Christmas pics...

We had an afternoon free after school, so I took the kids to a church in Plano to take their pictures today! I am happy with the few that I got. They were more into playing in the water and rocks to care about taking pictures, but I managed to get some!

I love these next two so much. Nathan was crying and throwing a fit because I took away his sucker, and Madison was being such a sweet big sister. She was telling him that it would be okay and not to cry. Look how gentle she is in that second picture holding his chin. And they didn't know I was taking these! This is what I love about photography so much - capturing these sweet moments so I'll always remember them!

Our kick-off weekend of Christmas!

Every year since Madison was born, we've put up our Christmas decorations the Friday after Thanksgiving, and we go see Santa that Saturday! It's a fun way to start the Christmas holiday, and we all look forward to this weekend so much!

We had a really busy Friday putting up decorations and also lights outside! So, by the time the tree was ready for ornaments, it was late. The kids were in their pajamas, and they only got to do about half of the ornaments. But they had fun and loved every second of it!

This year we decided to go to the Villages of Allen to see Santa, because Willowbend made me mad with their "absolutely no pictures" rule....and really, just how they treated me about it. We got to the Villages of Allen and it said, "no personal cameras please". AHHHH. But, I was happy because Santa was super nice and came out to hug everyone and give high fives while we were waiting for them to open. So, I didn't mind not being able to use my camera inside...it all worked out! Plus, they took about 6 different pictures, so you had more options.

Okay, so after I saw this picture, I realized that Nathan is in desperate need of some new jeans! Hahaha...I didn't realize how short they were! He's either grown since September, or the washer/dryer shrunk them, but regardless, that's now on my list - to get him some jeans that fit! Nathan was sooo excited to sit on Santa's lap, and then once he got there, he turned shy and didn't want to smile. He finally popped out this cheesy smile though! I can't believe Madison is almost 7. I remember the days when she would cry sitting on his lap! Time flies so fast with kids.

We took some pictures by the pretty (and huge) tree!

They played on the train, and ran through a Texas shaped maze.

It was a beautiful day for all this outside stuff! And this year, we brought Nana and Gaga along...so the kids enjoyed that. But for some odd reason, I never got a picture of them with the kids! :( Well, here's to a great month of December full of lots of happiness!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Since I never really take pictures of anything Thanksgiving day, these will have to do for my memories! Nathan made turkey hands at preschool, and I love them! Madison made one at school too, and I just love her little pilgrim girl! These little handprints mean the world to me...I save every single one I get. I'm not sure why, but I get teary-eyed every time I see one...I treasure these so much!

When I think of what I'm thankful for, the main things come to mind...family, friends, health, etc. But thinking deeper, I am so beyond thankful for my precious kids who I love with all my heart. These little turkey's fill my life with such joy and laughter. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally and would do anything for me. I'm thankful that my kids have a daddy who loves them so much, and works so hard so that I can stay home with them and be more involved in their lives. I'm thankful for my family and friends, who lift me up, encourage me and help me when I need it! I'm thankful for our church, and for all the wonderful people we've met there. But most of all, I'm thankful for God, who has given me all of this!

Little turkey's!

Since Madison is off school this week, and we aren't watching Katie and Grace, we decided to have Brynn over to play today! These girls had a blast together - making tents, playing with baby dolls, making turkey hats and playing the Wii! Giggles were heard all afternoon around here!

We made turkey hats today, and they were a big hit! I found the idea on-line and decided to give it a try. Everyone had a lot of fun doing them!

And not to leave little Nathan out, he was a turkey too! He did all the gluing and drew the eyes too.

I love that even though they aren't in the same class again this year, their friendship is just as strong! They adore each other!

Silly and sweet randomness!

He'll kill me one day for taking these pictures, but I couldn't resist. I probably shouldn't be posting these, but it's just a little skinny bottom showing! I made him put his underwear on for the front-facing pic. He thought he was SO funny wearing mommy's shoes while running around naked!

And now for the sweet moments. Nathan was talking about God today, and said, "Mommy, God is in heaven, but he's also right here in my heart" (while patting his chest). I about melted. Then, Madison had a really bad dream last night and woke up so scared. She was crying and said, "Last night I was so scared, so I prayed to God and asked Him to be with me." It's AMAZING to see your children develop their own relationship with God. I just love seeing her lean on God in hard times, being that she's only 6. Melted my heart again! As challenging as some days are with my kids, these are the moments that make it all worth it!

Spontaneous photo shoot of Nathan!

I love having kids that will let me practice my photography skills on them! In between running around, throwing rocks and leaves in the water, and being silly, Nathan let me take a few pictures of him! I just wanted to scope this area out, and practice a little. And I couldn't resist posting these pictures of my big boy. I wish I would've planned it out better, and had him in a nicer outfit, but ohwell!

Our 5th annual trip to Six Flags!

Michael's work rents out Six Flags once a year for the employees and families, and this was our fifth year to go! It's weird thinking back to the first time we went....it was just Michael, Madison and me (with Nathan in my tummy!). I'm afraid this will be the last year because they are trying to cut costs, but we'll see. We take full advantage of our free Six Flags days!!

I am too panicked that someone will steal my good camera, or that something will happen to it, so I brought my old camera. Most of the pictures are blurry or over-exposed, but at least I have memories from this day! Gaga and Nana normally come with us, and we make it a grandma outing...but this time it was just Nana, because Gaga was in Tennessee. We had a lot of fun, but missed Gaga a lot!

This is the first year that Madison hasn't been afraid of all the characters! She was so excited to give them hugs! And Nathan loved them too, but my slow camera didn't capture his hug!

After the carousel, our first ride of the day is always the trucks in KiddieLand!

Next up was the roller coaster! Nathan has been talking about this for weeks now, so we finally got to do it! I was a little worried he'd be scared once it started going, but he was laughing so hard. He giggled the entire time! Madison is normally afraid of this ride, but she enjoyed it this year. She may just be growing up and getting more adventurous, or having a brave little brother might have something to do with it!

And he wanted to ride it again with daddy!

They rode the kiddie superman ride (not sure the name of it!), the swings, the airplanes...

About to take off on the mini mine train....both kids loved it!

I love that they're at the age where they can ride rides together! Even though you can't see Nathan in this picture, he was there!

Madison drove us around in an old time car, and Nathan even managed to stay seated the entire time!

Nathan wanted to ride the "big boat" (the Conquistador). You can't tell in the picture, but he loved it! Michael said he was laughing the whole time, especially the second time they rode it!

Sugar high? No nap? Over-stimulation? Who knows....

And of course, my camera missed the shot of Nathan hugging Tweetie! Ohwell, I'll just have to remember that he loved all the characters and loved giving them hugs! And I was so proud of Madison for being brave and hugging them!

We had such a fun day! The weather was gorgeous....a bit chilly at times throughout the day...but it was pretty! The kids had SO much fun, and can't wait to go back again. Madison's favorite ride was the Cave ride (I still call it that), and Nathan's was the "big boat". Right there is the difference between my girl and boy! :) Madison likes to take it easy, while Nathan is a little adrenaline junkie already! We worry about his teenage years and what's to come. I hope they do Six Flags again next year, because we always have such a great time with hardly any lines!