Scooter King

Jack got a scooter for his birthday so he's been busy testing it out. It's been a little chilly outside so we've spent most of the time riding it in the garage but he still really likes it. I read a lot of reviews on these scooters prior to shelling out the money and I have to honestly say that they are pretty great and worth the money.

Jack Turns Four

Jack celebrated his fourth birthday last week. It was an exciting weekend. We had a superhero birthday party on Sunday with some of his friends and had a great time. Thankfully my parents were here to help me get things together. I was probably more ambitious because they were around to help. At the party we made capes, bowled for villains, saved the city from falling rocks (black balloons), survived a difficult obstacle course, and testing our web spinning abilities (silly string fight). Of course, there was also cake and ice cream and presents. I took a lot of ideas from this site. I love the internet! Anyway, it was actually a lot of fun for me and I was happy to have a creative outlet.

Pancakes with Santa

Caroline was apprehensive about talking with Rudolph but she was much braver than Jack (who was standing so far away you can't even see him in this picture).

One of the local churches in our area had a morning where you could come and eat pancakes and meet Santa for $5 (yes, for the entire family). It was great. Lots of food and they even had crafts and games for the kids to play after they were finished. We didn't meet Santa because the line was too long and wasn't moving very fast but it wasn't a wasted trip, either.

Thanksgiving in Missouri: Part 1

Caroline with Grandma and Walker

Caroline and Aunt Lainee

All the cousins getting ready to decorate Christmas cookies.

Christmas cookie decorating.

For Thanksgiving, we packed up the mini-van and headed to Missouri. It was a long 10-hour ride but worth getting to see my folks and sisters. Since we are spending Christmas with Nathan's family we also went ahead and opened gifts together. All the kids had a great time and did fairly well getting along with one another. On Friday the ladies hit the Black Friday sales (minus Caroline - although I'm sure she could have wrestled away whatever she wanted since she gets lots of practice doing that to her older brother). I know this post's pictures are heavy with Caroline photos but I promise it is only because my son refuses to get his picture taken. I try to keep it fair.

Thanksgiving in Missouri: Part 2

Caroline appearing to decorate herself more than the cookies.

She wasn't ready to give up yet.

Opening presents with my family.

A rare family picture with all of us actually looking at the camera. Notice how happy Jack looks. Ha. Well, it was almost perfect.

Science Museum

Jack and Lily heading into the children's museum.

Caroline posing for a picture.

Shooting waterguns outside.

Really cool dinosaur slide in the gift shop. Yes, they know how to lure you in.

Jack and Lily figuring out the cool wind tunnel.

A few weeks ago we met up with our friends Lily and Ashley to check out the newly improved Science Museum. We had a great time. And since it was the grand re-opening we got in for FREE! Can't beat that. Even Caroline had fun exploring all their 'pretend play' centers. At one point she was wearing a tutu and playing amongst the fellas in the 'train' section. I guess that's what happens when you have an older brother. Anyway, I highly recommend the place. Lots of fun. We are hoping to use some of our Christmas money to buy a family membership. I think when the cold weather hits it will be a great place to hang out indoors.

Racing

One of Jack's favorite things to do is race his sister in the driveway. He has figured out it is pretty easy to win so I think that fuels his competitive spirit. In a few years, though, I have a feeling his sweet little sister will give him a run for his money.

Halloween

Heading out to trick-or-treat. Note the bee's wings are upside down.

My two dangerous creatures prior to hitting up houses for treats.

For Halloween, we spent the evening with my sister and her boyfriend and our good friends. We trick-or-treated in a great neighborhood before heading back to their house for some great paella. Jack actually wore his costume this year, too, which was a nice change from years past.

Trunk or Treat

Jack was trying to look scary in each of these shots.

My little wingless bumblebee.

So, in preparation for Halloween next week we had a trial run at the local 'trunk or treat' event. It was a lot of fun but there were a ton of people out and I think Jack was a little overwhelmed. It was also kind of warm so I'm hoping on Halloween it will cool off a bit so my children don't melt in their costumes.

Circus

Whitney and Hayden

Jack and Hayden checking out the elephants.

Having fun after the show.

The circus was in town a couple weeks ago and they were nice enough to have a night honoring teachers so teachers and their family members were admitted for free. Jack and I and some friends of ours took advantage of the free tickets and had a wonderful time. The boys loved the clowns, tigers, and baby elephant. I couldn't get over the daredevil stunts. I really forgot how terrifying the circus can be.

Walking!!

Caroline started walking the last week of September so she's pretty good at it now. This video was taken two weeks after she started and she had already made significant progress. Now, she's pretty much running to try and keep up with Jack.

Just So Cute

Some pictures are just too sweet not to post... our sweet girl is growing so fast!

Pumpkin Patch

In the corn maze...

Again, I apologize for not updating the blog sooner. It has been a busy fall. We did have the opportunity the first weekend in October to go to a local pumpkin patch. We had a lot of fun and even tackled the corn maze (I was only worried for a brief moment that we wouldn't find our way out). Thanks to the cooler weather it actually kind of felt like fall and we needed jackets (it is rare here that you need anything other than short sleeves).

Loving Our Shades

My kids love their shades. Caroline will just crawl around with them on periodically throughout the day. It is so silly. I love these silly kids.

Caroline's Favorite Book

Caroline loves this book about animals. Normally she'll mimic all the noises but she wasn't up to showing her tricks off for the camera. I still think the 'baa' and 'moo' are pretty cute, though.

Kick Off of College Football

Giving some love to the SEC...

First Day of School

Jack and Caroline started school on September 1. The are going to a Mother's Day Out program on Tuesdays and Thursdays this year. It is the same program Jack attended when he was Caroline's age. Both of them were excited to be somewhere new and neither one shed any tears when I dropped them off. 

Happy Birthday Song

Caroline's First Birthday

The Birthday Girl!!

Enjoying her cupcake (she looks pretty clean here)

Caroline and Hannah

Caroline, Lily, and Jack playin' some tunes.

Opening presents...

So, Caroline turned ONE yesterday. I can't believe it's already been a year. Time has gone so fast. She is the sweetest little girl. She is always so happy and loves to dance, laugh, and smile. We are so thankful for the opportunity to be her parents. 

Things she currently loves: Mirrors, Jewelry (on other people), Dancing, Jack, Eating

Things she does not like: Naps and her carseat or any time of restraint (she's an active girl)

She's still not walking but she does cruise all over the place and crawls when she wants to get somewhere quickly. She's a climber and I am always finding her on the fireplace, train table, etc. She says 'hi' but that's really the only word I can understand at this point. We'll go to the doctor for her first year checkup next week so I'll have stats then.

My Family Loves to Dance

Caroline, along with the rest of my family, seems to enjoy dancing. 

Family Picture

Mazatlan

Jack did a great job of making friends despite the language barrier. 

Excited about the aquarium.

Being silly by the pool.

We had a great trip to Mazatlan the first part of August. My parents were originally supposed to go with us; however, because of my dad's health they weren't able to go. My mom really wanted to keep Caroline while we traveled so we sent her to Missouri before we headed to Mexico. We had a lot of fun on the beach and in the pool and we were able to spend some quality time with my sister and her boyfriend, Barrett. When we got back, Caroline was officially spoiled so we had a few days of 'Grandma Detox' to get through. :)

Spaghetti and Other Adventures

Making bug and 'Jack' cookies. Does this kid look like he could use more sugar?

Jack's really into building tall towers. But the best part is after it's done he wants to knock them down.

Caroline will not let you help her eat. She only wants grown up food and she only wants to feed herself. This was a result of her self-feeding spaghetti yesterday. It was messy but I think she liked it.

Trip to Pittsburgh

Crawling around the airport waiting for our flight.

Saying goodbye to Papa and Nana.

We visited Nathan's folks in Pittsburgh the first part of July. It was a nice break from the 100+ degree Texas temperatures. We went several places while we were in town but I think Jack's favorite spot was Idlewild. It's an amusement part designed for younger kids; however, he only wanted to ride the 'bigger' people rides. He loved the log ride and then we couldn't get him off the roller coaster. Who knew my cautious kid would have that much fun on a roller coaster?