Two of a kind

Today, while Allison was taking her nap, my wonderful husband surprised Owen with a special toy.  He had gone to the store to buy some groceries and came back with two light sabers!  I asked him what they were for and his response was, "He doesn't have one.  And the other is for Allison."  Jump 15 minutes later, and our zoo tent is assembled in the empty basement room and my husband and son are playing Star Wars.  The tent, Battle Ship, is big enough for both of them to climb in and create the next chapter of the jedi story.  May the force be with you all!

Christmas-Part 3

Christmas morning started rather early in our household.  At 6:15, Owen woke up and wanted to know why Santa didn't come.  It was still dark outside and we hadn't turned on any lights, so he was unaware of the booty that was displayed on the fireplace.  I tried to keep him on the DL, until it was a little later and everyone could sleep in, but I had to see where I was going.  As soon as the light flicked on, his eyes jumped out of the sockets.  "Hey, hey, hey, hey...look!"  Santa rocked!  Owen sat there and just looked at all the treasures he had received.  He turned to me, a little broken but grateful, and said, "Santa forgot to bring me Spike.  But I did get Moon Sand."  My heart almost shattered there on the spot, knowing that his hearts desire was waiting for him downstairs.  Eventually, everyone else stirred.  Daddy was anxious to let Owen go downstairs.  So I encouraged him to take his Elefun game downstairs to play.  I walked down ahead of him with the camera and turned as soon as I heard, "He DID get me Spike!"  Both kids spent the remainder of the exhausting day playing with all of their  loot from the man in red.  I hope we have more Christmas mornings like this one.

Christmas-Part 2

On Christmas Eve, we took Jake's parents and the kids to the 3:00 church service.  It was awesome!  The kids were dressed in their "dressy" outfits and looked very cute.  After church we unwrapped presents from Grandma and Grandpa.  Our kids got some wonderful gifts from them.  They had so much fun with the goodies.  Two down, two to go!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's my hero!

You can almost see him fly!

To the rescue!

Look at my guns!

The dynamic duo of "NO".

Three Musketeers!

One of my dearest friends made all of the kids in our play group a cape personalized with their initial for Christmas.  (They are amazing, Angela!)  As you can see from the pictures, they are adorable.  And yes, these are from two different days (notice the different clothes).  My kids love wearing theirs.  Our buddy Nathan wore his over to our house, then by mistake left it here.  Before dinner time, they came by to pick it up.  What is a super hero without his cape?

End of an Era

Today was the last basketball game of the season.  Owen made it to every single game.  He has come such a long way from that first game.  There were tears, laughs, ouchies, smiles and tears.  But in the end, Owen is walking away with some amazing new skills in both basketball and team work.  I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished.  However, we will be taking a short break from any sports.  Next on our athletic journey, SOCCER!

Christmas-Part 1

Owen over-seeing his project "Texas".

Allie playing with one of the many Snap N Style toys she got for her birthday.

All the Snap N Style toys in their new home.

Gramma helping Owen build "Texas".

Nennie putting Allie's tea cart together.

Allie's doll carrier.

Owen happy with his present.

Owen ready to play.

Look at what all it comes with!

Owen excited about his new toy!

On Tuesday, December 16th, we celebrated Christmas with Papa George and Gramma Karen.  Since the season is all about kids, I will show a few pictures of how excited my kids were with their gifts.  One down, three more to go!

We Three Kings...

Today was Owen's school Christmas Program.  It was better than last year!  He was given the part of one of the 3 wise men.  I was so proud of him.  I recorded the entire program.  He sang all of the songs and even did most of the motions.  He was so pleased with himself, that he recommended we all go to the Olive Garden to celebrate and have some lunch.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Allie!

Allison is turning 2 on Tuesday and since Christmas is coming in less than two weeks, we decided to throw her a big party today.  We had all of our family and friends come to celebrate this big occasion.  It was freezing cold outside, but warm and cozy with all the love for our little girl inside.  Allison even got the hang of opening the presents.  After all, most of the gifts were dolls.  I just know that tonight all she is dreaming about is her new babies.

Good friends, Good times

Eric and Julie
Julie, Erin, me and Amy
Amy and Jason
Me and Jake
Shawn and Erin
Megan and Dave

Last night, we got our first babysitter and attended Jake's work Christmas party.  I was so excited about getting all dressed up and spending some time with my closest friends.  As you can see from the pictures we all had a blast.  That is a group of one hot mamas!