Tom is back!

Our friendly Christmas spy came to visit again this year, and I am so happy he has arrived. I am really looking forward to him telling Santa what the boys are up to everyday. Tom, the elf, brought Christmas pajamas and Advent calendars for the boys.  Now where could he be hiding to surprise the boys?

 

Thanksgiving Take Two

Our second Thanksgiving celebration was in Ruston with the Allison side of the family.  We had a great time visiting with some family that we hadn't seen in a while and catching up.  Ryland had requested that they go hunting for brown or black animals, so the boys layered on the camo and headed to the woods.  They came back a short while later, and they hadn't see anything.

 

 

On the second trip to the woods, John Chris realized that the pressure to shoot something was pretty intense.  This time they came back with a squirrel, and the boys were so proud.  Ryland wouldn't touch it, but Reed had no problem showing off their kill. 

Now to skin and eat this prize kill.

Thanksgiving Take One

We started our Thanksgiving celebration with my side of the family.  We had a great time visiting, laughing, and catching up.  My mom had started decorating for Christmas, and she had her life size singing Santa out.  Unfortunately, he wasn't making any noise.  Good thing my brother and John Chris love little projects.  They completely dismantled Santa and brought him back to life.   

 

We spent the evening playing Logo Party, and the two little ones had to be right in the middle of the action. 

 

 

Pediatrician visit

Knowing that the boys were sure to really come down with whatever they are fighting as soon as we leave town, we headed to the doctor.  We had a yucky morning, and the doctor confirmed that we needed some medication.  Neither one of the boys had been to the pediatrician since March, so we had a great streak of wellness. Hoping we can shake this off, and they are back to normal soon. 

 

Mess

What a beautiful nursery?  More like, what a mess!  Since we are completely re-doing the master closet, the nursery is the temporary storage area.  I quickly realized that I have way too many clothes, and I have been holding on to some older items that I need to give away.  Today I decided to doing a little purging, and I had two little blonde helpers that were in the middle of all the action.  Can you find them?

 

Lovey

A sure sign that my sweet lovey is getting sick.  Reed wanted to watch a show in my bed and rest.  I came in to check on him, and he was almost asleep.  He had some M&Ms in a little pile on my comforter.  (???)  He is so sweet and such a cuddle bug. 

 

Puzzler

Reed has become very interested in puzzles over the past few weeks.  As I cooked dinner tonight, I noticed that once again he was completely entranced.  He spreads the puzzles out by the fireplace and will sit quietly until each one is assembled.

 

School Feast

 

The boys had an awesome week celebrating Thanksgiving at school before going on break.  I am the class mom for Reed's class, so I stopped by to set up their feast.  When I arrived, I noticed this thankful board.  It was so sweet and pretty darn funny as well.

 

Ryland's sweet teachers sent a kind note, and it warmed my heart that he has such wonderful teachers.

 

Ryland as Running Bear, complete with makeup, head dress, and jewels. 

Playing together

One of my favorite things is to watch the boys play together.  The boys didn't want me to put up the pallet blankets, because they wanted to build a fort.  I watched them talk and create a plan, and it made my heart so happy.  I love that they are buddies, and their dog is right there with them.  Pure happiness.

 

Mavs game

We thought the boys would enjoy a Mavs game, so we all braved to chilly weather for a little fun.  It was a great night, and the boys had a blast.  We cheered and made lots of noise, and the boys got beads from the Maniaacs.  It was awesome!

Soccer season ends

The Fireworks' Fall season came to an end this morning.  They all had a blast learning new soccer skills and chasing the ball, and we were pretty amazed with Ryland's progress over the past few months. 

 

Since the last game was a make up, half the team were unable to make it.  The kiddos were thrilled to get trophies and doughnuts!  

Reed was a cuddle bug this morning as we tried to stay warm while watching Ryland.  We had to take a quick pic. Reed is such a picture hog, so he had to take a few more of us.  I just love these.

 

Project time, again

I guess we have had a few months of no house projects, and it was time to get started again.  Actually, I think I am on a pregnancy rampage.  I am ready to finish up the last area of the house that we haven't touched - the master bathroom and closet. 

 

We decided to start with the closet, because there is lots of cabinetry I wanted to add for storage.  The design is complete and the cabinets are in our "workshop garage".  Now all the sanding and prep work will start.   

 

 

Of course, the boys are just thrilled to help on another project. 

Thankful

 

We have started a new tradition to celebrate thankfulness.  We talk about all the things we are thankful for each evening and chose one of them to write on the glass of the frame. The discussion with the boys is pretty funny, and they are thankful for the cutest things.  

Party time

Chuck E Cheese birthday party!  Whoo hooo!  The boys were very excited to celebrate a friend's birthday at one of their favorite places.  They played for hours and had a blast with their friends.

 

 Ryland found a new game/ride that he had never seen before, and he jumped right in with his friend, Harker.

 

 While Reed waited to try out the jet ride, he saw a new monster truck ride.  He was completely over it and moved very quickly to the monster truck.  I love how he jumped right in and started driving.

 

Before I knew it, the truck lifted up, and Reed laughed hysterically.  He loved it!  He stood up and peaked over the windshield.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Ryland is still enjoying the jet ride, and they have added another friend. They played until they ran out of coins, and they begged for more. Chuck E Cheese is a blast.

Jack O'Lanterns

We have had a crazy October, so we are a bit late on carving pumpkins.  We couldn't let it pass us by, so we stayed up a little late tonight to have some fun.

 

 

 Time to clean out the yucky!

 

 We have Jack O'Lanterns!  The boys were very proud of their creations.

Fall Festival

I woke up a bit early this morning with a wake up request from Ryland and Reed.  They were ready to go to school in their costumes, and it was time for everyone to wake up.  It was 6:30.  They quickly ate breakfast and had their SWAT uniforms on without assistance. 

 

 

The treats were complete, and we were ready for our first invasion.  Chapel Hill, here we come.

Ally's 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday to Baby Ally!  We had a great time celebrating her second birthday and spending time with family.  I love watching her grow and the boys adore her to pieces.  I don't think she will ever grow out of her surname, Baby, which really cracks us up.

 

Ryland and Reed enjoy a cupcake with Ally.

 

 

Time to open gifts.  Ryland was not impressed with all the "yucky" girl toys.

 

 

While the girls played inside, the boys played outside.  It was rainy and cold, so we told them they could play on the porch.  The dry play lasted a while, but we all knew how this would end.  Wet, muddy, and cold.

Doctor's Appointment

Today's visit with Dr. Flowers went very well, and I am in the all clear to resume normal activities.  Hopefully, the glucose test will have good results.  I am measuring right on track and moving right on along.

Kidney stones - Round 2

After two days of the pain getting worse, I had a very painful, sleepless night.  I once again visited labor and delivery, and I was admitted for a few days.  I tried to be tough, and the pain quickly got out of hand.  My baby girl is completely fine and this must be a little girl drama.

Benton is 2!

 

 We had a great time celebrating Benton's second birthday!  It was a day full of playing, eating, and having a great time! 

 

The birthday boy, Benton, opening and playing with his new toys.

 

 

Of course, Ryland and Reed had to be right in the middle of the gift opening and playing.