We made the conversion... finally

I think we have done a good job in our little monkey boy. He starting climbing out almost a year ago and we have been able to reign him in and keep him in his bed... we no more! Using a sheet over his crib worked great for a long time, until he destroyed all my extra sheets by using them as hammocks. Then I just stopped using sheets (mainly because I didn't have any more to waste on his "hammock"). He seemed to have "forgotten" how he could get out of bed on his own, but like all good things, that came to an end when he remembered what a good climber he was. So, long story short, after finding him like this (picture below) last night, I made the big leap and converted his bed to a toddler bed. He seems very pleased with his "new" bed and I will feel better knowing that he can at least get back in his bed after reading books and whatever else he does when he should be sleeping. Just another reminder that my babies are growing up.

First snow fall of the year!

What a perfect holiday weekend that wouldn't be complete without SNOW! Lydia wouldn't sit still for a picture, she was determined to catch a snowflake on her tongue. Eli, of course, wasn't that excited. He was mad about having to wear a hat and gloves, plus it was cold, all things Eli does not like.

This is Eli giving me "attitude"... so stinking cute!

Finally!

I can't even tell you how many trips we have made to the mall and look at Santa from afar. We are probably pretty good contenders to qualify as "stalkers" since all we do is watch him. However, on our trip to "Holiday on the Square" we finally did it! We visited Santa, then went for a horse drawn carriage ride, then went back to Santa. I took Eli right up and plopped him on his lap (yes, I know I probably traumatized him), but after a quick little cry, and having Lydia join him on Santa's lap, the kids actually got their picture taken. I took this picture while Lydia was busy filling Santa in on what she wants for Christmas... which just so happens to be something that doesn't exist. Santa was great too! For some reason our "Mall Santa" is a bit creepy and never encourages or even talks to the kids, but this Santa was so great. I almost wanted a turn, my list is quite long and I'm sure Santa could have helped me.

Knoxville Christmas Parade!

Initially I really wanted to go to a parade in Chattanooga, but they canceled the "big one" due to lack of sponsors. So, since Michael was gone to his military drill, we packed up and headed to Knoxville for the weekend and had lots of "holiday" stuff to do. On Friday we went o the Christmas parade, which the kids LOVED. Eli ate during the whole parade and though the parade had his undivided attention, he didn't really perk up until he saw some dogs walk by. Lydia of course was shouting "Merry Christmas" every 5 seconds to anyone that would listen and waving like a true beauty pageant winner. When I asked Lydia what her favorites part were they were "the scary guy" (AKA the Grinch.. which I agree he was scary), the fighting guys (think WWE wrestlers), and "The frog" (a mascot). Not really what I thought she would say, but ... I don't really know how to take it. If I were to ask Eli, I'm sure the answer would be the food, the food, and the doggies. Any way, below are some of the highlights of the parade.Lydia at the parade

The Beauty Pageant Wave

The "Scary guy" and he really was, he moved weird!

I know I'll get in trouble for posting this one, but I only got one of the group!

Eli and I!

This one is for Michael... it was very cool!

The dreaded chair....

Let me set the scene for you. Michael and I got this wonderful leather recliner one year for Christmas and it is wonderful. Very comfortable, reclines, rocks... everything you would want from a recline. Little did I know when we got it, that I would soon come to loath it's existence. You see, Michael has come to find that it is a VERY comfortable place to sit and SLEEP... at any time of the day. I know when its coming because he "assumes the position" as you can see in the picture. Not only does Michael love it, but the kids have discovered how comfy it is to cuddle with Michael while he sleeps and they watch a show. Now, you would think, "What's the big deal? You get a break!" NO! That is not the case... it actually turns me into a maid. "Everyone is comfortable"... so can I get ______ for ______. I am telling everyone this so they don't make the same mistake that I did and get a nice comfy recliner this holiday season. Instead I suggest wood chairs, not the least bit comfortable.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is ready for the Christmas holiday right around the corner. For Thanksgiving this year we went to Knoxville to Little Mamaw's house (Michael's grandmother...on his mom's side). It was great to see everyone and I had two added bonuses this year. First, Michael was actually able to come and enjoy it with us. Originally we thought he had to work, and he actually drove to work then found out they had taken him off the schedule on accident. So, much to our delight, he was able to spend the day with us. The second surprise was Aunt Tatey got to come!!!! (Courtney, my sister). It was so nice to have someone from my family there to help me celebrate and bring some of our family traditions.


Lydia having a blast throwing leaves at everyone that stood still long enough.Eli was kind enough to help Papaw Mark (actually Uncle... but I won't get into that)

Lydia and Bryson hamming it up. They knew exactly what to do with a camera pointed at them. Bryson even came over after wanting to check himself out and then exclaimed "Yep, that's a good one". Do you think Eli looks a little protective of his big sister? LOL (Lydia, Eli, and Cousin Bryson)
Cousin Rachel taking a turn with Eli as the pusher... hopefully soon he will figure out what those peddles are for.Lydia, Eli, Grammy, and Little Mamaw enjoying the beautiful day... and Lydia admiring the lovely garden gnomes (Michael's favorite!)