Santa

As I mentioned in the previous blog, Neimans had a fabulous Santa.  Also, as most of you know, my kids have historically not been interested in actually speaking to Old St. Nick.  Elizabeth still considers him "scary Christmas man," and flat refuses to have anything to do with him.  Austin, on the other hand, is interested, but follows Elizabeth's lead and usually declines any offers to go see Santa. 

Well, although she can be quite convincing, I guess even she can't compete with a Santa and an awesome rocket ship full of toys and flashing lights.  I've waited five years for a cute Santa photo!  Merry Christmas!

Neiman Marcus windows rock!!

Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas is known for their holiday window displays.  This year, they decorated in a space monkey theme, complete with rockets, monkey astronauts,  robots, stars, interactive tv screens and tunnels.  After church and lunch, Grandma and I headed downtown with the unknowing kids.  We only told them we were going to do a Christmas fun thing.  When they saw the big downtown buildings, I think they were convinced we were about to do some seriously boring holiday shopping.  Once we drove past the windows (trying to park downtown) they started to clue in.  At first, they blew right past looking at the windows, and went straight to the tunnel entrance.  They were able to actually climb through the playground style tubes in the windows, out of the windows and interact with tv screens.  After about 3 times through, they finally slowed down enough to see the windows and enjoyed the displays. 

In addition to the cool exterior window displays, Neimans had one of the best Santas.  We went into the store to just look around, then discovered that Santa was actually sitting behind the fabulous rocket in the window.  More to come about Santa in the next post.

We had a blast!!  Thank you to Grandma for suggesting this nugget of holiday fun! 

Let's go!!

Our monkey in the window

So cool.  Wish Moms could go too.

Norway

In early November, I had a fantastic time visiting Andy in Stavanger, Norway.  It truly is beautiful, just like the postcards.  I did not do or see a ton of things because it was technically tourism off-season.  Andy still had to work every day, but was able to come back to the hotel by 4 most days, giving us plenty of time for seeing sights, eating dinner together, etc.  I came up with a little site seeing plan every day and would walk to whatever it was I wanted to do.  Most everything is right around the water, so most walks were short.  

Andy was tired, but happy to be out of Afghanistan for a bit.  He was most excited about the food.  No meals were blown off during my time there.  He said the food is so bad at his base, that he was going to take advantage of every meal time in Norway.  We tried all kinds of things and ate some of the best fish we've ever had.

I also want to make sure a HUGE Thank You goes out to Barbara and the Uphueses for watching the kids while I was gone.  None of this could have happened without you guys.  What a blessing it is to be able to travel without any fear or concerns, knowing the kids were in great hands.  Thanks!! 

Now, here's a quick tour of Norway:)

Beautiful old Viking era church with thick stone walls, fantastic wood ceiling and art and a pipe organ.  I went to look around and take photos one day, then returned later for a music service so I could hear the organ.  I was the only one in the audience for that service.  I had no idea everyone sat up in the choir loft and sang - not in English.  Afterwards, one of the English speaking gentlemen invited me to join them for coffee in the basement.  So cool!!  It was a little awkward, but I was able to see inside the walls of the church where most tourists do not go.

A Nordic style carving of Jesus is the single support column for the entire pulpit. 

The harbor outside my hotel.

Our hotel (not the boat)

Historic fishermen's homes on the harbor. 

I took a cruise to see the fjords off the Stavanger coast.  We saw old Viking homesteads, Pulpit rock and several waterfalls.  A litte chilly, but clear and beautiful.

Norwegian flag on the back of the boat.

Wooden fishing boats fishing for sardies or herring.

Waterfall off of the Pulpit Rock.

"Self" picture while waiting for the bus to the airport.  It was very early, dark and raining.  We look lovely!



Brownie Bob

Elizabeth's class has a pet guinea pig.  His name is Brownie Bob and he came to visit for the weekend.  The day he arrived, we were dog sitting Maggie.  That poor guinea pig had no idea how much danger he was in!  We had two dogs with high prey drive, a hungry cat and two kids all looking to spend "quality" time with him.  Brownie Bob did survive and was actually a good house guest.  He was quite tame and the kids really enjoyed holding and playing with him.

Brownie Bob

Beware!!

Maggie says it looks like a bunny....

Wanna play?

Granny's 86th b'day

We went to Stephenville to celebrate Granny's 86th birthday.  I was happy that the kids were able to celebrate a birthday with their great-gandmother this year.  Kerwin was there and we grilled a nice birthday lunch.  Yes, you read right, Kerwin and I made a meal!  That afternoon, Granny played the piano for us.  She played some songs using music, but she also played by memory.  It was a real treat to see the kids with her on this special day.

Happy 86th Granny!!

Even Grandad played a tune.

Singing in church

This is my first try at posting a video to my blog.  Hope this works!

The children's choirs at St. Andrew combined to sing in church.  They did such a wonderful job.  Both Austin and Elizabeth performed for the first time.  I am SO proud of them!!  The video is a little quiet, but I was trying to record from my seat during a church service without being too obvious.  The song is "Ancient Words."  It talks about how the ancient words of God are ever true.  So sweet coming from the voices of little ones.....I did not have tears in my eyes.....really.......I did not.

JDRF walk 2010

To say I'm behind on my blogs would be an understatement.  I am, however, still trying.  So come with me back to October.

We've started an annual tradition of walking in our local JDRF walk.  (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)  This year, we joined forces with Auntie Casey's team - Elizabeth's Sugar Shakers.  Elizabeth was SO excited to have such a large group of family and friends there to support her....even with the pouring rain:) 
Also, we as a family, would like to say thanks to all of the wonderfully special family and friends that give to this cause.  It is a disease that Elizabeth will live with the rest of her life.  We think the JDRF is her best ally in the fight to live a happy, healthy, normal life with diabetes. 

 Recognizing those little ones that live with type 1 diabetes. 

Team Elizabeth's Sugar Shakers!!

Love those banana stops!

Kudos to Auntie Casey for all of the hard work building the team and gathering donations.

As Elizabeth would say - You rock!!

Happy Halloween!!!

The kids enjoyed a fun Halloween evening with the family this year.  Ganna and Papa were in town for the weekend, so they were able to stay for Trick-or-Treating.  We met over at the Uphues's house for dinner (thanks you guys) then headed out for the big prize - candy!  Jack, Creighton's dad, and Barbara came as well, so we had camera flashes like paparazzi.  Our neighborhood had some very spooky porches, but the kids did not seem to mind.  They kept their eyes on the prize.

Darth Vador and The Birthday Present

Ready to train the new kid!  Welcome Elephant Marshall.

Elephants can get so tired...

SWEET VICTORY!!

Plano balloon festival

We LOVE a good festival!  This year, we finally made it to a balloon glow.  There were storms in the area, so we were not able to watch a launch, but the weather cleared and they did the glow.  They open up the field so you can walk around the balloons as they are blowing them up.  So cool!! 

Casey and Marshall came with us.  Marshall had fun pointing and saying "oh balloon" over and over.

Fun on the climbing wall!

Arrrr, cool pirate!

Wonder Twins Activate!!

Super heroes rock!!  The kids enjoyed one of their favorite things to do...dress-up.  Now that Austin is a little older, he just does not take kindly to being the Tinkerbell brother.  So, this time he convinced Elizabeth to come over to the boy dress-up drawer. Off to save the universe!

Party ready!!

I'm a little slow getting things on the blog, but I could not forget this one.  We just loved that everyone came to visit for Austin and Grandad's b'day weekend.  As everyone knows, you always want to look your best for a good party.  This party was no exception.  Elizabeth decided to help Uncle Matt and Aunt Margaret with their party looks.

Grandad and Charlotte resting up for all of the crazy party fun to come!

Rested and ready for her pool debut.  So fabulous!!

Happy Birthday Austin and Grandad!!

Well, our little guy made it to 5!  It does not seem that long ago that we were pulling out of the driveway at 11pm to go meet our Austin.  He wanted a Star Wars birthday this year, to include a light saber cake.  It turned out to be a wonderfully big party with the whole family here to celebrate.  We had all the grandparents, aunts,uncles and cousins.  (I totally forgot to take pictures of everyone).  Even new baby Charlotte made it from Houston!  Thanks to her mom and dad for bringing her for the festivities.   Austin was SO excited to share another birthday with Grandad, as well.  Thanks to everyone for making it such a special day. 
May the birthday force be with you.....

Happy Birthday Bean!  We love you!!

Elizabeth's new chair

Elizabeth and I have been working on a little project this summer.  She bought an ugly chair with a smile at our neighbor's garage sale in Kansas.  We moved that chair here, then tore it apart!  When appropriate, she helped with each step of the process.  First she picked out her fabric and paint color.  (This was a major thing).  Then she helped remove fabric and staples.  She was not too sure about the sanding, but tried it.  She did not like the way the vibrations made her hands feel.  Once I finished the sanding, we painted.  She did a fair amount of the painting, with me just coming behind to smooth out and catch drips.  The staple gun was a Mom thing, although she did help hold the fabric tight or the chair still.  I've included the before and after picks.  I'm happy with the way it turned out and I'm proud of Elizabeth for sticking with the project.  She saw the fabric, knew what color she wanted and went for it!  Good job LadyBug!!

The before "ugly chair"

It's going to be all mine!

Ta Da!!  Complete w/ sparkle trim.