Morning Bike ride

It was a BEAUTIFUL Saturday so we decided to take

advantage and hit the park for a bike ride and picnic.
Annabel was eager to try out her bike and William was thrilled to ride
on smooth pavement and "go fast." Everyone got some exercise-
mommy ran after William,
Daddy helped Annabel
And Aspen ran along sideAnnabel showing off her new bike

We are off to enjoy the beautiful day and smooth trails

Mr. Speedy

They are off and having FUN!

Happy Second Birthday Annabel

Annabel Hope turns TWO!
Oh my! Where has the time gone.
Turning Two means you are leaving the baby stage
and entering the toddler stage

Walking into the kitchen first thing in the morning

HAPPY Birthday!

Annabel's special birthday dinner- french toast, fruit, yogurt
and for dessert Funi cupcakes with pink frosting.
All of her choosing!

Happy Girl!

YUMMY!

Present time- her own baby stroller

And a balance bike complete with helmet
She can almost reach the ground.
You are at such a sweet age!
Your favorite foods are: cheese, crackers, fruit and pizza

YOU ARE:
* FULL of determination, do it your self

* Brave and often have no fear (scary for this mommy)
* A Joy, delight and treasure
* Loved

YOU:
* Amaze us with your ability, strength, and agility
* Adore your Big Brother
* Love to be scared and chased
* Have your own opinions
* Love Elmo and dolls
We love you Annabel Hope!

Meeting Santa

Meeting Santa!
William was thrilled to meet Santa. Annabel- well, she is not too comfortable
around people she does not know. Today was a great day for pictures.

NO line which allowed Santa and William to have a long conversation.

William runs up to give Santa a big hug!

Telling Santa what is on his wish list.
1. my own flashlight
2. a hippo
3. a pirate ship
My sister would like:
1. her own backpack
2. books
3. a doll
You better NOT cry...

Annabel was thrilled to meet the jolly man in a big red suit. NOT!

After pictures a treat of frozen yogurt

"Its cold!"

Running through the mall hand in hand.
So cute!
They truly LOVE each other and are the best playmates.
Makes this mommy happy!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Friday night we headed downtown for San Antonio's tree lighting.
Lets just say its NOT a small town (like Danville tree lightening) tree lighting.
They had major streets closed, police and people everywhere.
We really had no idea what to expect. We hit MAJOR traffic getting
downtown and then had to fight the crowds to make the tree lightening.
All ads stated that it was from 6-7 pm. As we quickly walked to the square,
we noticed that we were going "against" the traffic. WHAT?
We thought there would be Christmas Carols BEFORE lightening the tree.
We could NOT help but laugh once we arrived.
We arrived at the square at 6:17 and it was OVER.
The tree was beautiful!
They had street vendors selling glow lights, cotton candy and "tourists" treasures.
In the background Christmas music was playing... in SPANISH!
AND a mariachi band.
Now this was NOT was we expected.
We could not help but laugh!
It was fun just not what we anticpated!
We were glad it was cold enough to wear a jacket.
(sorry all you people that got snow around Thanksgiving. We hit 81)

Annabel and Mommy at the "Alamo" tree

Family shot

Warming up with some hot chocolate.
YUMMY!
Waiting for the Boat Parade on the Riverwalk.

Finding the Perfect tree

We live in South Texas. Hmmm.
Where do you go and cut a tree?
You DON'T... unless we wanted to drive a couple/few hours
no cute little stands
So where do you go?
HOME DEPOT or HEB (grocery store) the trees come by the truck load

The kids playing hide and seek

Putting the star on

TA DA

Thankful

So much to be Thankful for:

* our family

* our friends

* our new life in Texas (though we are sad to be far away)

* our new church

* our home

* our health

*a new baby on the way

* 2 happy, busy and energetic children

* PLUS so much more

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

New Traditions:

Group effort in making our feast.

Kids drying dishes
Getting ready for the turkey

Pat dry the turkey

Stuffing-

William is a great cook and Annabel is starting to get into it

Tie the bird up

Ta Da

The turkey is ready for the oven

William prepping the sweet potatoes

The YUMMY turkey!

SO golden

Carving time

(Annabel is always wearing her sunglasses)

William enjoying the leg

YUMMY!
Aspen looking on with a watering mouth!

Everything tastes better with gravy!

Nothing tops off Thanksgiving other than a

See's chocolate turkey for dessert and pumpkin cheesecake.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!
The kids have a little "thanks" they want to share with you!
Wishing you have full bellies, shared in laughter and thanksgiving.
We are blessed to have you as our friends!

Carving Pumpkins & Trick or Treating

Carving Pumpkins

William was so excited to carve pumpkins!
He liked everything about it but sticking his hands in and taking out the junk.
The Boys carved one and the Girls carved a second.

The boys getting to work

Top off- lets dig in
Well, Daddy can ...
I will watch
William did a FANTASTIC job carving his pumpkin.
He needed very little help.

The girls getting busy. Annabel was just in a funk this day.
She was a bit reserved about the Halloween.
The one part she did LOVE was caring her pumpkin bag.
She was curious!

Pumpkin smile
The kids and their Jack-O-Lanterns

HALLOWEEN- time to put on the costumes
A Cow, A Pirate and a couple of Jack-O-Lanterns
Annabel and her pumpkins

Annabel was less than thrilled to wear a costume.

Arr

Mommy and her trick or treaters!
Man- these kids got so much candy their bags were over flowing.
William counted his candy for about a week.
He was curious why each day there were fewer pieces.
We tried to tell him when you eat one you have one less.
He was also shocked to learn that Daddy took a bag of HIS candy to work.
Oh the lessons of sharing, math, and fun!