The Perfect Day

Brooks LOVES being outside and roaming around. He's not into organized games outside yet like soccer or baseball, but he does love to hunt and fish and explore...especially with his Daddy. Since this winter has not been a winter at all, we've been able to spend lots of time outside (I seriously don't even think I've worn my heavy winter coat). Chad invited one of his friends and his son to come out and fish with us at a local park one weekend and all the boys had such a great time. And Laney and I found ways to entertain ourselves on the hill while watching the boys fish. I love my family. I love being outside. So, I guess you could say that it was a perfect day.

See the fish the boys caught?!

Like Laney's pose? It was cracking me up.

Ahh...my little Laneybug.

Live-in Gammy

After Christmas, and my first week back at school, Chad had a week long conference down in San Antonio. My mom so graciously said that she would stay to help with the kids. I can do it by myself, don't get me wrong - but it's so much easier when she's here to help. Chad's job each morning to get the kids up and take them to school (because I have to leave for work at 7:00, and my kids sleep until 8:00). So when he's gone it really puts a damper on all of us to get up earlier and get ready so I can take them. With Gammy here she just got them up and going each morning. While I was at work she cleaned, did laundry, brought me lunch, went grocery shopping, and cooked dinner. It was a great week! While she was here we took Brooks to get his haircut and then out to Chick-fil-a. It also happened to be family night so they were serving free ice cream sundaes. Just another reason why I love Chick-fil-a. The kids were pretty excited, too!

Brooks also got a medal at school for knowing all his letters and sounds. Of course we thought that was a good reason to celebrate, so we went out for some yogurt.

And of course Gammy brought some cookie dough to make cookies with Brooks. This is one of their favorite things to do together.

This time Gammy taught Brooks how to use a fork and make a criss-cross on top of the peanut butter cookies...yum!

I'm so thankful that my mom is able and willing to take off work (although I don't think she's too sad about that) and stay with us for so long. Thanks, Gammy - we love you!

Radio Flyer and Red Shirts

For Christmas, Nana and Pappy got Delaney and Brooks a red wagon radio flyer. It's the coolest and most old-school present! They absolutely love being pulled around in this thing. Delaney points to it in the garage every time we get out of the car. Then she throws a "Delaney-sized-tantrum" which includes fake crying, fake tears, and going very limp on the ground. But, that's another story. This is about how adorable my kids are in their new Radio Flyer with their super cute new red shirts.

Christmas - Round 2 in Austin

After Christmas, Gammy and Pops came down to celebrate with us. Brooks got a tennis racket and Delaney got a kitchen and some pots and pans. Brooks loved his racket and practiced with Chad right away. He hit it almost every time. I'm really surprised that we haven't broken anything in our house considering all the soccer balls kicked and baseballs hit and now tennis balls flying through the air.

The next day Gammy and Brooks practiced playing tennis in the yard and Laney practiced cooking some yummy soup in her kitchen (after Chad spent 2 hours putting it together.)

Happy Birthday Jesus!

The boys (Brodie and Brooks) worked so hard to make a birthday cake for Jesus. And they were SUPER excited to sing Happy Birthday and eat some cake (can you tell?). I found this idea for a cake and pinned it right away. Every layer of cake and color of icing represents a part of our salvation. It was so cool because Brodie knew the Gospel Fuzzies song so he sang it for us so we could hear what each color stood for. Brooks attempted to sing along. I think this cake will definitely be our official birthday cake each year!

TuTu Cute

Sometimes I look at Delaney and I can't believe how I'm dressing her. I never imagined myself putting my little girl in bows or anything frilly...but it's just too stinkin' cute! I can't help myself. For Christmas Delaney's teacher got her a little tutu and made her a Christmas tree shirt (she's really talented with the sewing machine). Delaney was the cutest little toddler on Christmas Day. She's always off exploring by herself.

Laney loved opening the boxes, even though they were all empty.

She is really getting confident walking around. She also enjoys walking around while growling...this would be the face that she's making below.

Nobody told her that girls in tutus can't play football - so she just joined right in!

Another attempt at a cute picture. It's alright. Brooks never looks at the camera and Laney never wants to sit still. But I still just love this picture: That's such a classic "Brooks" face and it just warms my heart to see Laney laughing with her brother.

Christmas Morning

What a wonderful morning we had with family. It wasn't overwhelmed with presents and wrapping paper, but it was just a great time spent with family, a few presents to help celebrate Jesus' birthday, and even a short church service in the living room...it was perfect. Daddy brought Laney down to celebrate first thing in the morning.

Brooks had fun opening his stocking. He was so excited over every little thing.

Laney worked hard at pulling out all her goodies from her stocking.

Birdie and Scoops got Delaney a crib and highchair for her babies. She was so excited. I wish I could have gotten a better picture of her face.

My Dad (Grandpa) got Brooks some Lincoln Logs...classic! I foresee hours of building with these. I think Chad might be just as excited as B.

The kids were super excited to open the last door of the advent calendar. I decided that every year I'll put candles for Jesus' birthday cake in the 25th box. The boys thought that was pretty cool. It also reminded them that they needed to decorate Jesus' cake. The boys got right on it. Check out their intense faces.

Brodie got a flag football set so the boys tested it out in the driveway. The Hoffman boys vs. The Scott boys.

And of course Brooks had to take Laney for a stroll in the truck. I think she's going to ask for a truck when she turns 16.