Home for the Holidays!

This year we went to Holliday the weekend before Christmas to celebrate with the Stone's. I was quite bummed because Chris wasn't able to go with us... he had to stay behind and work in Midland, so it didn't really feel like Christmas, but we had a great time anyways! We had a big Christmas lunch consisting of Branding Iron BBQ and all the fixins (if you are from Wichita Falls, you know how yummy this is!) on Saturday and opened presents after lunch! Crockett couldn't stand the wait... he kept saying "I open presents now, momma!" He couldn't wait to tear into his gifts! He got lots of fun stuff, Thomas the Tank Engine books, play-doh, clothes, a Bible, a big ball to bounce on, and a couple tractors. As soon as he opened the tractors, he told me "I need dirt, Momma!" A couple minutes later Emily, my niece, came in and told me Crockett was in the sand box by himself... with his tractors :) All of the kids got to play, Mimi was there and got to see all of her grandkids and we all got to spend some time together. It was so much fun!









After all the fun had been had, Crockett and Rich (and their mommas) had to go take naps. Little boys without naps are no good! After a great nap, Greg took Crockett, Rich and I for a ride on his tractor. I didn't intend on going, but Crockett wasn't going without me! He loved every minute of it! We drove around for about an hour and looked for cows and finally found them! That made Crockett and Rich VERY happy :)





It was such a pretty evening, so we decided to go to the Fantasy of Lights. It is at Midwestern State University and just a lot of Christmas scenes made up of different characters and LOTS of lights! Crockett really enjoyed it and I enjoyed watching his face light up when he recognized Mickey or Dumbo, and especially Baby Jesus :)

We had to go visit Hotshot while we were in town too! It is so precious to see Crockett with Hotshot... he just loves him and I have to imagine that is how Chris was when he was younger. We went outside (despite the freezing wind) and walked around, with Crockett leading the way. He knew exactly where he wanted to go (to the water and to the tractor) and what he wanted to do (throw rocks, "drive" the tractor and swing). Hotshot got a kick out of his newfound independence :) After a little outside time, we went inside and Crockett played with Hotshot and Maryann's train they have under their tree. He loved it last year, and knew it was supposed to be there. He even got to open another present, which made him SO happy! I love that Crockett and Hotshot love to spend time together.







We had such a great time in Holliday. Grandmaw is always so wonderful to let us stay at her house and pretty much take over... Crockett takes over, anyways. We love being around all our family there. Makes us miss being closer and so thankful for all the time we get to spend together.

Merry Christmas from Holliday!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From our family to yours!!


Oh yeah, a little news too :)

Two Peas in a Pod

Chris and Crockett are SO ALIKE these days, it scares me a tad bit! Not only do they have many of the same traits and characteristics, Crockett looks like Chris's mini-me a lot of the time! The other night I looked at them and they are looking at tractors, set to music, on YouTube. They are both biting on their bottom lips and furrowing their brow... OMG. This has become Crockett's favorite past time... Thanks Chris, you have created a monster :)

Last Day of School.

Despite the look on his face, he REALLY LOVES Mrs. Lindsey and Mrs. Carrie!!

The Kangaroo Christmas Party!

Lots of FUN goodies!!

The BIGGEST babies in the 'Turtle' class :)

Crockett's buddy, David

The past week was such a whirlwind! It began with Chris leaving town for the week (it is always a whirlwind when I am completely on my own!), Crockett had his Christmas program at school and in addition to Christmas parties on Thursday, it was our VERY last day at FBC CDO :( It was such a bittersweet day for me. I have made so many dear friends up there and just LOVE all of my 'Turtle' babies! I also LOVE LOVE LOVE Crockett's class and teachers. Although he does not understand that it is his VERY last day, I was pretty much broken-hearted to tell his teachers (who are my sweet friends) good-bye. He has learned SO much and loves all of his classmates. He is pretty much completely potty-trained, thanks in part to their help, and he was just so comfortable and happy in their class. Carrie and Lindsey, you girls are the best and Crockett's next teachers have some mighty BIG shoes to fill! I have been working in the nursery and must say that it is one of the MOST CHALLENGING things I have ever done! I love each of those babies dearly, but oh my goodness!!! If it weren't for Stephanie, my partner, I would never have made it! She became such a special friend and we definitely learned to lean on one another. Teamwork in that room is SO necessary!

Crockett had a great time at his Christmas party! They had some yummy food and got lots of presents from each of their classmates. It was pretty crazy in the room, but they all had fun!

I cannot say enough about all of the people we love up at CDO. Crockett made great friends and so did I. CDO at Fist Baptist has been the highlight of our time in Midland. Don't know what we would have done without such a wonderful place to come each week.

Tiny Tots Christmas Party!!!

Crockett and I have been going to Tiny Tots Music Class at First Baptist in Midland for the past few months. He has had such a good time learning songs, playing instruments, hearing Bible stories and running around with his new friends. We celebrated the end of Tiny Tots with a Christmas party. The kids got to play at the Activity Center, do crafts, open a gift and eat lunch and learn about the birth of Baby Jesus. Miss Shane did such a wonderful job and made the class so special for each of these kiddos.