And the countdown is on!

This year Clif requested that we put up our larger Christmas tree (no more half tree) and that it be in the den. At first he wanted it to be in front of the patio doors but then I had a grand plan to separate the sectional sofa and put it in front of the window. Here it is and I love it! I was able to unpack all the beautiful ornaments that we have been given and collected. I especially love the angel that my mom gave us a few years back. In fact, I keep it out all year long! 

Bennett was my little helper this year and has been the past couple. He likes helping me spread all the branches.

So with the big tree up in the den I was all for setting up the half tree in the playroom for the kids....but the lights wouldn't work! Good thing Big Lots was having a great sale and we picked up another. I took all of them with me and they picked out some ornaments and Bennett selected the tree topper. He was very proud!

Langley loved the tree!

Last Saturday we headed out to the airport to see Santa fly in. Bennett was front and center wearing his own hat! As you can see he was wearing short and Santa was explaining that it was just too warm for his reindeer to bring him to Mississippi.

Bennett is giggling here because Santa accused him of getting into his closet. He told Santa that he wanted a bow and arrow. A REAL bow and arrow and an electric scooter (that was a first). Parker and Langley weren't so sure if they were ready to talk to Santa just yet and they were lucky....

because the next day Santa was at the Country Club and both girls were willing to speak.

Parker was even pleased.

All during the month of December, the kindergarten classes at Pillow Academyget up extra early so that the parents dropping off their children can be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. This was Bennett's first year and he was a camel on the bottom right side.

Bennett has been so excited this Christmas. As you can see below he decided to dress up as Santa using my tree skirt. He taped toilet paper for his beard and stuffed his belly with a pillow. You can't see it behind him but he had a large garbage bag full of toys!

We have had such warm weather lately the children are spending as much time outside as possible. I was baking sugar cookies and pound cake one day and Parker had started a beauty sale. She was selling lip gloss, mirrors, headbands, etc. She had a successful sale and some of her customers even sang us Christmas carols. I'm going to have to watch this girl or she might just sell my truck...she wants a new one!

Otis, our elf, had been quite busy this Christmas! Below his is Tarzan. He has also been playing bey blades with the Barbies, rolling the kid's tree and swinging from the chandeliers! More pictures to come.

Hope y'all are all having a wonderful Christmas Season! 

November in review

 Since I didn't post anything much in November here is an overview!

We have had such nice weather over the past couple of weeks the children didn't even mind getting outside to do some chores. Parker and Langley were much more effective than Bennett but either way I won because they were outside raking leaves!

 When Parker is not home (or if there are only two children) it is amazing how well everyone plays together. Below Bennett and Langley are playing Go Fish!

 Everytime Langley wants to paint her nails and toes it has to be a rainbow or just pink and purple.

 After Halloween the dressing up wasn't over. Parker had two separate dress-up birthday parties so she got creative with her outfits. Below she is a pumpkin princess. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a picture of the frog girl (so sorry)!

 So after Halloween the kids bashed in their decorated pumpkins to gather seeds so we could roast them. Now that was fun!

 And to my surprise Langley and Bennett really liked them!

 Langley had her first Thanksgiving program at her nursery school this year and she did great! I will get a video uploaded soon. She was so cute because she kept pointing to all of us and telling her friends.

 Parker, Bennett and Red Fox.

 Sweet Langley after her program.

 Tea party time!

 I can't get enough of this picture. Parker dressed her up and introduced her as Katy Perry. We also have a Barbie named Katy Perry.

 We headed down to Lake Caroline to watch the Egg Bowl and had a great time even though the outcome of the games was not!

Game time!

Unfortunately the Bulldogs didn't pull through and I believe we aren't invited back for the next year! Thanks Michael and Crissie!

Today I'm very thankful for friends and family and especially these three!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween

I thought that I had already posted our Spooky Halloween pictures but I was wrong. Can you tell what our 3rd child was this Halloween? Clif actually said to me "is she wearing that?" It doesn't matter anyway because she was super happy it was Halloween. A far cry from last year when she wouldn't even go near a costume!

 

Not really sure what was wrong with our peacock but she cheered up as soon as it was time to Trick or Treat.

This year we went on a hayride with some friends and really enjoyed it because we were able to just go to the houses with lights and didn't have to cover some much territory by foot! Hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween too!

Langley gets down!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkRBebfknzo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Natchez Ballon Races

On Sunday while everyone was napping but ME, I took the kids on a walk to the nature trail under the Bluff. As you can see from the two bouncing boys below that everyone was all energetic!

 Of course we didn't make it past the corner of the first block before we had to climb and take a picture.

 By the time we got downtown to Main St. we neede a rest....that is everyone but Parker who was headed straight to the River.

 Silly face pose

 We made it to the river, still very energetic,

 and headed down the trail.

After a couple of hills we reached the STAIRS.... the boys started out strong

 Then Parker quickly caught up. Langley was with me but thankfully she made it up all by herself.

 The look down

 Unfortunately, we didn't see all that much but it was a fun walk and they are celebrating making it up the STAIRS!

 On Saturday, the Hobdy's host a great brunch/early afternoon party for the balloon crew that they host every year. This is the second time we have attended it at Riparian Retreat (click on the link to see the rental cottage) and have a wonderful time!

Langley had a ball and stuck very close to her daddy who kept handing her cookies! As you can see she knew how to work him over!

 It was a warm weekend and as the crowd dwindle the kids started having even more fun. As you can see Langley got a hold of the water gun... 

 and was looking for who was gonna be next!

Parker kept very busy in the beautiful zinnia garden next to the house. The butterflies were everywhere and Parker learned that if she holds a flower that they will come to her (even though it is the other way around in the picture)!

Unfortunately I don't have a picture of Bennett and Taylor box sledding but they were moving way too fast! 

 Back at Coco & Poppa Jack's we were busy drawing and scootering 

It was a great weekend with family, friends and great weather! There were balloons too but I just didn't get any on camera!

Getting Halloween ready

A fun picture of the girls while creating in the Art Room a.k.a the Dining Room

The last weekend of September Clif and I took the train down to New Orleans to for a little post birthday and anniversary celebration. I found a nice hotel that was in the French Quarter. It was a fantastic location for shopping and fun! We had a great time and eat are way in and around New Orleans. 



We got the girls some fun Mardi Gras masks and Bennett an alligator head!

 

Annually, in the Fall, Greenwood celebrates its local artists with Art Alfresco. This year Parker's Art teacher had a display with some of her student's work. Parker is standing in front of her very first painting she did last Spring.  Can you guess which one it is? She was very proud to see it on display.



 

Then it was time to get decorated for Fall and Halloween. Not quite finished below but I knew if I didn't post now it might never happen! This is the first year that I have put out anything for Halloween and the kids love it!



The new play place!

I've added a large skull with red blinking eyes to the door that is open. 

Wanting to add a few more pieces but will wait till after Halloween this year to do the bargain shopping.