Cousins at play

We recently had a visit from Kaylie's Nonna and cousin Elias. They had so much fun together! They have so much fun together and really try and watch out for each other. It is so exciting to see the two of them grow closer and closer every time they get together.

The Wiggles play center

Willow Bend Mall play area...They have recently redone it in a Looney Toones theme. It gives the kids a few new things to climb on that they did not have before.

After a lot of playing it was time for some Sonic.

Is this not the most precious picture you have ever seen? I love that they are holding hands. This picture was in no way staged...it was all them.

This was the first nice day we had had in awhile so why not go to the park.

Gaylord Texan Ice Exhibit

A few weeks ago Jason and I were able to have a date night at the Gaylord Texan. We have been wanting to see the ice exhibit for a few years and decided to go to dinner at one of their restaurants and then venture the freezing cold temps to see the Dr. Seuss themed ice exhibit.

Since the temperature inside is between -5 to -9 degrees they give you these insulated jackets before going in. That in addition to an incredibly warm jacket and a hat and I was good to go. I was not afraid to look like the stay puffed marshmallow man to keep warm.

The thing that cracked me up the most was with your camera. They stressed the importance of making sure you keep your camera inside your coat due to the temperatures. If you never put it up your camera battery would freeze. I never thought of that.

The exhibit itself was amazing. It was so nicely done and the colors of the ice were amazing. I was definitely in awe of how they could pull something like this off. Towards the end they have a slide that is made out of ice for you to go down. It definitely makes you feel like a kid all over again. Definitely a great date night!!!

You can tell we hadn't gone in yet because our noses are not bright red.

This is the best view of my stay puffed marshmallow man suit. I have a heavy winter jacket underneath this.

This picture was taken inside an ice cave.

Jason and I thought the chairs were fun.

The Christmas dinner feast from the Grinch

My favorite character from the Grinch is his dog. He is so stinking cute!

At the very end of the exhibit they had this. It was beautifully done. Incredibly breath taking.

New Years Eve

This year New Years was a blast. We pack up Kaylie's pack and play and went over the the Hicks' new home for some holiday celebration. It has been so much fun to watch all of our children grow up and grow into their personalities. Right now the ages range from baby to little boy and watching them all play is priceless. Once they were all down and out for the night we brought out some board games. I know it sounds cheesy but let me tell you we peed in your pants laughed at times. Thankfully, no one actually peed but it was close.

As I looked back through my camera I realized I did not take pictures for very long because the only pictures I have from the night are of Kaylie and Fletch. These were taken right after we got there. I guess I did not feel like messing with it.

Being the first time we have gone out on NYE in a year or two Jason and I loved getting together with good friends. Thanks for inviting us. We will have to do this type of stuff more often.

Christmas Leander

Usually we spend Christmas going back and forth between both our families. This year we decided to do things a little different so instead we decided to do Christmas at my mom's house the day after. Jason and I really enjoyed being able to stay in one place for an entire day. It allowed us to enjoy both of our families and not feel as if we spent most of our time in the car.
It made for a really good Christmas!!!

Kaylie and Elias waiting patiently for the unwrapping to start.

Pre present meal

My momma and I. You now know who I look like.

Nonna with her grand babies.

Making sure she got everything. I really thought she was going to fall into the bag.

When Kaylie unwrapped a present she had to make sure every last bit of paper was off before she was happy. I think it drove her crazy to leave it on there.

This was given to her by her Nonna in Italy. In the US it would be her great grandma. This has turned out to be one of her favorite things to play with. If you look closely she is petting the puppy.

Kaylie and Elias are very close. They love each other so much and play so well together.

For some reason this picture reminds me of the movie the Christmas Story. Not sure why but it does.

Grandpa Bill opening up his picture from Kaylie.

Now that Michael has his own place we thought why not buy him something he can entertain with. This is a washers game he can play with friends outside while barbecuing.

Uncle Ryan and Elias

Elias gave Kaylie a matching kitty. The funny thing is that they both carry it around by its tail. It is so cute to watch them with the same stuffed animal.

You know she approves of something when they get to take a ride on something. At home it is usually her stroller but the push car will make due.

Fish maracas

Lil bro with big sis

Nonna keeping Kaylie happy before a feed.

Ryan having to retrieve the possessed helicopter. It kept flying even when it wasn't turned on.

I thought this picture showed the sweet face of my little nephew. I love him so much!