Santa Picture 2010

First, a review of previous years....

2007


2008


2009



**********************DRUMROLL********************

I guess the good news is that there's no where to go but up after this one.



(In Miller's defense, she was screaming and terrified, and I think the fingers in the nose were a defense mechanism.)

Thanksgiving

Whew! We just returned from a very fun (and slightly chaotic) visit to Tennessee for Thanksgiving with all of Lee's family: Uncle Ben and Aunt Jenny, Will, Sarah, Tommy, Nana and Granddaddy.

Colby and Miller handled the traveling very well; the highlight for Miller was definitely the "school bus" ride from the parking lot to the terminal.

Colby was still feeling good upon arrival...


While Miller caught a quick cat nap in the car.


For the few days we were there, we spent a lot of time talking and hanging out, while the kids enjoyed exploring new toys and making a mess of the playroom.

Jen and Ben totally outdid themselves on the Thanksgiving meal- there were 2 turkeys (one fried, one baked) and tons of great food.

The kids had their own table for Thanksgiving dinner...






And the adults enjoyed their own quiet table a little bit later.


Attempt at a self-timer photo


The following day, we took the kids to the Children's museum.

The hightlight for Colby was dressing up like a fireman.


Unlike her mother, Miller thoroughly enjoyed grocery shopping. There was a really cute old man working the register and checking her out.... just kidding! He wasn't that cute. Just kidding again! He wasn't really working there. Ok, I really am kidding- Granddaddy is looking as young as ever these days- totally fit and trim!


Silly girl really liked these sunglasses that she found in the car...must be Sarah's...


On the flight home, as we were landing, I told Miller to look out of the window. Everything was dark except for all of the lights, which looked orange. Miller exclaimed excitedly, "Oooohhhh! It's Halloween up in here!" Gotta love the perspective of a 2 year old.

THANK YOU Ben and Jen for your wonderful hospitality!
Nana and Granddaddy, we are looking forward to seeing you again soon!

School Pictures

Here they are....the much anticipated preschool portraits.

Miller had chapped lips and the beginning of a cold...her dad got her ready and "did" her hair because I was out of town...and she wasn't sure why she was sitting on that chair. All things considered, not too bad.


Colby's turned out great this year! My sweet and very big boy.

Halloween 2010

Colby and Miller had an absolute blast on Halloween this year. Colby knew the ropes from last year, and Miller caught on very quickly how to walk up to houses and get candy "by self".

Batman and the garden gnome ready to go...


along with a very large Buzz Lightyear.


See...I am following through on my promise to take more family pictures! (this was outside of our friend's house after a cookout)


Off they go!


This is the neighborhood gang....Colby is the only boy (other than Sean), but he makes the most of it. The girls all love him and he plays very well with all of them. From left to right, it's Sophie, Catie, Colby, Sean, Miller, Lori, and Megan. I should note that Miller is 2 years younger than all the bigger kids, and only 2 1/2 months older than Sean!!! That shows you just how big she is for her age.


After about an hour of trick-or-treating, we headed home to examine the loot.


Miller was totally thrilled with all the lollipops in her bag. (it's the only thing she recognized, so it was the only thing she wanted)


Colby enjoyed a little chocolate...


While Miller showed her skills at managing multiple lollipops.


After they each had several pieces of candy, we saved a few in a small plastic bag, and then we put the rest of the candy in large bags outside of their door for the Switch Witch. Don't you know about the Switch Witch?? She comes the night of Halloween and switches candy for toys. The more candy you leave, the bigger and better the toy. Colby wanted to leave ALL of his candy....he is a gambling man. Luckily, the Switch Witch did not disappoint.



Miller received a Mickey Mouse movie for her candy, but she really does not understand the whole concept at this point. Colby is already talking about what the Switch Witch might bring him next year. I guess the only downside of the Switch Witch is that I put all the candy in the garage and slowly ate it myself. Oops. Maybe the Switch Witch needs to come to mom's door, too!