Christmas Part 3

Monday after Christmas we drove to San Antonio for our 3rd and final Christmas. Kate was excited because she knew she would be getting more presents. They both loaded up with a ton of toys. Brody got a Captain America car and figurine plus a Thunder Cats castle along with all of Justin's old Thunder Cat figurine's. He also got a Spiderman kit, wooden train, soccer ball and net and clothes. Kate got clothes, a toy dog-she named Snow Flake, Twinkle toe boots, Pretty Pretty Princess game-which we played last night and Justin won, a new doll and so much more that I can't even remember. They also got to play with their cousins which both Kate and Brody love.

Christmas Part 2

Justin's dad and step mom came up on Christmas Eve and stayed for a couple days which was great and the kids loved every minute of it. For Christmas Eve dinner we made homemade pizza's which is fun and something we can all do together. I think we may make it a tradition to do every year. Kate and I also made sugar cookies to leave out for Santa which was fun. After the kids went to bed, Justin and I got to work on putting together Brody's train set and table that "Santa" gave him. It took a couple of hours to put together but was totally worth it to see Brody and Kate's face when they saw it. They both played with it for hours. Santa brought Kate an Easy Bake Oven, snow globe and a princess plate set. Teresa, Justin's step mom made Kate and Brody a big pillow with their names on it and a tic tac toe set. I love homemade presents, the thought and time it takes to make them, make it such a special gift. Kate loved her pillow!! She is so into things that have her name on them. We also got them clothes, books and some little toys. For Christmas dinner we had a Honey Baked ham, mash potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade rolls and Peanut Butter Cup cheesecake for dessert. It was a great Christmas!!

Christmas Part 1

The Wednesday before Christmas we went to Palacios to visit my dad, brother and step mom. The kids love going because they can fish, play with Spot the dog and make my brother give them a million piggy back rides. Both Kate and Brody both got new fishing poles. Kate's was black and pink and Brody's was a Cars fishing pole. They had a great time fishing even though neither caught anything. We only stayed a couple of days before heading back up to Katy. Once we got home, Kate, Brody and I worked on the Gingerbread House. I only caught Brody eating the candy a couple of times.

Breakfast with Santa

The golf course where Justin is a member at had Breakfast with Santa on Saturday. Kate was excited all week and couldn't wait to go and see Santa. We decided to do Santa first and then eat breakfast. While waiting in line, Kate started to get a little whiny and was holding onto my leg and saying, she didn't want to see him. I tried convincing her Santa was nice but she wasn't having it. So, we decided to go ahead and eat breakfast in the hopes that Kate might change her mind. While at the table Mrs. Claus came and talked with Kate and told her all about her husband Mr. Claus and how nice he was. Eventually Santa made his way over and Kate started to warm up to him and eventually sat on his lap and told him what she wanted for Christmas. Brody, of course wanted nothing to do with either of them.

Jack the Elf

I decided to start the Elf tradition this year and on the night of Thanksgiving he arrived. Our doorbell rang so Kate and I went to the door and found an elf and a book. We sat down to read the book and learn all about the elf. Kate decided to name him Jack which I'm glad because Brody can pronounce it as well. They were both very excited about him and I had to remind them not to touch him. Every night before Kate goes to bed, she say "I wonder where Jack is going to be in the morning?". Brody has found him a couple of times, he points to him and says "Jack, Jack". Jack did end up in Kate's room one night which I hope he doesn't again because at 3 AM, I hear Kate screaming "Mommy, Mommy". I run out of the bedroom telling her, "I'm coming, its okay" to which she replies "I found Jack, he's sitting on my bookcase." I guess she had gotten up to use the restroom and saw him. So far, Jack has hidden in the tree, stocking, pantry, in my shoe, on the kitchen light, behind the pillows, on the table, in the bathroom, on the staircase and in the cookie dish. Who knows where he will turn up next.

Thanksgiving Play

For Thanksgiving, Kate's class put on a play which was very cute. It was about a farmer and all his animals. Kate was a cow, not just any cow but a pretty cute cow if I do say so myself. They also provided lunch for the parents. Justin had to work so it was just me and Brody who went. Before the play started all the kids and her teacher sang songs to all the parents. Brody was feeling a little left out so he decided to go up and join them. Since it was only me, I had the job a video taping and taking pictures all at the same time-not the easiest thing to do especially when I am trying to keep Brody from being in the play and making noises.
I feel very blessed that I am able to attend all of the kids activities in school and out.

Kate and Rachel

Brody singing with the big kids