The Polar Express

Last week Mimi & Papa treated us all to The Polar Express in Lubbock. It was also Uncle Wes' birthday, so we had a lot to celebrate. The train pulled up as we got there and the girls were very excited (they are really into trains right now). We bundled everyone up and got ready for the ride. Our first seats were in the top car, but we were very "cozy".

They gave people the option of going to sit in the lower car, and we took it! Anna and Gracie never really sat down the entire ride. Lily, on the other hand, was glued to Walt's lap until the last 10 minutes of the ride. This is completely opposite of her personality- I guess she was a little overwhelmed.

We listened to music, ate cookies, drank hot chocolate and visited with the train conductor until we got to the "North Pole". Then some elves and Santa boarded the train! At first the girls weren't sure what to think about Santa. This was Lily and Gracie's first personal encounter

with him-

They each got a silver jingle bell from Santa. They both asked him for a baby doll for Christmas. Cousin Anna asked for a toothbrush!! (Her daddy was coaching her to say tv!) We had a great night- thank you Mimi & Papa!!!

Anna & Gracie

Thanksgiving 2009

We spent last week in Lubbock with G-pa and Gigi, Lauren, Lance and great grandparents. The girls had so much fun playing with Aunt LaLa! My grandparents from Louisiana made the LONG drive to Lubbock to see the girls- such a special time!

When we returned to Canyon, we found our 1st snow of the season!!! The girls loved it and even learned how to make a snowball!

Look for more pics from our week here.

Sesame Street Live

This afternoon the girls, Alecia and I went to see Sesame Street Live- very and good and held their attention well. Here are a few pics- more on Flickr!

Thanksgiving Feast

The girls had a Thanksgiving feast at school- more pics on Flickr!

Gracie

Lily

'New' Dresser

We (I) wanted to get the changing table out of the girls' room and put a dresser in, to hold clothes and keep them from climbing. I started looking for a dresser that could also double as a changing table- because my children refuse to use the potty! (Side note: I am convinced they understand the 'potty' concept, but just don't want to do it!) I didn't want to spend a lot on the dresser, but still wanted something that would last. We had a dresser in our guest room that wasn't being used to its fullest potential. We've had it since we got married, but I really didn't like it that much & put it in the guest room. Walt has a cousin, Jennifer, that had posted some pictures on Facebook of some furniture that she had painted. It was one-of-a-kind and really good. I thought I would measure to see if the dresser would fit in the girls' room. After measuring, I realized it wasn't that much bigger than the changing table. I talked to Jennifer about painting the dresser the next time she was in the area (she lives in Austin). She said she would be up soon and would love to paint the dresser. That's the long, drawn-out explanation of how we got this beautiful, original piece for the girls' room.

BEFORE

AFTER

SIDE VIEW

DRAWER/ BOTTOM

SIDE

TOP

She is so talented! If you like what she did and have something you want painted, I can get you in touch with her. She has done other hand-painted projects- not just furniture. Let me know what you think!

Outbreak!

Last night's bedtime routine started as usual. We brushed our teeth, read a few books, and gave goodnight kisses. The girls went down without any objections. As I was in the kitchen working on a craft project (picture at the end of the post) and Walt was on the computer, I thought I heard some noise coming from the girls' side of the house. I walked over to the hall and listened for the noise. I heard something like a muffled knocking of sorts. As I peeked into their room I noticed the room was dark (we had left the closet light on and the door cracked as we usually do). I heard the noise again and it was coming from the closet. The girls' beds were empty, and when I opened the closet door... they were both sitting there on the floor with most of their toys around them, just playing! I had to leave the room to get Walt and also take a minute to get my "serious" look on- it was too cute! We placed the 2 "escapees" back in their beds and "strictly" told them to stay in their beds- which they did. I knew this was coming, but I was hoping not to have to convert their beds to toddler beds until Christmas. I guess we'll see how the next few nights go. I am just glad they didn't hurt themselves!

Now for the craft project. I have seen some really cute bow-holders in stores and online. I always thought that I could make one for much cheaper and using colors I wanted. I gathered supplies at Hobby Lobby this week and decided to put one together. I really like how it turned out and hope it will hold all their bows and clips. Here's a picture of the finished product:

The "escapees"

New Pictures

We have had a few busy weeks. The girls started MDO on Tues, Wed and Thurs- 1/2 days. I have really been able to get alot done while they are at "school" without feeling like I am ignoring them. They really enjoy their teachers and are learning so much. I have posted a few pics on Flickr of all the activity these past weeks- enjoy!