiffany's and straight out to the truck.  That part went well, so we started looking around.  Fountains, art, turtles, ducks, cactus plants, and lots of Christmas decorations gave us all something to look at.  

We decided to stay and walk around the mall.  We did a bit of shopping and playing, and it was one of the best days with all three of my precious little ones.  No fighting, whining, working.  Just laughs and fun for us all.

A Full Day of Christmas

We started the day with Breakfast with Santa at Town Hall.  I have heard about this event for the past few years, and we were fortunate to get tickets early.  It was awesome, and we will make this a new family tradition.  The breakfast was super laid back, and there were lots of fun craft activities for the boys.  The morning was complete when Santa arrived to visit and take pictures with the kiddos.

After breakfast, we were in full Christmas mode.  We ran some errands, did some shopping, wrapped gifts, and finished decorating the house.  We were all worn out by 7:30.  Goodnight, my sweet boys.

Shopping

Many things have changed since having children, especially how much and where I shop.  My favorite store is now TJ Maxx/HomeGoods.  I just love that I can find basically everything I need in one place at a good price.  It would be perfect if I could get groceries there as well. 

On today's trip, the boys tried desperately to push me to the limit.  I was really feeling my blood pressure creeping up until I looked up from the stacks of towels.  There were my boys laughing hysterically, along with a group of lady shoppers.  Ryland was trying on a bra - on his head!  Hilarious!

Lunch date

 My boys are not shoppers.  This is something that I have had to come to terms with over the past couple of years.  About the only store that they both love to go shopping is Sam's. Maybe it is all the big boxes, the jumbo shopping carts, or maybe it is the pizza.

Ryland actually asks to go to the Sam's café just for a slice of greasy cheese pizza and a lemonade.  I was happy to agree to an impromptu lunch date at the café today after we shopped.  We ate pizza and talked about summer, and it was the best lunch date.

Fabric shopping

 After not liking my dinning room and entry for two years, I have tackled the project of creating an inviting and polished space.  I have found the perfect rug for the dinning room, and now I need to work on re-covering the chairs.  I visited 6 fabric stores in search of the perfect fabric.  After rows and rows of fabric, I found the perfect one.  Now the manual work begins.  Next thing on the list is new drum lamp shades.

Crazy fun

I know, the photo is sideways.  I have tried everything to rotate the image, and I finally just gave up.  It's funny because that pretty much sums up the day. 

We needed to order passports for the boys, so they will arrive in time for our trip to Anguilla.  John Chris and I made plans and picked today to meet at City Hall.  I had printed all the documents and filled them out, and I also made sure I had all the necessary documents to validate citizenship and identity.  I loaded the boys in the truck and took off to Town Square.  I wanted to make sure we had plenty of time to visit the Anthropologie sale before we had to meet John Chris. 

Town Square was bustling, so I was shocked that I lucked into a car leaving right by City Hall in the shade and on the end of the row.  I was more than thrilled.  It took a little while for the person to load up, but I was happy to wait.  I noticed another car pull up in the other direction and put their blinker on.  Hmmmm.  I sat there patiently, and as the car backed out the other car realized I wasn't budging and gave up.  I unloaded the boys and got them situated in the stroller, and we headed off the Anthropologie for 10 minutes of shopping.

I was in a heavenly place.  The rustic, clean scent of the store and the beautiful clothing and accessories almost had me in a trance.  Until I had to catch the clothes rack before it crashed to the ground.  My dear Reed must have really loved the feel of the adorable pants, because he was desperately trying to take them.  After a couple of sweet mom moments that included a few threats, I almost found myself begging them to be good for just a few more moments while I looked at the new sales items.  My nightmare was fueled by the young employee who kept telling Ryland how cute he was as he ran and climbed under the clothes rack.  Thanks!  He is so cute.  I then realized that my two angels were really putting a damper on my heavenly excursion.  I made a bee line for the door, just as John Chris walked in.

We head to City Hall only to find that the passport office was slammed.  There were 5 other groups of people waiting ahead of us, and I couldn't help but feel bad for them.  As we sat and entertained the boys, we overheard that checks were the only payment method accepted, and that 3 checks per transaction were necessary.  What?  I skimmed back over the paperwork, and the payment section said nothing of that nature.  I had only one check, so we had to make a decision.  I voted to give up and go home, but John Chris didn't think he would be able to get another afternoon off.  He headed to the house to grab the checkbook. 

I did the best I could to keep the boys from tearing that place apart, but there is only such much 2 active little boys could do in a waiting room.  We played with the globe a little before it turned into a pushing contest with the winner knocking it over.  I safely kept Reed from electrocuting himself with any one of the million electrical outlets.  I remembered I had a toy in my bag, so I pulled it out and started entertaining them with the circus zebra that flies out of the cannon.  I really felt great as they argued about whose turn it was to chase the flying zebra.  It was finally our turn, and John Chris walks in right before she calls us over to the desk.  All our paperwork looks great and our documents pass her inspection.  They boys take their photos, and I write out 3 individual checks for the fees. 

We are done.  Task complete.  John Chris is completely overwhelmed in just the fifteen total minutes he was there.  We both agree that MiCocina's dinner and drinks sound perfect.  The craziness only got a worse, and I knew it was time to go when the bus boy walked by our table and mumbled "JESUS" under his breath.  Yes, I would have to agree.  It was a mess.  I attempted to clean up as John Chris paid our tab.  We politely apologized to the tables around us as we head out, and both of the couples smile and laugh as they tell us how adorable the boys are.  I have to agree, but today was just off.

When we arrive home, Ryland starts begging to go swimming.  He immediately starts whining and crying.  I slipped his water wings on, and I made a dash for the pool.  I jumped right in which made him shriek with laughter, because I had my clothes on.  He jumped right in, and Reed followed right behind too.  The three of us laughed and giggled as John Chris snapped our picture.  This was the perfect end to a crazy fun day. 

Shopping with little boys

Christmas shopping with 2 little boys is not the easiest thing I have attempted. I say attempted, because after today's trip I am not sure if I will be able to pull this off. We stopped a few special places and then headed to Kohls. After wandering around, picking out a few gifts, taking 3 trips to go potty, and making sure no extra toys got added to my cart, I was done. We got in line to check out when I noticed Ryland checking out the mannequin. He jumped right up on the platform and started checking out her legs and under the dress. I dug out my phone to snap a picture when the ladies behind me in line started giggling. Reed then died out laughing too. Ryland noticed we were amused, so the behavior continued. I finally had to tell him to get down and get back in line. Silly boy!

So big so fast

Today was one of those days. It was another reminder of how quickly my boys are going up. I was met by Reed standing up in his crib after nap. We knew he was working on it and would soon advance from his knees to his feet. He was so proud of himself.

While out running errands, both boys sat happily in the shopping cart. I couldn't believe that enjoyed it so much. Reed watched his brother, and Ryland helped me find the items on our list.

Black Friday

We started Black Friday with a huge breakfast at Cracker Barrell with the family. Uncle Clint and Aunt Kristi got off work at 7 AM, so we met them for breakfast. Grandma Bobby was able to meet us and get to hold Ryland.

After breakfast mom and I ran to a few stores to due a little shopping. We ventured into Kohls and racked up on toys for Ryland at 50% off! I think Nanna must have told him, because he can't stop smiling.

Family weekend fun

Nanna and Grandpa Jim came to visit for the weekend. They went to a Cowboys preseason game at the new Cowboys stadium. We had a great visit and enjoyed catching up. Nanna brought all kinds of new clothes and toys for Ryland. He now has new pajamas, school clothes, and other fun things.
Ryland got a new Maclaren stroller this weekend. It is super cool and lightweight. We plan on cruising in it on short quick trips.

Ryland, Nanna, and I spent Saturday shopping around town. Every time she comes to town we go to Garden Ridge. Ryland didn't seem to mind, because he had Spongebob Squarepants. Nanna brought him 2 stuffed Spongebobs. He loves them!