Big Day

Yesterday was a big day for our family. We found out that Michael is able to join the Army National Guard, and he also was sworn in. I know everyone has their own opinions on if now is a good time to join or not, but it truly is what Michael want to do, and we support him with whatever he wants (within reason). Those of you not familiar with Army National Guard, he will be working one weekend a month, and two weeks a year for them. We are not sure as of yet when he will ship out for "Warrior Training" where Michael learns the Army way, as compared to the Airforce that he was in before. We are very excited about what this will bring for our family. Big things happening for the New Year. (pictures coming some of Michael being sworn in)

Christmas afternoon at Mamaw's

After opening presents and stockings at our house in the morning we headed over to Little Mamaw's (Debbie's mom) for Christmas for the final time. The kids had a great time and so did the rest of us. Great food and great company. Lydia got her first pair of High heels for Aunt Becky and she is walking better in heels now than me. (I'm a little out of practice). Lydia LOVES them and tries to sneak out of the house in them every day. Eli had a great time eating all day and opening presents. They had so many cousins to play with that I hardly had to take care of them at all. So a nice break for me too, but Thankfully Lydia and Eli still found time to give me kisses and hugs as they ran by. Have I said before how loving my children are? Enjoy the pictures!

The kiddos with Uncle Stevie

Uncle Mark forcing the kids to try on his outfits he got them ;)

Only Lydia can pull this off... Looks like shes walking the cat-walk

Eli opening presents with Grammy

Lydia with cousin Bryson

This looks vaguely like Eli's Thanksgiving picture!

Eli and Daddy getting some love-time in

Me with my sleepy boy

Christmas Morning

Lydia was the first to get up and open her stocking

Lydia trying on her Minnie Nighty
Eli trying out his new Bamboo car!
Now Lydia can help momma bake
Lydia opening and studying one of her presents from Nana
Lydia playing with her present from her Great Grandmother, Granny
Eli's favorite toy that he can have VERY limited quantities due to his teethLydia was in her new outfit ready to go to Little Mamaw's (Debbie's mom)

Christmas Eve

Eli trying out his new drum... good form!
Lydia pretending she's sleeping

Eli has this thing about kissing EVERYTHING

Eli and those gorgeous baby blues!

Lydia excited to get her a vacuum!

Lydia and Grammy playing

Christmas celebration with Papaw Michael

Lydia's first dollhouse

Lydia kissing Michael Matlock (Papaw Michael... Michael's step-dad)

Eli doing Lydia's tunnel

Lydia enjoying Eli's train

The kids with their Papaw Michael

A Holiday Weekend

Naughty?Or Nice?

This weekend was jam packed with Christmas dinners/lunches. First it started out with going to Michael's father's house "Papaw Mike, and Mamaw Barbara", and our first chicken and dumpling dinner for the weekend. The kids had a great time since the house wasn't child-proofed, and got to watch as everyone scrambled every time they went towards the many breakables.

The on Sunday we went to Mamaw and Papaw Cruze's house (Michael's father's parents). Lydia absolutely adores them. She got to run around and collect numerous stuffed animals into several different containers. Plus, she had some second cousins there to play with (and what I mean is boss around). Eli had a great time to playing with Papaw Mike, who graciously played put the puppy up, give it back. Eli also got to play with his second cousin Hayden's choo choo trains. Lydia LOVED cuddling with Papaw Cruze under the beautiful blanket that Aunt Christy got him. Despite the fact that neither kid had naps, they still were great. Can't wait till the real big event!

Headed out the door, Lydia loves to make Eli "wave" bye bye.
Eli strutting his stuff in his new shoes
Lydia and Eli playing with their cousins
Lydia and Papaw Cruze
Lydia snuggling Papaw Cruze.. This one brought tears to my eye's. I hope she always remembers this.
Eli and his puppy that Mamaw and Papaw Cruze got him
Lydia playing with Papaw CruzeEli playing with Papaw Mike

Children's Hospital

Today was the big day for Eli to get his teeth fixed. He had to have 3 crowns put on his front teeth, but that was less than expected. He did great! They gave him "happy juice" before that made him all giggles and drunk (I wanted to ask for some too). The "hand off" at the surgery door went way better than expected. No tears on his part or mine... though I did get choked up. Recovery... well that's a different story. After about a hour of crying they released us and I think Eli felt much better just getting in his car seat. Once home he devoured a banana and some gold fish, and now he's about ready for bed. I am so glad and relieved that this is over. Next week, Lydia gets her first teeth cleaning, so be looking for that blog.

Holiday Cheer!

Friday night we went downtown to watch the parade. I was a little worried about it because it was supposed to be VERY cold and I didn't know if the kids would pay attention at all. I was pleasantly surprised! Lydia was mesmerized by the parade! She would get so excited every time she saw something new and jump up from her seat on the stoop and shout out whatever it was that was coming our way. She didn't stop smiling. She made friends real quick with a girl that was standing next to us, who was smuggling vanilla hazelnut pecans to Lydia. I think the big hit was when one of the horses "bags" didn't catch what it was supposed to, and watching everyone dodge the deposits on the ground. (I have to admit, I was amused too!)

We decided (when I say we... I mean I) to go shopping on Saturday. After the parade we were all in the mood to get decorating. Plus it helped that there was our first snow on the ground when we all woke up! So, the tree is up and the house is decorated inside and out! I kept feeling like time was slipping away and I would only get the tree up just a few days before Christmas and we wouldn't get to enjoy it. So I am relieved that it is finally done. The top half of the tree looks gorgeous, the lower half... well it depends on if Eli has seen that I put the ornaments back on the tree.

On today's agenda? Make cookie dough! Now, if only I could get my shopping done.

Lighting of the Tree

Our Carriage ride, Lydia really liked the horses

Pretty girl!

The star of the nights, Santa!

Lydia and Aunt Christy, who was gracious enough to give her a boost to see Santa and the lighting of the tree.

The Christmas tree!

Me and the kids

Lydia, Christen, and Debbie heading to the lighting of the tree

Tonight we ventured out to Market Square for the lighting of the Christmas tree and a carriage ride. We had a great time, though Michale was missed. Lydia was VERY excited about seeing Santa. Eli just enjoyed the "ride". I am officially in the mood for Christmas, and will probably be decorating the house this weekend. Hope everyone else had as good of a holiday as we have had.