Santa Claus is Coming to Town

It was a nice day all day today - up until an hour or so from the lighting celebration of the Christmas tree at the Forum. As the meteorologists predicted, the rain came as the sun went down. We stuck it out and had some fun. We even made our first visit to see Santa. Hatcher couldn't wait to wish him and Ms. Claus a Merry Christmas and to tell Santa that he wanted a camera and guitar for Christmas. Aidan wanted no part of it. So - cast and all - I squeezed my adult self into that sleigh and smiled for the picture for Aidan's sake...it turned out decent! Oh, and while we were waiting in line, Hatcher sang "Santa Claus is coming to town" the whole time! Everyone loved his holiday spirit - what a ham!

Happy Thanksgiving

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! For those of you who don't already know, I broke my wrist last weekend. Yes, it was a stupid accident...slipped and fell on the iced over deck stairs trying to get outside to play with the boys. Derek is having to do it all right now. I can't change diapers, make sippy cups, or even put the kids in their car seats...and I'm typing this all with the "hunt and peck mode" that is seemingly exhausting. But, that said, I realize how lucky and thankful I am.

• I am thankful for a wonderful husband who makes up for the temporary loss of my left arm/hand
  
• I am thankful for wonderful friends and family who have stepped in to help (Derek just started his new job!)
  
• I am thankful we both have good jobs in this spastic market
  
• I am thankful for two amazing kids - both bright, special and very loving...and for Hatcher always offering to help me with my "broken hand bones"
  
• I am thankful for having two arms and two hands...I realize how much I miss the use of both together!
  

As for the actual turkey day - we hosted for a small group of family. Derek did most of the cooking for our piece and what a fine job he did. Christina made some amazing dishes - and helped with the cleaning and prep - HUGE THANKS! Marma brought a Honey Baked Ham (the world's finest ham) and rolls and was on hand to tame the boys and help clean - HUGE THANKS! Without the help of these lovely women and my husband slaving in the kitchen - it would have been fast food for everyone! Hugs and kisses to you each - xoxoxoxo!

I hope you all had time to reflect on what you are thankful for this holiday. Everyday is special...kids make you realize that exponentially!

The Wiggles - Pop go the Wiggles

Tonight we took the boys to see the Wiggles in concert. It was so much fun. It took Hatcher and Aidan both about 20 minutes to really warm up to the idea that they too could sing and dance along in the audience. But once they were ready - they had a blast. At one point Hatcher was crazy! It was fun to see the Wiggles in person after watching so many episodes on tv. I recommend it to anyone whose child watches the show. Here are some of my favorite pictures. I hope to load some video tomorrow.

Hatcher's first movie at the Theater - Madagascar 2

Derek and I took Hatcher on a special big boy treat to see Madagascar 2. We knew it was short enough that he could sit through it and loved the first one so much. He has also been asking to see Madagascar - and says the name so clearly. With Derek starting his new job tomorrow, we thought it would be a nice treat for him. It was too funny, we got popcorn, chocolate candy and a sprite for us all to share. He loved it! When we left we asked him what his favorite part was and he said the lions. He also said he wanted to go again - but next time he wants to see Cars there! HA, he has to wait until 2011! I only got one picture that was in focus - but am loading my two favorites.

Boys just being boys...

Just a couple of pictures from the last week and a half that i wanted to share. Aidan is really starting to talk more and use more words. He can say the dogs names (Dakota and Barkley), Daddy, broccoli, cheese, milk and nods yes and no for most everything else. man - they grow so fast. Hatcher is just such a good big brother...always asking Aidan if he needs anything or wants to play with something. it is too sweet!

Happy Halloween

What a great weekend of halloween fun! The fun kicked off Friday afternoon with a Halloween party at the kids school. Derek and I both went up to hang out with the kids and see their Halloween parade. After a quick dinner, we went trick or treating with the Hamricks and the Rileys again this year. This year's costumes were just as good as last year. Hatcher and Aidan were dragons, Madison was Dora the Explorer and her baby brother Carter was dressed as Dora's best friend Boots. Molly was JoJo and her younger sister Riley was Uniqua the pink Backyardigan. For those of you who don't have kids or kids that watch Disney or PBS yet...you will know who each of these characters are soon enough! Although Aidan fell alseep before we even got started with the trick or treating frenzy, he did wake up just in time to hit the last 4 or so houses. On the other hand, Hatcher absolutely LOVED running from house to house. He had no fear once he got the hang of it after house number one. After each one he would run back to Derek or me and say, "Can we go to one more house Mommy/Daddy?" (Visualize him holding one finger and asking with the puppy dog eyes and 'poor me' begging tone...HA !) At each house the kids would all, and I do mean all, push the doorbell and wait for candy. It was hysterical, at one house Hatcher jumped up and down several times trying to reach the doorbell and turned to all of us adults and yelled, "I cant reach the doorbell, I think," and then proceeded to merely bang on the siding of the house! HA...LOL! Hatcher is such a good talker/conversationalist at this age that on the way home he told Derek and me that he had a really good time and that he was tired from his long and good day.














Some video of the night...

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