Decorating the Tree

They both did a good job helping hang up the ornaments for an FHE activity.

This is for You, Papa.

Joshua and Kara sporting their new shirts that Papa Vance got for them in Germany

USAA Children's Christmas Activity

We went to Brian's work to visit Santa (but not pay the exorbitant price for pictures with him) and watch an Amelia Bedelia performance (which was only OK). There was also a magician doing tricks in the hallway, and that was fun to watch. (Except for, in the middle of a card trick, someone bumped his table and half his cards fell onto the floor. I didn't see who accidentally bumped it, but it MIGHT have been Kara, since she was standing the closest. Oops.) The kids loved seeing (and posing with) the balloon creations.

Frosty the Snowman



Winnie the Pooh


Joshua saw a big candy cane made of balloons and immediately ran over to it. He knew what to do...


A poinsettia Christmas tree (gotta love Joshua's "huh?" face)

Santa!

We went and saw Santa at the nearby elementary school, where they also had snacks and crafts (all provided by our HOA). I think he was a little too scary for Joshua.


Remember last year, though?

USAA Christmas Party

Some friends watched the kiddos so that we could go to the annual work party. They had yummy food and two live bands. It was a fun date.



Lonestar


Styx


cool ice sculptures

Bass Pro Shops

We got to see Santa Claus AGAIN when we went to Bass Pro Shops. Joshua did better this time because we bribed him with candy.




testing the merchandise


This one's just right!


I think Kara got a little tired...

Christmas Morning

Kara got a little couch from Santa.


"Look at the camera!"
"Ok...Cheez!"



Santa gave Joshua a Little People garage (in the background).


the cute advent calendar that I found at T.J.Maxx

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is Brian's mom's birthday. She is a really great person, and we all love her. I couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law, and Joshua and Kara sure appreciate their grandma. We hope you're having an awesome birthday on your Europe vacation!

Entertaining Kids

Joshua (almost 18 months):
-Says "please" ("bee") and "thank you" ("dee doo") without prompting
-Responds to requests or instructions with "ok" ("ah day")
-Responds to questions he can't answer with "hmmmmm"
-Will spontaneously hug and kiss Mama and Daddy
-Tries to imitate his big sister all the time and loyally follows her everywhere
-Has a sense of humor

Kara (almost 4):
-"My heart was beeping really fast."
-(trying to sing along with a Christmas song:) "Do you eat what I eat?"
-"There's three things that are bright outside: Jesus, Heaven, and the sun."
-(while praying:) "We thank you for we love Santa Claus..."
-Said to me in an exasperated tone, "How many times do you have to tell me to do something?"
-Can be a great helper

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

My brother is 21 today. He's currently serving a mission in Northern California and loving every minute of it. We hope he had a great day!