Chinese Lanterns

Dearest Jax and Colton,

Before we all returned to our regularly scheduled life, we took in the sights and sounds of the Chinese Lantern Festival.   This was a first for us but I hope it wasn't the last!

 

This was my and Daddy's favorite part as this entire structure was made using china plates, cups, and spoons!

 

We made sure to read up on our zodiac signs.

  

Jax, you were born in the year of the rat.  According to the chart, you are ambitious, intelligent, persuasive, sociable, charming, charismatic, industrious, meticulous, and tenacious!  Careful though as rats have a tendency of also being selfish, self-destructive, ruthless, critical, and greedy.

 

Colt, you are a Tiger according to Chinese Astrology and that means you are independent, curious, charming, generous, sociable, honest, flirtatious, caring, and self-assured.  On the other hand, it says a Tiger can also be short-tempered, hasty, and aggressive.

In case you're wondering...I was born in the year of the dog and your dad is a rooster!

Happy New Year!

Dearest boys,

I almost considered making "blog every day" one of my goals for 2014.  That would've been ironically funny, eh?  In an effort not to totally neglect this little time capsule, let me give you the cliff notes of our year thus far:

NYE was celebrated with the Harycki fam.  First, we all went to dinner together and then we partied it up at their house.  You boys played with Kinley and Kohen while us adults laughed over some board games.  At 9:00, Mrs. Brandie presented everyone with sparkling beverages and we went outside to countdown and set off a confetti canon!  We were back home and in bed by 10:30 and that was the perfect was to ring in 2014, in my book.

New Years Day itself was full of tradition as The Vaughns hosted us at their place (again -- but I can't seem to find pics from NYD-past.?.?.) and fed us everything we needed to make 2014 the best year yet.  There was cabbage, black eyed peas, and pork.  Most importantly, there was a house filled with great friends!

 

 

 

2014 got off to a great start!!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Dearest Jackson and Colton,

We spent Christmas Eve morning running around buying a few last minute odds and ends and finishing our gift wrapping.  We left for church at 4:00 and enjoyed a beautiful service complete with my favorite part, a candle-light singing of Silent Night. 

We swung by the Vaughn's house afterwards to enjoy a yummy dinner.

 

Grandma and Grandpa's house was our last stop of the evening.  Jackson, you insisted that Santa's reindeer needed carrots so Grandma loaded us up with "reindeer food" before we went home and left out treats for our special visitors.

 

I set the alarm for 6am on Christmas morning just so that I wouldn't miss seeing your precious reactions to Santa's goodies!  Y'all ended up sleeping until 6:45 though! 

 

The entire morning was spent assembling and testing out all of your new treasures.

After nap time, we drove to Grandpa and Grandma's house to have Christmas #2.

 

Grandma prepared a huge Christmas dinner so we all returned home with full bellies and happy hearts.

Christmas #3 took place via Skype as we hooked up with Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Mike, Aunt Jess, and Hailey on the tablet.  We took turns opening our respective gifts and just enjoyed being "together".

 

Now we're living in the after-math.  There are boxes, instruction manuals, and new bits and pieces strewn around the house.   And we get the pleasure of watching you enjoy it all.  What a wonderful life!

 

Mid December

Dearest Jackson and Colt,

After Icepocalypse 2013 came and went, I suddenly realized that we hadn't done many of our yearly holiday traditions so we kicked it into high gear!

First stop was Bass Pro Shop...we played around until it was our turn for Santa...

 

I think y'all were all smiled out by the time you sat on his lap...

 

Seeing the man himself reminded us to bake him some treats!

 

My favorite night involved driving around in our pajamas and looking at the local Christmas lights...you two were pretty excited too!

 

Last, but not least, we took a carriage ride via our favorite horse - Hopey.

 

Such sweet memories with my sweet boys!

Early December

Dearest Colt and Jackson,

December has been a nice balance of chaotic and calm.  We started by attending Highland Village's tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday the 4th.

 

What we didn't know is that 24 hours later the entire city would be shut down!  An ice storm came in and, thanks to temperatures that stayed below freezing, took forever to melt!  School was cancelled on Friday the 6th and Monday the 9th!  We spent a lot of time cuddled at home together.  It was relaxing and fun!

The front yard:

 

The back yard:

 

Of course, you two wanted to bundle up and play!

  

By Monday, we were all a little stir crazy from being in the house for so long so we ventured to the Gaylord for their annual festivities.  It seems that folks were still a little freaked by the road conditions so we had the place practically to ourselves!!!

 

Colt, I promise you did enjoy yourself ; )

 

We spent a little time exploring the beautifully decorated hotel afterwards.  

Again, Colt, you weren't in a smiley mood:

 

So, Jax, you tried to remedy that:

 

We all resumed our normal schedules on Tuesday but we're hoping that wasn't the last of the winter weather....because any additional cancelled school days don't have to be made up!  ::fingers crossed::