Inspiration!!!

Let's face it, it's been awhile since I've updated the blog and I wish I could go back and cover all the ground I've missed, but that is probably not going to happen. I've decided just to pick up with the most recent items and try to keep up this time.

I've been so inspired by a blog in the last few months called "Enjoying the Small Things". She really concentrates on all the small things that make our lives so wonderful and I really want to capture all those moments for our family here. I want to strive to capture more than the straight forward reporting of the facts and really put down my feelings so that in the years to come our family can look back and remember. I'd love to keep the blog as more of a journal that my kids can read later and know what I was feeling by capturing my impressions of them and dreams for their future. Now let's see if I can do it.

January Fun!

January has been a crazy month. It's been mostly cold, but there have been a few warmer days and the kids have loved getting out and riding their scooters and playing in the backyard. Brant loves climbing on the playhouse and the jungle gym and even got out the bean bag game and played with the girls. Claire still loves writing with the sidewalk chalk and just loves to color. Cate is becoming Brant's shadow and really wants to be in the middle of whatver he is doing.

My beaming boy.









The girls got tons of dress up clothes for their birthday and Christmas, so they hae had a ball dressing up in all the new get-ups.





With my new gym schedule it makes an unusual time gap, so we've been getting to Little Gym a little early. The girls still love to play in the lobby and build with their legos.

Claire in her W sit, building a tower.

Crazy Day at Sonshine School

The girls had "crazy day" at Sonshine school, which means that you are supposed to dress kind of crazy--opposites, polka dots/stripes, inside out, etc. The girls weren't sure what to think about it. Cate ended up thinking the crazy hair was funny (3 pig tails with 3 different bows), but Claire wasn't sure about wearing her Hello Kitty shirt inside out. It was fun and silly. When we got to class the teacher had play doh out on the table and Claire was totally into it. She didn't really want to take any pictures, but it's nice to know how much she loves play doh. I'll have to get it out at home more often.

My Little Ballerinas (or Tap-erinas)

After watching the girls show off their self-taught dancing skills for months now I thought they would really love to be in a dance class. We finally signed them up at Legacy Dance Center and they are taking tap/ballet/creative movement once a week now. They were so excited and seem to really enjoy the class. I was surprised how well they are listening and following along with the instructor. Claire usually gets a little tired towards the end and will try to lay down on the floor for the last 10 minutes, but Miss Libby is so great and will just take her hand and guide her along. It is really close to nap time, so they are definitely ready for a little sleep when they get home.

Another fun part of the experience was taking the girls to Spotlight to buy their dance shoes and leotards. I really don't consider myself a dancer, so I'm not sure why but inexplicably I was VERY excited to see all the adorable things and get them for the girls. They were over-the-moon with their leotards and couldn't wait to try out their new shoes. We are all looking forward to a great semester at dance and the recital. Should be interesting to see what they think of performing on stage.

New Years Eve at the Fisher's House

New Year's Eve is usually hit or miss for us because it is kind of challenging getting a babysitter, but this year Brian's parents, Jim and Judy, were in town and they offered to keep the kids for awhile so we were able to go to the Fishers to share a little NYE cheer. They have an annual BYO steak and lobster night, so it's a lot of fun. We had a great night sharing the evening with friends and saying goodbye to 2009. We are ready for 2010 . . . bring it on!

ICE!!! at the Gaylord

After Christmas, we went back to the Gaylord to see the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord hotel. I wasn't sure how much the kids would like the cold, but we brought their coats and hats to keep them warm and they actually give out some really heavy coats there at the exhibit. It was very interesting to see what detailed and interesting sculptures that they could make out of ice. It was so colorful and whimsical because it was based on the Grinch story. They all seemed interested to begin with and Cate really loved it! Claire started crying halfway through (I think because of the coat) and Brant was not interested in going down the ice slide, so Brian went ahead and took them through to the end. I waited in the line with Cate to let her slide. We had a fun time seeing ICE and then spent some time seeing the trains and other decorations again before we left. The kids love the Gaylord because they are able to do lots of walking and there are so many things to see. We also got another batch of snow . . . 3 days of snow in December is a record for Texas!


Brant pretending to take a ride on the mini train.

Claire playing on the train.

Cate looking at the Christmas decor.

Brant in his warm hat. So handsome.



Mommy and Cate.

Cate checking out the Grinch.

Daddy and Claire.

Miss Cate coming down the ice slide. She was the only one brave enough to give it a try.

A glimpse at Whoville.

Cate all bundled up in the ice tunnel.

The nativity was done in clear ice and was beautiful.

Cate and Claire having a snack and seeing the sights from their stroller.

Brant with his daddy-two partners in crime.

The Gaylord atrium with the trains and Christmas decor.

Our house with Christmas lights and a dusting of snow.

Christmas Day at Nana and Apa's House

After a great Christmas morning at home, we packed everyone up and headed out to Nana and Apa's house. We had a wonderful day and it was so nice to relax and enjoy ourselves with family. One of the first things the kids did when we got there was go through their stockings and all the great stuff that Santa brought to Nana's. It was a lot of fun and the kids thoroughly enjoyed opening up presents and playing with Reese and Collin (and the rest of the family). Mom made a great meal with noodles, of course. At the end of the day the kid's took their scooters out to a room that is being converted from a gargage to another living area. It made the perfect scooter rink and the kids had a blast rollering around the room. It was a great end to a great day. I feel like we are so blessed to have family that we not only love, but really like and enjoy being around. They are all so much fun!

Mitzi and I opening gifts.








Brian tickling those crazy girls.

Mom with Mitzi and Allison















Apa'

Brian and I