All I Want For Christmas

He was super excited about seeing Santa. I was nervous he might cry. Nope! He went right up to Santa and climbed up on his lap.

Santa said, "What do you want for Christmas?"

Brayden said, "Ice cream."

"That's it?"

"Yeah."

Sure makes my shopping easy this year. Now to figure out how to make it not melt once I wrap it...

Santa's Farm

This past weekend, the local high schools put on a night called Santa's Farm. The FFA students hosted all of Kingwood to come out to the Ag barns and look at their animals. They each decorated animals' stalls with fun Christmas decorations; it was too cute! We went through the stalls and saw the steers, goats, sheep, and pigs. Brayden LOVED it, and even got to pet some of the animals.

The stalls all decked out in Christmas decor.

The Harris family

This goat looked like he wanted out!

Brayden petting the sheep.

The bus ride back to our car, which was another highlight.

It's amazing how excited kids get over a bus ride!

Putting Up the Lights

I love Christmas lights on houses. I love driving around in neighborhoods and seeing the fun and creative ways that people have decorated their houses for Christmas. We haven't put lights on our house in a couple years (mainly because a few strands went out), but this year it was time. We got some new lights to put up, and Jonathan went to work.

Precariously sitting atop our roof. Makes me nervous!

Brayden REALLY wanted to help. He climbed up all on his own...

...just kidding! Jonathan was right there with him.

They made the house look GREAT!

O Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree is up. It's feeling a bit more like Christmastime! I really am having a hard time believing that it's December. This year has just FLOWN by. It's been a good year though - one full of great memories and seeing God's goodness in our lives.

This year Brayden really got into helping with the lights on the tree. He thought they were so cool. He was a great little helper for Jonathan.

Our little Christmas tree

I Love Black Friday

I know a lot of Black Friday is a scam. They get you there to buy the deals, and you end up leaving with more than you planned to buy. I know, I know. Yet, each time I get the chance, I LOVE to go. It's a tradition with my family...the girls anyway. We get up at the crack of dawn and brave the freezing weather, and year after year, we have an amazing time. We had so many laughs (how can you not with my mom and Pam together!), and we actually did come home with some really great deals (I know, because I am a price-shopper!). Fun times and a great nap that followed!

Me and Mom

Shannon, Aunt Pam, and Kristin

The Park

Each time we head up to Oklahoma, Brayden can't wait to go to the park. In the last year, each time we head that way, Papa loves taking Brayden to the park to feed the ducks. I'm not sure who is more excited. They both LOVE it! Whenever the park is mentioned, Brayden goes into this long monologue about the ducks...giving them bread...and the turtles and fishies at the park. It was a much anticipated outing once we got to Edmond.

Almost at the pond where all the ducks await.

Brayden and Papa with their bag of bread in tow.

Feeding the "duckies"

One of the giant Canadian geese decided to grab the bread

OUT of Brayden's hand. He was totally okay; I on the other hand...

...thus the need to keep hold of his shirt!

Sliding at the park...

Such a kid!

Swinging...yes, he is such a kid too. And I love it!

Jonathan and Amy both jumping out of their swings.

Under-dog! He about flipped me over!

Amy and Brayden

"Can I take this stick back home as my souvenir?"

To Jump or Not To Jump

We decided it would be fun to try a jumping picture. Um, yeah. Usually with these pictures, you get one good one after like twenty attempts. It's hard to coordinate 7 people at one time with cameras of different shutter speeds. Oh well, we had fun. It was an attempt...but one with a great memory attached.

Got this one a bit too early...

This picture just looks weird...

Eh...not quite!

Jonathan just decided to dive.

YAY!

Thanksgiving in Oklahoma

For Thanksgiving, we drove up to Oklahoma to see my family. It was so great to see everyone back in town and hang out together. We had lots of laughs, early hours of the morning shopping, and time hanging at the park. Here are some of our pics from the trip:

Nanny & Papa with all the grandkids

Shannon, Amy, Kristin, and me

Brayden LOVED helping lick the beater after making whipped cream

Shannon and Nanny making gravy

Uncle John taught Ryan how to carve a turkey.

He learned from the pro!

The "kid" table

Paul & Amy had fun taking video of Brayden

My wonderful sis and me

Uncle John & Aunt Pam with Ryan, Shannon, and Kristin

Mom & Dad with Paul and Amy...I just love my fam!

After the turkey...we crashed on the couch!