ICE!

We have not been to ICE since before we had kids and I had been wanting to go.  We had a free afternoon after flu shots and decided to take the boys and Jacob to go and see it.  For those of you who have not been it is an exhibit made strictly of ice.  The room is kept at 9 degrees so you have to bundle up to go inside.  This year's theme was the Nutcracker.  I think that this theme was lost on the boys (Luke was hoping it was going to be Shrek), but I enjoyed it.  About half way through they have ice slides you can go down.  Both Luke and Jacob went down multiple times.  Benji wanted to go down really bad, but he couldn't quite figure out how to make himself slide so we had to abort mission.  At the very end they had a nativity scene.  This was my most favorite part!  All in all I think everyone enjoyed it.

 Jacob on the slide

 Luke on the slide

 So cute all bundled up!

Gaylord Texan

Before heading over to ICE we walked around the Gaylord to check out all of the Christmas decorations.  The boys really liked the train display (of course) and I really enjoyed everything.  It was pretty busy that night so we didn't linger too long.  I was able to snap a few pictures along the way.  I was hoping to get a good picture for the Christmas card while we were there, but the crowds and my lack of patience made it difficult.  Oh, well -- maybe next year ;)

 

Afternoon at the Park

This past Thursday we had some time to kill in between getting flu shots and dinner (before ICE) so I took the boys and Jacob to a new park in Grapevine.  This park was recommended to me by a friend and I am glad we stopped by.  The park, Casey's Clubhouse at Dove Park, was designed to be completely handicap accessible.  It had a big tree house, a see-saw boat, lots of climbing, and a zip line!  Jacob and Luke were both a little nervous about the zip line at first, but after their first try they were hooked!  Even Ben had to give it a go.  If you are ever in the area and have little ones you should definitely check it out!

Cara Box Reveal

I signed up for my second Cara Box back in September and now it is time for the reveal!  I was paired up with Jessy from The Artsy Cajun, who I sent to, and Mandee from Life, Chaos and Quotes, who sent to me.  This time the exchange was spread out over a few months so that we could get to know each other better.  I definitely think I am going to like the quarterly exchange vs. monthly exchange better because it doesn't seem so rushed.  I really love reading blogs and I feel like I have made 2 new friends.

This exchange's theme was fall.  I have decided that I really, really like fall so this was a perfect theme for me -- so on to the box! 

First, Mandee sent a sweet note with this cute squirrel on the outside of the envelope.

Next were these handmade Halloween picture frames.  I think my favorite is the candy corn one, what do you guys think? 

How cute is this stuffed turkey?  I really like fall decorations so this was perfect.

 Next was this awesome bottle of nail polish.  I rarely go without paint on my toe nails and this is a perfect fall/winter color that I don't already have.

 She also included a candle and some hand sanitizer from B&BW.  I told her that I love anything pumpkin or apple so these were right up my alley.  What she didn't know is that I always have "germ juice" in my purse/diaper bag - so we will all get to use this :)

 Last was the notepad with a "K" and the Seed of Happiness. The notepad is a great addition to my desk at work.  The seed of happiness was my most favorite thing in the entire box.  It is a left over lump of clay made into a little smile.  They are made to give to people who are going through hard times and need a little smile.  Mandee's box showed up just a couple of days after my Dad died and this thoughtful gift brought a tear to my eye.  It was just what I needed.

Thank you Mandee for this awesome box of goodies.  I loved it all and I appreciate you thinking of things that I would like.  If you are interested, you can see what I sent Jessy over at her blog The Artsy Cajun.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Andy recently turned 33 (have I mentioned that he is WAY older than me) and we had a small little party at Mom's house.  We had the party after a long and hard day of having a garage sale so we were all exhausted; however, not to exhausted to enjoy some cake!  I love parties and spending them with family -- even if it means we are all a year older.  Happy Birthday Daddy!  We love you!

I LOVE this picture of Benji and Andy -- I have a very similar one of Luke and Andy from last year!

 Luke took this picture of us -- not to bad!

 



Check out Andy's past birthdays -- 2010, 2011, 2012

Brothers

They aren't always sweet to each other and they don't always share, but they did manage to get it together for this brief moment.  All kidding aside, they really do love each other :)

October Photo Dump

October flew by, but here are our little moments...

M.A.R.G.E the blow up colon! 

They had it out at the hospital one day!  Be jealous guys, be jealous!

 I love his spunk!

 Flowers sent to me by the Jambers.  They were just what I needed.

 I took the boys to the toy store.  I will just say it was an adventure for sure.

 I got all of these clothes for Jack on clearance for $18 -- Sarah and I were pumped!

 Chicken salad on a chipotle biscuit -- YUM!  Albuquerque had the best food!

 More Shrek themed toys from Wendy's.

 The healthy kid at the doctor

 And the sick kid at the doctor

Asked Benji to smile and this is what I got...

 Benji making himself comfortable

 Playing outside before Daddy got home from work

Halloween 2013

Halloween is probably one of my least favorite holidays.  I don't like evil things and or people who enjoy scaring little kids.  In fact, I don't really even like to dress up.  But what I do like is the excitement I see on my kids faces.  I love the way they get excited about their costume and the way they look forward to spending the evening outside with family. I also love to see the entire neighborhood outside having fun.  I know that there is a lot of evil associated with Halloween, but for now we will continue to celebrate it -- and I might even look forward to it next year :)

Batman and Robin showing their muscles

 Such a cute sidekick!

 Judy and Beal had the boys each a special BAG of treats.  I love these sweet neighbors!

 Super Hero family photo

 Ginger-bread man and the witch

Jake, Ben, Luke and Makayla

 Sweet cousins!