Oh, what fun!

These little ones are so much fun! I took these pictures one afternoon at lunch and thought they were too fun! What a blessing to have these sweet ones in our lives, especially with the joy they bring to the Christmas season!

Our December Trip to the Mountains

The Polar Express 2011!

We once again had so much fun riding on the Polar Express to see Santa at the North Pole! This was our 3rd year to ride, so it has become a Christmas tradition in our house. This year our old neighbors and sweet friends, the Hatfields, joined us on our ride. We have missed them since they moved to Birmingham this summer, so the kids had so much fun together (& the adults did, too)! Here is a glimpse into our night...

Happy faces on the kiddos as they wait on the station bench to board the train.

Boarded, tickets punched, and ready to go!

Kisses for Sissy as we ride to the North Pole!

Fun with Daddy!

The train slows down and the kids look out the window to see this....

The North Pole! Santa and Mrs. Claus were waving to the train as we pulled up.

Check out these smiles! Do you think they are a little excited?!

Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Ann Evelyn loves the idea of Santa but is still not so sure about being close to him. :)

Daddy needed to sit with Ann Evelyn for the picture, but the boys were very excited to see Santa, especially Andrew!

Then, it was time for cookies and milk... yummy...

What a fun night! We had an exciting trip to the North Pole to see Santa and a wonderful time with our friends!

Thanksgiving

I am a little behind :) but I did want to post about Thanksgiving before we move into Christmas posts and photos.

Andrew chose to be a pilgrim for his Thanksgiving Feast at school. He was so excited climbing in the car one afternoon before Thanksgiving telling me he had chosen to be a Pilgrim at his feast. (3 boys out of 8 chose to be a Pilgrim.) They made hats and vests to wear - and those who were Indians had made headbands and vests. It was so funny though to see how when it was time to put on their Pilgrim and Indian attire at the party, the three little "Pilgrims" wouldn't do it! I guess they saw their little friends dressed in their Indian attire and had second thoughts about being a Pilgrim. :) So Andrew isn't wearing his costume, but he still had a great time. The teachers provide the feast, and the kids enjoyed popcorn, raisins, apples, cranberry sauce, crackers and pumpkin pie!

Forrest's class at their feast.

All the 3 years old are Indians, and it is so cute to hear what Indian name they have chosen. Forrest was "Running Deer".

On Thanksgiving Day, we headed to Meridian early in the afternoon. The kids had a great time playing outside! Cousin Owen was there early, too, and they all had a fun time together. Unfortunately, I had put my camera up by the time all of the other cousins arrived. When Ann Evelyn saw 2 of her little girl cousins get out of their car, she said "Hey, I am a girl, too!" So funny! I guess she was ready to see some girls after playing with Andrew, Forrest and Owen all afternoon.

Driving the Gator is always a hit!

Daddy and Sissy taking a ride on the mule! This is another favorite thing to do at Ganny and Papaw's!

Taking a snack break :)

I like this one of Andrew, Owen and Forrest sitting on the swing and watching the horses. I am pretty sure they had been chasing the rooster right before they sat on the swing!

A fun Thanksgiving day with family!

"Thanksgiving Day is a happy day when we say, "Thank you, God!"

(a sweet song my boys sing at preschool)

My hunters!

Well, I thankfully don't have to say that I have hunters in the house quite yet. :) Just one hunter for now! Wilson had the opportunity to go hunting with a buddy today. He came home from work a little early to get his camo on and get his supplies together. We had been in the backyard playing and came in to find Wilson dressed in his camo. Ann Evelyn was so funny - almost tickled - to see Daddy "dressed up". She came in and said, "Daddy, look at you!" with a big smile on her face. The boys disappeared for a while and came back dressed like Daddy... in their camo!

I guess I better get used to the idea that these little boys are going to want to go hunting with their Daddy one day soon. I think I'll start praying for safety now! :)

Football & Friends

We took the family to an MSU game at the beginning of October. It was our first time to Starkville this year and we had a great time cheering for the Dawgs and seeing friends.

It was Ann Evelyn's first game to actually go to - although she has been wearing her cheerleading outfit at home most weekends! She loved the excitement of the day, and in typical Ann Evelyn style powered thru the day without a nap! She's no doubt that "easy-going 3rd child."

These 2 buddies were excited, too. I think there favorite part of game-day is the great Kids Zone with the jumpy things and blow-ups.

Daddy needed a picture with his Sweet Pea, too!

Can you tell we were sitting in the sun? :) A little bright and warm!

We hung in there til the 3rd quarter. Halftime and watching for Bully were the best entertainment... not really into football watching! The kiddos and I scooted out early and let Wilson finish watching the game.

I was excited to head back to the tailgate for a little more visiting time with these sweet friends!!

We even managed to get a picture with all the kiddos!! I love it! We have quite a crew amongst us!

Birthdays!

Well I am a little late, but I couldn't miss giving my husband a birthday post. :) We loved celebrating him and his special day! Andrew, my sweet boy who loves a birthday, helped me decorate the kitchen for daddy's birthday breakfast while I cooked. His birthday fell on a Saturday so he enjoyed the rare treat of sleeping in! Then we had one of his favorites, sausage balls, along with cinnamon rolls for breakfast. When I had finished cooking breakfast, the kids and I were going to go into the bedroom singing to wake him up. Only, he met us at the door! We made him get back in the bed so we could pretend to wake him. :)

A little wrestling followed :)

Daddy and his Sweet Pea at breakfast

We headed over to May-May and Bubby's for lunch that day to celebrate Wilson and Rebecca's birthdays. Rebecca celebrated her 35th this year! Happy Birthday, Becca! We love you!

Ann Evelyn helped Daddy with his candles.

Then we sang one more time at home that night with Wilson and had more cake!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful husband and father! You are well-loved!! :)