Santa Picture

One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is to make a trip to the mall and get the kids picture with Santa. I frame each year's picture and put them out during Christmas.  We went one day after Jacob and Luke were out of school and walked right up to Santa. No line! However we all know the best laid plans don't always pan out with the little ones.

Sarah walked right up, gave Santa a hug and a high five. However, once they put her up on his lap and I took a few steps back, the tears began. And they didn't stop. Soooo, we walked around for a few minutes and she calmed down. We thought we'd try again so we got back in line. This time behind two other families. Still, not bad. As we got closer to Santa, Sarah wouldn't let me put her down. Soooo, the next plan was to head up to the food court and have dinner. We enjoyed a Chick-fil-a dinner and then decided to get the kids a cookie to use as a bribery tool for later.  Oh the things we'll do for a smile! Anyone with me here??  :)

We all head back down to Santa. This time the line is about a thirty minute wait and it's now 6:30. We got there at 4:30.  When our turn was up, Sarah started acting scared and crying again. Oy! Thankfully, once we handed her the cookie she was ALL smiles! She didn't even take a bite of it. She just held it and she was happy! Turns out, this picture is one of my favorites so it was worth the 2.5 hour ordeal...on a school night!!!

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2006

2005

Sarah's first haircut

I had a haircut appointment scheduled a few weeks ago. I had decided I was ready for a change and wanted to get some of the length cut off. I had also been contemplating getting Sarah's hair cut for the first time. She seems to have my fine hair and I was thinking she needed to get it shaped up a little.

Before

I went back and forth on if I really wanted to cut it or not. But after talking to my hair dresser she thought by cutting off some of that fine baby hair, it would help Sarah's hair grow in fuller and thicker. She came with me to my appointment and experienced her first haircut! 

I thought I would let Sarah go first. She sat in the little booster seat and was ready to go. 

She even sat still while getting the cape put on. 

However, it didn't take long for her to get that look of "I think NOT!" Tears soon followed this picture. 

 I decided to let her take a break and I went first. Jacob was home from school that day with a rash which worked out good that he was there to help entertain Sarah for me. After I was done, we tried to get her to sit in the chair again but she wasn't having it. So she ended up just cutting her hair while she sat in my lap. I was very thankful for Sophia the First on the Disney Jr app. She sat still and watched her show while Melissa trimmed up the bottom of her hair. Sarah and I were both covered in hair, but hey that's ok! 

Me and my girl after our haircuts! So fun!

Before

After

Thanksgiving Day

We had a fun time hosting Thanksgiving at our house again this year with Jim's family. We had quite the spread of food and enjoyed the day together.

Our thanksgiving turkey. For the month of November, we wrote down the things we were all thankful for. 

Sangria

Acorns made of Hersey Kisses, mini Nilla Wafers and a mini chocolate chip on top. 

Our turkey appetizer.

I love this picture!

Sarah and G-Lana playing a game on the phone.

Eating dessert

After we stuffed our bellies we took a walk down to the pond and let the kids feed the ducks. But I think they had more fun collecting acorns to throw into the pond. 

Our niece, Alyssa.

Cousins!

Another favorite picture!

Silly time!

November in pictures

Here are the random pictures I collected from November...

Pure sweetness!

The boys taught her this face. That's her playful, mad face if there is such a thing.

That's better! We actually just sold this Little Tikes playset since they really didn't play on it much any more. It definitely opened up the yard more once it was gone. 

They love to dig!

Grace had her birthday party this year at a little American Girl doll shop in Tyler. It was too cute and very girlie!

Sarah played right along by taking care of her baby. 

And feeding her!

Kristina got Grace and her doll, Pepper, matching dresses and bows! So stinkin' cute I tell ya!

Sarah is obsessed with her "puple nite-nite ress" (purple night-night dress). She loves , loves, loves this nightgown or night-night dress as she says. And she usually requests to wear two bows with it. Kristina was so excited to find her girls one that matched and we couldn't resist the sweet picture!

Is it just me or are these two looking more alike these days? I think Sarah still resembles Jacob some but I think because she and Luke have the same color hair and the same light eyes. Loves these kids!

Sweet friends!

I tried to grab the camera in time to capture them walking through the mall holding hands! 

Sarah and our friend Kayla at Going Bonkers over Thanksgiving break. 

I found these little offering envelopes at our church for kids. Jacob put $5 of his own money in last week and filled out the envelope himself.  We both got a laugh out of the fact that he put down for his good deed of the week "playing good with Jackson." We love you Jackson!! :)