First Trip to the Movies

Julia and I went to see Princess and the Frog. She laughed at funny parts. She said "Oh No" at bad guys and she laid her head on my shoulder during drama. She ate her popcorn and then asked for more. The funniest part was when the movie started she keep looking around for where all the sound was coming from. At the very end she put her hand up to her mouth and said "They kissed." It was great fun!

Finally Christmas at Grandma's House

This year our family had many Christmas' apart before we got to have Christmas together at Grandma's house with Julia and Valerie.

On Monday the Hansen and Zimmerer families came over and Julia enjoyed opening every ones presents.

On Tuesday we went to Valerie's house to watch her open her Santa Christmas Presents. She was so cute and loved playing with every toy.
Then on Wednesday, Baby Valerie left for Tennessee with her Grandparents Cantrell. She enjoyed being the little princess. She is the only girl on that side of the family.

On Christmas Eve Valerie was in Tennessee with her cousins on the Cantrell side of the family.

And Julia and her parents went to Church with us and then out to dinner. The plan was to go back to her house but it started snowing so hard we went home and Julia went home to her house.

On Christmas morning the plan was to wake up and go to Julia's house at 6:30 am and watch her open Santa presents. But the snow keep us from getting out and we missed it.

By the time the roads were passable, Santa at Julia's was over and she was on her way to Corsicanna for Christmas with the Halls.Then finally on the next Monday evening we had Christmas all together at Grandma's House.

These are my two precious Christmas Girls. They had a great time and Julia had her "Everybody" together in one place.

Cookies for Santa

Julia and I baked cookies for Santa today. We had so much fun. She rolled, and cut and sprinkled. Oh yea and ate. She has discovered she loves Christmas cookies. The minute she woke up from her nap she asked for a Santa cookie

Grandma and Valerie's Weekend of Fun

Valerie (7 months old) spent the weekend here while her mom and dad went on vacation to Los Vegas. I did a terrible job taking pictures. I took three pictures the whole weekend, two eating and one in front of the Christmas Tree. I gotta tell you it is hard work taking care of a 7 month old full time. They eat, play, change and sleep then you start the rotation all over again. Before you know it the weekend is over. She is such a little sweetheart. Thank you Renee and Chris for leaving her with me. I will always remember the fun we had even though I forgot to take pictures. I love being a grandmother especially when you get to have all this fun and then give them back to their parents.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Julia and I went to Casa to see Santa Claus is Coming to Town today. She loves going to the show. She loves the dancing and singing. We were two rows back which made her a little intimidated but she loved it. When the show was over she walked up to the stage and stared at, studying it and then turned around to leave. I would love to know what she was thinking. I asked her what was her favorite part and she of course replied with Santa.

Visit to Santa

Our visit to Santa Take two went great. Julia was wonderful. She was a little scared but she sat on his lap and tried to smile for the picture. I think the lollipop he gave her helped. She told him she wanted a doll, a computer and a ball. Valerie had no idea what was up but she played along. Julia is 2 1/2 here and Valerie is almost 7 months.

To Becky: We missed you!!!!!

The Kowalski Family, Anderson Family, Dill Family, Butts Family and the Finley Family have been going to the Grapevine Christmas Parade together as long as I can remember. It has always been one of the things that kick off the holiday season. We tried to remember tonight how long this group of friends has been going to the Grapevine Christmas Parade together. We know that the farthest we can remember back is 15 years but that is only because Amy remembers she came when Kara was an infant. Also, the rest of us are two old to remember. We have such a tradition going that when Joan walked into the restaurant to get our same spot in front of the same window the hostess told her that she heard about us. We originally came with our children but now come with our children and grandchildren.

These families have been through many years together. I cheerish you dear friends.

I am Thankful ....

This picture says it all!

Vist to Santa Take 1

Day 4 of Thanksgiving Break and I could really get use to this. Today Julia and I went to the Galleria to see the big tree and make a trial run to see Santa. She is frightened of the thought of Santa. She even made David pick her up in the garage when she saw the plastic Santa he had brought from storage, so we decided to make a trial run to just look at Santa. We waved and watched the other children get on his lap. We never asked her if she wanted to go sit on his lap. Then when we were driving out of the parking garage she said "Oh no! I forgot to tell Santa I want a dolly, a computer and a ball." So maybe when her Mom and Dad take her to see Santa she will actually get on his lap.

In this picture she is standing about 12 feet from Santa and not crying. I call that progress.

PS: The Galleria was beautiful. You really need to go.

Julia's Apple Pies also know as Mini Pecan Pies

Julia and I made Mini Pecan Pies this morning. She keep calling them her Apple Pies. She took the left over crust and made all kinds of things. Once again her daddy delivered her with her shirt on backwards and I did not notice it until way later in the day. But hey this time her shoes match.Julia is a true cook. She loves making as much as eating.

After we were all done, she ran to get her camera to take a picture. She is hanging out with me to much. Hilarious!!!!

Family Advent

• The girls afternoon out lead us to Renee's church to mark the start of the celebration of the birth of Baby Jesus to make an Advent Wreath. Just as he was called "Baby Jesus" we call our new baby "Baby Valerie". We have not transitioned her name to Valerie, we all still call her "Baby Valerie." She is a very special addition to our family. Here she is with her Aunt Angela. Soon we will need to start calling her Valerie.
  The girls made their advent wreath. Sorry I did not get a picture of the final product. Julia also had a chance to make many other Christmas decorations. She says "I do art, I decorating." Just love that girl.
  
  

Saturday with Curious George

Angela and I took Julia to the Nokia Theater to see Curious George. She loved it. She sat in her own chair and was enthralled by the whole show.

Pilgrims or Pirates

I went to the Thanksgiving Celebration at Julia's school. When the two year old is asked who are you they all said Pirates. They dressed like pilgrims, had a parade, had a snack and read a book. Pilgrims or Pirates, it does not matter ... they had fun.

I do it all by myself?

We hear this alot from Julia these days. She is at that independant stage. So today when we went to play in the alley I heard "I ride all by myself, see me I do it all by myself." She had so much fun. I know every age is fun but this two year old is priceless.

Renee did what?

Renee is making her own baby food. This from the girl who calls cooking microwave hot pockets and sonic. Valerie approves!! Go Renee, peas are a hit. Can't wait to see what is next?

God Bless Baby Valerie

Valerie Alexis was baptised today at Hurst United Methodist Church. It was a beautiful service. The choir sang a song about blessing the child and incorporated Valerie Alexis name in the lyrics. It was so beautiful. Renee and Chris have found a truly wonderful church family.

Valerie was perfect baby the whole time. Mom and Dad are very proud.

Here is "ediebody". That is what Julia says when the whole family is together. She jumps around and says, "My ediebody is here." Julia enjoyed her little class she went to during the service. She left with her mom and said, "Mommy, Jesus loves me." We all went back to Renee and Chris' house for a fabulous lunch. It was a beautiful day so we were able to enjoy their lovely backyard.

Does your family do this? We set the camera on timer and take a picture of the gang. We are all laughing so hard as the picture takes so we look dorky. It was a fun day. There is 2 grandparents, 3 great-grandparents, 2 great-aunts, 1 great-uncle, 1 aunt and uncle and 2 cousins. Valerie is a very blessed young lady.

Happy Halloween

Angela and Jeff hosted the Halloween get together. We started out with each family carving a pumpkin. Then we went to Trunk Fest at their church and then back to their house for dinner and trick or treating. Enjoy the pictures.

Cinderella Julia waiting for her pumpking to turn into a carriage. Julia is 2 1/2 and loved Halloween this year.

Ladybug Valerie. She is almost 6 months old and not quite sure what all the commotion is about.

Cinderella all dressed and wait for the fun to start.

Cinderella, Snow White and their Prince Charming.

The ladybug family.

The Girls have been Winterized!!!

We are ready for winter