A really long Christmas post!

In keeping with my 40 posts a year tradition, I have to cram all of Christmas into one really big, photo heavy post.

We went to many parties this year, attended a wonderful Christmas production at Second Baptist Church, and spent precious time with family.

Here we are with Ryan's family--yes it was an ugly sweater party--thus the turtleneck/sweater combo-- and yes, Ryan is wearing a woman's sweater.

Here is Kai being a Shepard in our church's Christmas pageant.

And here he is serving communion on Christmas Eve--how cool is that.

Here is Malia checking out the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve at Mimi and Paw-Paw's house.

And the boys waiting at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning. (Aren't they the sweetest)

Here is everyone opening their presents.

Ryan and I both got a new pair of Toms. Thanks Mom!

And of course the aftermath.....

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

I think I will try to go hibernate for a few days now.

Christmas Break

This is how I spent my morning...

watching boys climb a tree (and watching Malia wish that she were up there too)

watching Malia ride around the front yard

watching the kids play hopscotch.

and making a new home for a rollypolly bug.

These all seem like spring time activities, but when you live in Houston anything is possible.

Push mobiles

Have I mentioned Kai's a Tiger Scout.

Ryan has done all the meetings and events so I honestly don't know much about what goes on in the scouting world, but I do know my boy looks mighty cute in his uniform.

This past weekend they had their push mobile races. Out of 17 teams, Kai's troop got 5th place... the last place that got a trophy!!!-- that is pretty impressive in my books.

Here Kai is getting pushed by one of his friends.

Here is his troop-- they are a pretty cute group of boys.

Maybe in the future I will be a better scouting mom, but for now, I am enjoying giving this one to Ryan.

Malia is Numero Uno!!!

Malia is one today. (This year has gone by incredibly fast.)

Her very helpful brother was there to help her celebrate her big day (along with some other family and friends).

My favorite part of the party was watching her play with her present. She was so excited-- like she knew these toys were just for her!!

She is such a blessing in our lives. Thank you Malia for your big bright eyes and your easy going personality. Please do not grow up too quickly!!

My architect

Andrew is best block stacker I know.

Seriously, 22 block, could your kid do better? I doubt it.

And he is so humble about his skill.

Look at the concentration. This kid is going places!!!

And he doesn't even cry when they all fall down.

Andrew is a pretty cool kid.

Andrew is Three!!!

My sweet baby boy turned three today!!!

His family and friends were there to help him celebrate at his favorite restaurant.... McDonalds!!

He got lots of awesome presents.

Which he immediately opened and started playing with.

The best part, in my opinion, was singing the birthday song. Andrew was so excited, he joined in and sang with us.... smiling the entire time. (I have to admit, we practiced blowing out candles this morning-- so he was prepared.)

He had an amazing day.

Andrew facts:

He is a superhero (currently Captain America/ Batman).

His favorite show is Power Rangers.

He could eat cherrios for breakfast, lunch and dinner

He loves to say the word "actually" before starting just about any sentence.

He is the last to sleep at night and the first to get up in the morning.

His favorite book is What Pet to Get.

He loves to drum on everything.

He can be the sweetest, most loving child in one moment and the wildest, most ornery child the next.

He is one of a kind and we love him dearly.

Fall is here!

Get ready for picture overload!!

Fall is here and along with it comes Halloween.

We kicked off the Halloween festivities with our Church's Youth Costume Party. Kai got wrapped up like a mummy, Andrew got to play bowling with pumpkins, and Ryan got to dress up like a really good friend of ours, Mr. Steve!!

Next, we attended our Church's Fall Festival. The kids got to wear their costumes and play in bounce houses, ride ponies and carnival type swings, and climb rock walls. We were all exhausted after this crazy day.

Next we carved pumpkins. Andrew and I made a cat, and Kai got a "little help" making his bats from our friend Blake.

Last, but certainly not least, was Trick or Treating. Kai dressed up as a Clone Trooper, Andrew was Spider-Man, and Malia was SuperGirl.

We left home confident that tricker treaters would be treated well at our house.

The kids rode in style. Notice the sucker in Malia's hand.... she was one happy girl.

Not even the goblins could keep the kids away from getting candy!

And boy did they make out big!!!!

I think Malia is hooked!