Polar Express

December 2013
It has become a tradition to take the boys on the Polar Express train ride. They (literally) look foward to it all year! This year we tried out a new place and stayed at the Gaylord hotel outside of Dallas. The hotel was AMAZING! It was like a winter wonderland for adults and children! They boys were a bit bummed that they didn't get chocolate milk on the train…but had a great time none the less.  It was a fun way to get us ready for Christmas approaching just a few days later.

Some self-ies while we wait for dad to get us all checked in! 

Exploring the hotel grounds...

Sullivan meets a VERY TALL soldier! 

The cousins wait for the fun to begin! 

 Camden does not like to be cold….walking to get to the train. 

 …and finally on the train! 

 Chris and Reece having a little heart to heart. 

 My turn to snuggle with the sweet girl! 

 Sullivan checking out his ticket to ride…..

 …on the way back to car. The boys were exhausted. It wasn't long before both were sound asleep! 

 The next morning the cousins (minus one) watched some cartoons while we finished getting ready for breakfast. 

 At the ice exhibit. (Us girls decided we would stay warm)

And, the boys are (honestly) already talking about when we get to go next year! So thankful to have this family tradition! 

November 2013 Phone "life" pictures

Here is some of our "life" from November (2013). 

The boys got some money and had a chance to pick out a toy. It is so much fun watching them learn about the concept of picking "one special thing". 

They each chose a vehicle and even got to pay with their own money. 

And then the best part…coming home and playing with the new toys! 

I got to attend a women's conference in Galveston. It was wonderful! 

This is Sullivan's picture of Santa. He even drew a cookie in his tummy. Can you find the cookie? 

Breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa after church one day in November. 

(fuzzy picture) Doing some Thanksgiving crafts. 

Waiting for the Lighting of the Christmas tree at Market Street. 

Chris and I went on a little date night. What a great venue! 

 The boys looking through their Christmas Wish books….

Ran into some friends at a last minute, late night (before Thanksgiving) grocery store trip. Had to document it because none of us had our children with us :)

 Gearing up for the "winter season" with some hot cocoa! 

 ….and of course picking out our tree at a local tree farm (also known as Home Depot). 

 My handsome boys! 

 Learning how to be builders. 

Camping with Cousins. November '13

In November we took the boys on their first overnight camping trip. It was so much fun to spend this memory with our cousins! 

We made s'mores. Had pancakes for breakfast. Rode our bikes in the park, and went for a nature walk! We can't wait to go again! 

Boys getting ready to "help" put the tent up. 

 Teamwork! 

 camping= no makeup! 

 Favorite big cousin P! Love ya buddy!

 …and the youngest member of the crew! He was such a trooper!

 First night menu: Frito Pie of course! 

 Morning snuggles!