Merry Christmas

Vacation Part 1- Sea World

The kids "worked" hard all summer to earn enough marbles to go to Sea World and the Dude Ranch. I'm glad they did it because we had a great time! We spent Friday at sea world which was perfect since the crowds were thin and the temperature was only in the 90's. John Paul was tall enough to ride a few of the bigger rides and boy did he love it! He rode one of the bigger water rides 5 times!

A&M game

Call it wishful thinking, but I was hoping that by taking John Paul to an aggie game, he would be converted. It worked while we where at the game but as soon as we left Aggieland, he said he would only be an Aggie in Aggieland. I'll take what I can get!

Grace

How time flies! Grace is 19 months old but thinks she is at least 3 or 4. She tries to keep up with Kate and John Paul. She is quite the climber and has no fear when it comes to heights, slides, animals, etc. She might be our most athletic kid, already throwing, kicking, and sometime catching balls.
Grace has the BEST laugh. She doesn't laugh easily but when she does, it is the best gut bustin giggle! We all love to tickle her!
Her vocabulary is growing daily. Thank You, more, snack, bubba, kat, joh pau, momma, daddy are her favorite words. She will not say Please no matter what! I think that has to do with her strong will. Speaking of that, boy is she strong willed. She will throw herself down in a fit if she doesn't like the situation and will give you a "how dare you" look if you tell her no. She has recently started saying "bye bye" to you after you tell her no in hopes that you will go away so she can continue with the no-no. I have no doubt that she will keep life interesting!
We love our little Gracie-poo!

Kate at 3

My sweet Kate-ster is 3! Sweet, sensitive, and silly are the words I would use to describe her. She is a super caring, loving daughter and sister who loves to share hugs and kisses. Even though they fight, she and John Paul have too much fun sharing a room. They are constantly getting in trouble for playing at nap time! Kate LOVES pink, even sings a song about her love for the color. Twirly skirts or dresses rank high on her list as well. She loves her baby, pink piggie, and multiple baby blankets.
On the last day of school yesterday, Kate's teacher told me that she was by far her best student for the summer, never giving her trouble, always wanting to help and doing her best on projects. Makes this Momma proud of my little girl.
We love you Kate the Great!

Splash day!

John Paul and Kate really enjoyed splash day at school. Kate's favorite thing was wearing her "pink twirly swimsuit". (which was a bribe for potty training). John Paul's favorite thing was dumping water on his friends and shooting the water guns. If I haven't mentioned it before, he is ALL boy!

Kate

BFF's

John Paul at 4

Interviewed in our kitchen while making cookies for his school party.
Mom: What is your favorite food?
JP: Cookies
M: What is your favorite color?
JP: Blue and green
M: Who is your best friend?
JP: Griffin and Bella
M: Where do you live?
JP: at Temple
M: What is your favorite toy?
JP: Bubby is my favorite stuffed animal, and elephant and shark and dolphin and covers. (You barely fit on your bed with all your animal friends!)
M: What is your favorite thing to do?
JP: Doing movie night with pallets.
M: Did you just sneak a cookie?
JP: yep!
M: What do you want to do this year as a 4 yr old?
JP: Slide down a pole, climb a ladder and a tree
M: What was your favorite thing you did as a 3 yr old last year?
JP: playing tball and soccer.



John Paul, you are changing before our eyes. You are ready and excited to be a big boy and most days are ready to accept the new responsibilities that come with another year of life. Other days you tell me that you don't want to be a big boy. You proudly told everyone at the bank that you now know how to wipe your own bottom but you still fight mommy on getting dressed by yourself.
The move to Temple this year was harder on you than we thought it would be. You miss your old house, school, church and friends, esp. Griffin. You are making new friends but don't show the same enthusiasm about going to school and Bible class that you did before. Just like at Brentwood, you have quickly made yourself know to the adults at Belton and they love to seek you out to say hello and get a high five. You prefer to play with the older boys than the kids your age. You say your best friend here is Bella- she is a year older than you and has quite the flashy personality so I can see how you might have a little crush.
You have also been sick alot this fall/winter. We finally took you to the allergist to find out that you are allergic to ragweed, cats, bermuda grass, and molds. (or moles as you tell people). We are going back in a few weeks for food testing because your ezcema isn't getting any better. Hopefully this year will be the year that we finally can stop your skin from itching so much.
You love your sisters and they love you! Although you and Kate sometimes fight, you are best buddies and get into all sorts of stuff. Grace loves her big bubba and you are a good helper to mom. Mom's favorite time of day with you is when you get up from your nap while your sisters are still sleeping. (you are tring to stop napping but I'm not letting you!) When you wake up, you are a snuggle bug and sweet talker so I cherish those moments. Dad loves building super big pallets with you, riding bikes, and taking you fishing.
John Paul, you are little guy with big personality who keeps us and everyone around smiling. You put great energy and enthusiasm into all you do and I pray that continues as you mature. I also pray that you will have a healthy year and make lots of new friends.

Happy 1st and 4th Birthday Circus

Pretty in pink

Snow Day