Christmas Eve

We went to a noon Christmas Eve service. The church was pretty crowded and it was raining, so they had a bus service taking people from their car to the church. Brooks and Brodie thought that it was the coolest thing. And don't they just look adorable in their matching vests?!

Spending time with Birdie and Scoops.

After nap time we changed and prepared for our nightly Christmas Eve activities. We attempted to take a family photo.

Laney never went anywhere without her beads.

Sneaky girl was trying to look in the advent boxes.

Brodie (who is 5 by the way) read to Birdie and Brooks before bedtime.

Count Down to the Big Day

Instead of exchanging gifts with cousins this year, we got together to celebrate in a new way. Each family donated money to a ministry and the kids all got together and shared where they decided to give money. It was a neat experience for the kids to talk about giving during the Christmas season. It's a new tradition that we're excited to continue and expand on each year.

After spending time at the Hancock's house, we headed south for Corpus. As soon as we walked in the door Birdie put the boys to work in the kitchen making some yummy cookies. She gave each boy a cute apron to use as well.

We spent some time looking at Christmas lights in the neighborhood.

Laney LOVED riding around in the truck with Brodie.

My Winter Toddler...

...all ready for a little walk outside with Mommy.

The Nativity

Chad found this video to show the kids this Christmas and I love it! Now that Brooks is really comprehending things we're desperate to make sure that he understands Christmas to be about Jesus and His birth. It's challenging me to go back, read the story in the Bible, and make sure that I understand what really happened so that I can teach it to my children. This little cartoon is just a cute reminder about what the real Nativity might have looked like:

Cookie Time!

Brooks' good friend, Aubree, had a cookie party last week. The kids put on adorable aprons, used some cookie cutters, and decorated LOTS of cookies and ate LOTS of frosting and sprinkles. And while the cookies were baking Santa stopped by. He was busy in the backyard with a shovel picking up Rudolph's poop. Apparently while he was flying over Rudolph pooped in their yard. The kids thought that was hilarious (of course). He came in for some hugs and candy canes. I left Delaney home with Daddy so Brooks and I could have some fun just the two of us. It was a great night!

Each kid got to take home a box with all their cookie creations...yum!

My Growing Girl

My little peanut finally has a little belly. I love seeing her belly hang over her little leggings. I know it doesn't seem like much, but just remember that we've come along way considering that my little peanut was once just 4 pounds!

We thought, since Delaney now has 8 teeth, we should probably start brushing them. She loves to brush her teeth!

I just love this picture. Laney found one of my beanies and put it on while hanging out around the house...too cute!

Laney is finally walking. She takes cautious steps, but she is walking around most of the time.

I love her "longer" hair. I am constantly putting her hair in a ponytail or pigtails - I just love it!

"The stockings were hung..."

After the Thanksgiving festivities ended we got right to decorating and getting ready for Jesus' birthday. Brooks was such a big help this year, Laney - not so much. It was still just so much fun to get everything out, talk about Christmas's from the past, and think about this Christmas season ahead of us.

So thankful...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We spent a day with my parents, another day with my Aunt and my dad and more extended family, and another day with my sister-in-law and her family. We had a great time everywhere we traveled and are feel so very blessed to be living in Texas so that we can be with family for the Holidays. This Thanksgiving Brooks said he was thankful for God. What a sweetie. It's amazing to think back and see all our blessings from this past year and how things have changed since last Thanksgiving. Last year...

This year...

The cousins last year...

The cousins this year...

We started off our week at Gammy and Pop's house. What a treat to go out to eat at Spring Creek Bar-b-q. Laney loved the hot rolls.

On Thanksgiving Day we were with my Dad and Lady.

This picture is pretty sweet because my half-brother came to visit for the holidays. It happens that his name is also Brooks. So, here they are - the two "Brooks" boys. Little Brooks thought it was cool to meet another Brooks.

I haven't seen my brother since I was a little girl, so I was so happy to spend some time with him and my Dad.

We also traveled out to Carrolton to hang out with Jill, Kyle and Brodie. Delaney loved being silly with her Aunt Jill.

The boys always ask to make a fort, watch a movie, and have a special snack. This time Chad helped them make a huge fort in the playroom while they watched "Land Before Time" and ate Christmas cookie ice cream. Ahh...the life of cousins!