Holiday in the Park

Last Saturday, we had one last jaunt across town to Fiesta Texas to experience the Christmas festivities and see all the lights (although there are no actual pictures of the lights)...

We visited quite often over the summer - I was pleasantly surprised at how many things there were for the kids to enjoy. Of course, Katie's been begging to ride the roller coasters. With her tennis shoes on, she was just barely tall enough to ride the Poltergeist and Scream this time!

We're hoping Santa brings us season passes again this year!

breakfast with Santa

We had a pancake breakfast last weekend at church, and the big guy himself came to join the fun...

"Santa Claus a.k.a.
Pancho Claus"

important note: this was the first time Anna willingly went to him and sat on his lap - she's even smiling! Bethany has shown no signs of hesitation... yet. And, Katie... she's starting to ask questions, although she knows that Santa has LOTS of helpers (this was a friend's grandpa)...

Here are some comparison shots to see how the girls have grown over the last year...

busted!

here she goes again... our little Mischievous Millie... she had seen Anna brushing her teeth and wanted to do the same... she pushed the step stool over to the toilet, then climbed up and opened the cabinet... mind you, this all happened in a matter of seconds - I was standing just around the corner

yesterday, she stuck a cheerio up her nose...

btw, we're still waiting for the screw...

Santa's newest helpers

We've seen so many elves this week, we just had to join the fun!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1213383837

remembering Omaha

I spent most of my childhood in Omaha, and have many, many memories of being at Westroads mall... my mom working at Younkers department store... visiting Santa and seeing all the Christmas decorations... dining at Bishop's Cafeteria with my grandparents... hanging out with my friends when I was a pre-teen... and, of course, many, many shopping trips. I still have family up there and am thankful that everyone is o.k. They've said the city has just been turned upside-down. When things like this happen, it's always upsetting, but it hurts so much more when it's something you know so well. Please keep everyone in your prayers during this difficult time. Y

life goes on...

No, our household has not come to a screeching halt because of the missing screw (still no sign of it). We've been busy with all our normal activities.

Katie was recognized for A honor roll at an awards assembly - she was so excited that Grandma and Grandpa were able to attend. She practically begs me every day to practice piano (I don't remember being that eager when I took lessons). Here she is with her friend Emily at a Girl Scout Christmas Party...

Anna had show-n-tell last week - the theme was "something you're thankful for" - she took a picture of her family. She was very excited to take Daddy to Kindermusik class last week. Here she is with her friend Elijah behind a Santa cutout at McDonald's...And then there's dear, sweet Bethany. Still no screw, but I did find a few small rocks the other day. Her language is developing rapidly - she repeats everything she hears. She's especially catching on to all the Christmas lingo. She's mastered "tree", "santa", and "ho-ho-ho". The other night, I brought in a bright red poinsettia - she thought it was so pretty - she gasped and said "wower". Here she is one night when she decided it wasn't fair that Anna got to stay in the bath longer than she...

still searching

Just like a child waiting for Christmas morning to open presents... this is a true test of patience. The doctor says give it time. It's become quite the conversation topic - everyone seems to have a story (and the stories all end o.k.). Everything else seems to be functioning properly, so were trying not to be too concerned. We thank you for your continued prayers.