A Healthy Dose of Fresh Air

After being cooped up in the house for too long because of rainy day after rainy day, we all enjoyed some fresh air today. It was in the 70's (yes, just a couple days after Christmas) and sunny and breezy, so we got outside. I spent the morning on the couch, as I had been for the past 24 hours with a stomach bug, so the fresh air was wonderful.



Madeline and Eli wanted to take the golf cart for a spin, so we complied...


M&E riding their new 4-wheelers from Grandma and Grandpa...


And, here is what Daddy did today, the fence that I have been begging for (gates to come). Ally (our dog) is about to find herself outside!

Merry CHRISTmas to all!

All dressed up for church Christmas Eve. Yes, we are in short sleeves because it was quite warm.

Look what Santa brought! Just what Mommy was hoping he would bring.

M&E are all grown up, eating at their own table. Yes, they are having pound cake for breakfast. Well, really it was just a snack while the monkey bread and sausage balls were cooking. It was Christmas, so it's okay.

As we wrap up 2008, we are counting our many blessings... two healthy children, a stable job, a roof over our heads and food on the table, etc., and we can thank only our God for all of this. Thank you for all, especially for sending our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Granddaddy Tours Bham - Toddler Style

My dad came to visit a couple of weeks ago. A fun-filled, action-packed weekend was had by all. On Friday, Granddaddy, Madeline, Eli and I visited the McWane Science Center. I had been wanting to check this place out for a while now, and I'm really, really glad that I didn't try to do it alone. I would have lost a child! The place was packed and M&E had an absolute blast. They fell asleep in the car before we even made it out of the parking garage.



The water table was a huge hit. I might have to invest in one of our own.





The trains also were infatuating. (As was the button that started them.)





They also have a walk-on piano a la BIG...



And, the light peg board was another highlight (pardon the pun.)





So, if you're looking for a way to wear out your children in Birmingham, might I suggest the McWane Science Center?

Beware the Diaper Bandit

Perhaps "Diaper Bandit" is too harsh. "Diaper Recipient" may be more appropriate. Unfortunately, I can't know for sure because I didn't see it all unfold. Madeline and Eli were taking a long time to fall asleep for their nap the other day, so eventually I went in to check on them. I opened their door to find Madeline waving a diaper around in the air. She still happened to be wearing one, so I was curious as to where the spare came from. I looked over to the crib next door and Eli was standing there butt naked from the waist down. Thankfully, he didn't tee-tee while un-diapered. If I get too many repeat performances of this, potty training here we come!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Last year we gave in and put up the artificial tree. This year we made up for it by not only buying a real tree, but cutting it down ourselves too.

After a pit stop at Old Navy for two little hats and two little pairs of mittens and another at Starbucks for two non-fat peppermint mocha twists (one whip, one no whip), we headed north to Beavers Christmas Tree Farm. The four of us braved the 34-degree (COLD) temperature and walked (some rode) up the hill to select the perfect 7-ft. Cypress that would adorn our living room throughout this Christmas season.

Okay, to be fair, Brandon cut down the tree while the rest of us watched.

Here she is in all her glory...

Low Rider

Eli likes to get low and bounce when he dances. The boy has some moves (and some very strong quads).

Snacks with Santa

Madeline and Eli met Santa Claus tonight. Brandon's company hosted "Snacks with Santa" so M&E were able to meet the man who they know says "Ho Ho". Madeline took one look at Santa and decided against sitting on his lap. She's really not a fan of old men in general. She opted to perch on the rocking horse next to Santa for a photo op...



Soon though, that was not enough. She wanted away from the man in the red suit.



On a side note, I cranked out their Christmas outfits last night. Not only are they festive, they are economical too. They are reversible, with different designs on the other sides. I'd hate for all of that hard work to be useless after Christmas! My sewing machine died on me yesterday so M&E and I had to venture out to Walmart for a new one. I don't like the new one as well. However, it does work, which is a leg up on the old one.