Christmas Card Outtakes

Where's Lily?

Momma and Memo sleepy eyes.

Holden spies a mouse. David is still doing a remarkable job of holding onto Evan so that he doesn't run off, yet looking nonchalant.

Ho Ho Ho

Getting ready for the Christmas holidays. Lily and Evan got fresh hair cuts today, well overdue. And we may just try to get a family holiday photo this weekend. If anything like our prior attempts we will just do individual photos this year. I'll post some Christmas photo outtakes in a bit.

Afterward the kids ran around and enjoyed the Christmas decorations.


And Holden enjoyed some peace and quiet while we were out. By the way, he adores his new big kid bedding. I wish I had videoed him when we showed him his new bed. He was ecstatic, squealing and jumping on the bed for over thirty minutes, pointing out the buses, motorcycles and cars. We couldn't get him to leave his room. He always was happy to go to bed, but now he is even more eager to jump in at naptime or bedtime. And the boys are more than green with envy. Evan wants a big bed too, but will have to wait a bit longer. I'm not quite ready to buy three more twin beds and bedding for our three big kids.

If you are wondering why Holden has a big bed and the kids are still in their toddler beds, it is because Holden never did take to his crib, he transitioned from our bed to a twin bed next to his toddler bed. He would never sleep in it. I've been planning on moving Lily into his room and him in with the boys, but I finally realized that it was going to be later than sooner and that I should probably finish the room as a little boy's room for now. And my efforts were greatly rewarded with smiles, kisses and big a 'Tank you mommy!'

Oh Christmas Tree

We followed our annual tradition and selected our Noble Fir Christmas tree today at the Optimist Club. Our escapade was caught on tape by the local news, full story here.

Giving Thanks

Turkey Trot for Caritas of Austin 2009

I am overflowing with gratitude...

for our health and the health of our loved ones
for our strength to run 5 hilly miles with our children and 14,500 Austinites
for the blessing of our children, family and close friends
for the gift of a gorgeous day for our Thanksgiving
for grammy's juicy turkey with delicious stuffing and some warm apple pie to fill our bellies


Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving.

Leopard Attack and a Visit with Grandma

Last week we took an impromptu visit to the San Antonio Zoo to meet up with GG who was in town for a few days to help her cousin who was having surgery. Sometimes spontaneous excursions end up being the most fun. In our case this was true. The weather was great, the zoo uncrowded, everyone was in a good mood and we had a terrific time.

We even had a bit of exciting drama. Will was attacked by a Black Leopard (Sam), twice. Thank goodness for Plexiglas. And fortunately Will was not traumatized by the attack, he asked GG if he would do it again, one more time please. He was pretty excited about the Leopard incident, 'he chased me and grabbed me.' My mom said his open jaws were larger than Will's head.

A leopard attack and a visit by Grandma, really what more could you ask for?




Holden saying 'All Aboard!'


The petting zoo complete with brushes to tend to the friendly goats.


Butterfly exhibit.



Frog pond viewing.