Grapevine Christmas Parade

I took the kids to the Christmas Parade last night. 

Dylan had to work so I braved the crowds alone with my two munchkins.  I met a few friends and their kids so it wasn't as bad as it sounds. 
  
 The parade started at 7:15 and we left around 8.  Druz goes to bed at 7 and Tatum at 8 so we were pushing the line of normal child behavior and going straight for crazy tired child who should have been in bed hours ago.  The kind of behavior no parent wants to deal with...especially when they are alone!

The kids LOVED the parade and Tatum cried when it was time to go, as usual, but we made it home all together and fairly happy so that goes down in my books as a successful night.

All 5 kiddos getting ready for the parade

The Mom's anxiously awaiting the parade

Typical family picture, Tatum looking angelic (it's only an act), Me and my crazy eyes, and Druz trying to go somewhere else QUICK!

This is how single parents must have to do it.  I had Tatum on my shoulders and Druz in my arms.  Talk about Super Mom!  Don't give me too much credit.  It only last about 10 minutes before I had had enough.

There were some pretty cool floats.  

Thank Goodness for Dads!  It takes a village, right?  Eric and Joey helped hold Tatum when she couldn't see.

This was for Dylan.  He loves Back to the Future (Loves is an understatement) and there were 3 DeLoreans so I had to take a picture since he wasn't able to come.

Close to Home

Tatum had a stomach ache this morning when she woke up so instead of heading to the gym...we headed to the park.  Figured it was a better idea to stay close to home, just in case!

Of course, she was feeling perfectly fine the rest of the day.

Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree

On this beautiful 80 degree day, we went out and picked our Christmas tree.  Something is just not right about that.  They did have a snow machine though so that made up for it, I guess

 The kids (Dylan included) played hide n seek while I checked out the trees.

Loaded up and ready to go!  We got a good one this year!

 

This, my friends, is what happens when you send your husband in to the store to buy lights for the tree.

 

Hanging the star

 

Tatum was so very excited!  Getting ready to put ornaments on the tree

 After three trips to the store, lots of "Druz, don't touch that", and "Mommy where are more ornaments", we finally finished the tree.  All in a days work folks!

This is the entry way with all my snowman...and my empty Christmas Card tree.  Send me a card, people!

'Tis the Season!

TCU/OU

Ali and Eric went to the game with us this weekend.  I had fun, I hope they did too.  I wasn't quite sure who to cheer for so I just cheered for whoever had the ball.  I took the easy way out.  ;o)

It was a little windy

Half time...back out to tailgate

Ali couldn't resist taking a picture with the band...I was just there for moral support.

A bunch of OU people, and Me and Dyl.  Good People.  Fun Times.

Holley Colley

Mom, the kids, and I went to Coleyville's Christmas festival, Holley Colley.  I asked Mom if she wanted to come just for something fun to do with the kids, not expecting to need help.  I had every intention of going it alone with them if she didn't come.  Oh My!  Thank God she came because it was CRAZY!

Tatum saw the horses right as we walked up so we HAD to right those first.

Then we headed on over to watch Aslynn sing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer...it was her solo debut at just 3 1/2!  She did awesome!  Tatum threw a fit (literally) because she couldn't get up on stage and sing with her.

Back to the horses again and this time she HAD to ride the pink haired horse.

The best possible place for Druz....thank goodness Liz brought her stroller!

The beginning of chaos...once out of the stroller it was an all out race.  After the jump houses Tatum saw Frosty...that was the end of all fun to be had.  I had to hold her the ENTIRE time.  She would scream like she was being severely tortured if I put her done.  She is absolutely terrified of anything in a large costume, i.e. Frosty, Reindeer, cartoon characters, school mascots, you name it.

Petting zoo, she finally let me put her down for a split second to pet the bunny

I was in one corner holding Tatum and my Mom was chasing Druz around the petting zoo.  He was so excited he didn't know what to do or where to start.

There were food trucks there but after standing in line for 20 minutes we decided to just leave and eat somewhere else.  The kids were GREAT at dinner.  Once again, thank God for my Mom being there!  I'm usually pretty calm with the kids even when things get crazy (at least I tell myself I am) but with Tatum being scared and Druz acting like he has never been let out of a cage...it was a little crazy even for me!  But we all had a fun time, which is what matters!

 

Chef Tatum

Tatum spent the morning with Grandma, while I had some QT with my little boy.  They baked Christmas cookies and made ornaments. 

To be loved by so many!

Playa's Christmas Cut

Playa got her Christmas cut today.  She cleans up well.  ;o)

Reindeer Lights

Papa and Barbara sent these reindeer lights for the kids.  Tatum loves them.  So does Druz but he broke one within the first 5 seconds of holding it so I decided it was best if he just looked (from very far away) and didn't touch.

Don't worry though, a little bit of super glue fixes everything. ;o)

She sleeps with them and wakes up wanting to take them everywhere. 

Our friend Zulu

I started Elf on the Shelf this year.  I didn't think she would really get it before now.  So far it's worked like a charm.  One little mention of this guys name and she straightens right up! 

Thanksgiving Weekend

We hosted Thanksgiving this year.  It was nice having everyone over.  Dylan's parents and youngest sister, Maddie, came in town and then my sister, her boyfriend, the boys, and Mom came over too.  Everybody brought something so I didn't even have to cook it all!

I had every intention of doing the Turkey Trot but didn't sign up so I did my own little 5k early in the morning.  I don't think I mentioned this, especially to Ron, but there was a pit bull following me on Pool Road!  Can you believe that?!?!?!?!

Heading to the park for a little pre-thanksgiving activity

I guess it just proves the food was good!

 Ron, Liza, and Maddie hung out with us for a few more days...

Clapping with Druzy boy

We took a little trip to Southlake Town Center and enjoyed the beautiful weather!

Went to the "big" park...a.k.a. Parr Park

Me and my honey having a moment.  ;o)

My little adventurer.

Maddie pushing Tatum and G-Pop swinging with Druz 

Maddie, chasing Druz around the playground

Still going strong

Christmas Kickoff!

After the gym this morning we took the kids to Downtown Grapevine for their Christmas Kick-Off.  Santa and Mrs. Claus was there as well as all kinds of other Christmasy stuff.

Tatum has always been TERRIFIED of Santa.  They had reindeer, elves, sharks, wolves, and all kinds of other characters dressed up.  She was begging to see Santa after she saw them.  I guess she decided to choose the better of the two evils.  She kept wanting to give Santa a high five.  Maybe I'll get a good Christmas picture with Santa this year after all!

 I wonder what the reindeer said that was so funny???

Watching Santa sleep

All the big kids with Mrs. and Mr. Claus

Tatum loved Mrs. Claus

 Love the group shots.  Always priceless!

Too sweet.

Two of my favorite people napping together.

Proof!

This NEVER happens...these two are usually arguing over something.  Tatum is yelling and Druz is shouting his caveman talk.  Comical yet irritating, especially when the biting and hitting come into play.  No, not my kids...Yes, my kids!

They always say if they are quiet, you should probably check on them.  Glad I did  I needed proof that my precious babies really do like each other.  Tatum was quietly reading (or reciting) her book to Druz and he was listening so excitedly.

Love these two more than life.

This is what I was working on while my kids were being perfect.  Felt Christmas trees, ornaments, and packages...anything to buy a few minutes of time, right?

So many things to be thankful for

I mean, seriously, does it get any cuter than this???  Unless, of course, it's your own kids, but still.  These performances make my heart melt!  

Tatum's school had an adorable performace.  I'm never sure if she will get shy or just sing out.  Today she was loud and proud!  They sang a Turkey song and a song about being thankful with sign language.  So stinkin' cute!

Someone (seriously not me) must have taught her about the Ms. America wave because this girl has it down!  As she is walking into Chapel with her class she is just smiling and waving at everyone.  I love it!!!  She's a natural ;o)

Each student at her school filled out a turkey feather to say what they were thankful for.

Tatum was thankful for Mommy and Daddy...ahhhh, love that girl.  On the flip side...Giraffes are a close second.  I love this age!  So sweet and honest!