Here We GOOO!

Dex getting after the first present he was allowed to open this year!  From my very sweet friend Karissa. She sent Dex a book about a Train in Alaska.  Good call!  We seriously had to read it 5 times before he went to bed that night.  I pointed out all the Alaskan animals, and I'm not sure that he'd heard of any of them... for example - I showed him the hare, he told me no, that's a bunny.  I said, well... that's also a hare.  NO, a BUNNY.  Um, okay.

Why do parents teach their children to say "CHEESE" when this face is always what happens (instead of a smile)

We also got this really cool fishing boat ornament!  Here is Dex trying to show the camera.

His book and ornament  :)

Daddy trying to help.  BIIIIIGGG help, Daddy.  :)

Only two more days until we start the heavy duty Christmas festivities!  First with my family on Friday.  And then it's back home for Christmas morning in Grapevine, and Christmas Day with the O'Neals!  I am very excited this year, and I think it's because I actually feel ready.  Last year I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off and it wasn't fun.  Note to self:  SLOW DOWN during the holidays and enjoy it!!  So happy :)

Our Christmas Card Picture

We had so much fun taking this picture :)  We set it up at my parents house over Thanksgiving... I bought a background for $5 at Party Supply, a "tacky sweater vest" and earrings at Wal-Mart (which my Mom wears now, by the way.  ON PURPOSE.), and to top if all off, my Dad let us wear his parents glasses.  Add a glorious moustache, some 80's hair and makeup, and I think it all came together beautifully!  Haha! 

We got a good laugh out of it, and I hope you do too! 

I feel like Dex is saying "WHY AM I HERE?" with that facial expression.  Ha!  Merry Christmas!

Dex's 1st TCU Game

We probably couldn't have picked a yuckier day to take Dex to the TCU game, but he still had a blast!  It was rain-y and cold, but not rainy or cold enough to keep us away!

First, we got his face painted...

He LOVED watching the band and waiting for the players to run out.

Like I said, it was c-h-i-l-l-y...

Go FROGS!

Even though we left after the 1st quarter, he had a big time!  Can't wait for him to go again next year :)

CHOO CHOO!! Polar Express!!

Tonight Mimi and Daddy Doug treated us to a ride on the Polar Express!  Dex's favorite thing in the world right now is trains... so you can imagine his excitement to actually get to RIDE one!  He was beside himself.  I am soooo grateful to Mimi for organizing the whole thing (we rode with Aunt Shannon, Uncle Jerry, Brooks and Gentry, too!!) and giving us the opportunity to make a little boy VERRRRY happy :) 

Here he is getting ready to go with some chocolate chip cookies (yes, cookieSSSSS) and milk.

Dex and Brooks.  I love this :)  (oh, and all the little kids wore PJ's for the ride, in case you haven't seen Polar Express)

Waiting, waiting, waiting.  He looks patient here, but mostly he was running in circles yelling CHOO CHOO!! and ALL ABOARD!!

Think he wanted to take this picture?  Nope.

Santa made his rounds on the train!  Dex did better than expected and said HI SANTA!  And he waved!  And he actually let him sit right next to us!  Success!!

But still a little unsure :)

The precious kiddos!  Brooks, Dex, and Gentry.

Here's our official Santa picture.  While we were waiting in line, Dex told everyone within earshot that he was going to see Santa and that he was going to sit in his lap.  Ummm... not so much.  Mommy got to sit in his lap though, while he hung on for dear life :)   And that face is him saying "CHEESE."

I'm sooooo into the Holiday spirit these days!  This was perfect and so much fun :)  So glad we it!

Some Things He Says

Dex is so shocking these days with how well he talks and converses.  He's SO smart, it just blows my mind!  He understands everything (it seems like).  It's like having a conversation with an actual person, instead of trying to talk to him with words he'll understand.  It's pretty amazing.  And practically ALWAYS hilarious  :)

1.  This Thanksgiving Holiday, we were all sitting around the living room... my Dad (Poppy) was calling for Dex, but he wasn't listening. 
Me: "Dex!  Go see what Poppy wants.  What does Poppy want?" 
Dex (without looking up from playing):  "A bulldozer." 
2.  Dex was in the living room playing with his toy tow truck. 
Dex:  "You like my truck, Mommy?" 
Me:  "Yes, I do!  I LOVE it!"
Dex:  "Do you want to touch it?"

3.  In the car this morning driving to school (Miss Kristy's house) 
Dex:  "Mommy!  Miss Kristy says "Dex!!!  SIT DOWN!"
(way to tell on yourself there, little man)

4.  Again in the car this morning...
Dex:  "Cookie Monster likes to eat cookies!"
Me:  "That's right!  I do too!  Do you like cookies?"
Dex:  "Yes, I DO like cookies!"
Me:  "You're a little cookie monster then!  If you like cookies."
Dex:  "No I'm NOT a cookie monster!"
Me:  "You're not?  What are you then?"
Dex:  "Me!"

And on and on I could go...  I will think of some more and get them written down  :)

Daddy's Birthday!!

I tried to get some shots of Dex with Sean on Sunday for his birthday.  It's funny how many days/weeks/months slip by without realizing you haven't taken a picture of your family...  These are the ones we'll cherish for years to come :)  So here is my attempt at a still 30-something year old (not too many of these birthdays left!  wink, wink) and his almost 3 year old BIG BOY!

Happy Birthday Baby!!  We love you!

Not sure what's going on here, but it's kinda funny!

And then... it got a little more fun for Declan :)  (and somehow between the last pictures and these, he lost his pants.)

Sean's face says it all!!  Ha!

So Much Fun :)

He always fights bath time, but once he's in, I can't get him out!!

Hello Sean Jr...