Now That's a BIG Tree!

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We can’t get enough of the beautiful, very large trees on our new property. Sam can’t climb the trees yet so Scott just plops him in them to hang out. Sam looks so small in the arms of that wonderful tree.

Those Smiles!

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Grandma came to visit this weekend. Scott was kind enough to let us sneak away on Saturday for pedicures, a delicious dinner at Glass Wall & a trip to the Nutcracker. To say thank you, we allowed him to sleep in late this morning. Of course I was itching to get the house decorated for the holidays. So, while I sorted through all the boxes, Grandma pushed the boys around in a plastic box. When Sam got tired of riding, he decided to push Ben himself (middle picture). Who needs store bought toys when you have a packing box?

Christmas Time Is Here...

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…and so is our tree.

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The tree experts (Scott & Ben) found the perfect Christmas tree on Saturday. They went up and down many aisles and eventually found the most beautiful, perfect height, very full throughout tree. The rest of us (Grandma Fran, Sam & Anna) used our expert ability to decorate it.

Thanksgiving Day Smiles!

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Is that turkey or "chicken"?

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Sam refused to eat the turkey served at our Thanksgiving celebration, but when the turkey mysteriously became “chicken” he couldn’t get enough. Yum!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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We’re exhausted and stuffed but our Thanksgiving trip to Austin was great. We watched the endless Macy’s T-Day Parade, made (Sam & Aimee) gingerbread cookies, played outside until the chill brought us in, watched lots of football & generally enjoyed spending time with loved ones. We felt especially thankful that Scott’s grandfather was able to join us for our lunch celebration. Happy Thanksgiving Day!

When I Grow Up...

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I want to be a...

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Photos from the fabulous Children's Museum!

Skipping School

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Sometimes it’s fun to cut out of school early and go to the museum. That’s exactly what we did today. Ben and I picked up Sam from school a few hours early and headed to the Children’s Museum. It’s amazing how quickly time flies when we’re there.

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The boys explored the entire museum but spent a lot of time outside. They were particularly enamored with an experiment that shows you how a hurricane forms (top, left picture). Sam asks a LOT of questions about hurricanes because of Ike, and it was great to finally give him a safe & visual explanation.

Disney On Ice

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Sam and I went to Disney on Ice this afternoon. It’s truly a pleasure to spend the whole afternoon with just him. We had great seats that allowed us to be front and center for the show. We danced in the aisles, ate cotton candy, clapped to the energetic music & played with his light up Buzz Lightyear sword. And while I could tell that Sam was having a great time, he hardly said two words during the entire performance. As we were walking out, he sweetly says, “Mom…thank you for bringing me. I just loved The Incredibles. I can’t wait to get home and tell Dad my favorite part.” And from that moment on, he didn’t stop talking & smiling. What a perfect day!

Ben Ben

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Ben has been called many things over his short life…

*Sweet Ben & Gentle Ben - He’s one of the most tolerant, easy going children I’ve ever known.
*Big Ben - That’s what his teachers at St. Luke’s call him because he’s the biggest in the class…and we personally think it’s hilarious!
*And now Ben Ben…I don’t know where it started (and it’s terribly cheesy) but it stuck with Scott & I.

We love you our adorable Ben Ben!

A Quiet House!

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Our biggest challenge with 4 kiddos was how to handle naptime. We tried them all sleeping on the floor together in Sam’s room (that worked at night) but there was too much laughter for any sleep to occur. After being threatened to split them up if they wouldn’t be quiet…I asked for a volunteer to sleep in our room. Van immediately volunteered and after we got him settled in our bed (Sadie slept next to him on the floor), we didn’t hear another peep from him for another 2 hours. The other two (Sam & Bella) weren’t so cooperative. I thought I would give them some time to “work it out” but when I went back in there 20 minutes later…most of the books & toys were out of place and in the bed with them. I pulled Sam out and put him on the couch. Ten minutes later…we had a QUIET house. It was a miracle!

That's A LOT of Kids!

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Wow…our house sure is quiet right now! We had an adventure packed last few days with Van, Bella, Sam & Ben. We went to every park within walking distance, jumped in the bounce house over & over, ate & drank tons of yummy stuff, did a massive amount of crafts, watched 2 kid friendly movies, & truly enjoyed some great laughs with family. I don’t think Scott & I could keep up with 4 children on a daily basis, but we sure had a great time the past few days. Come back soon Van & Bella…the boys miss you guys already!

Family Portrait

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A few weeks ago we had family portraits made at Hermann Park. I don’t want to share my absolute favorites (those are reserved for a Christmas card surprise) but here are a few that make us smile. Sigh...I LOVE my boys!

Our Little Gymnast

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Ben (and his girlfriend Maggie) loves the Little Gym. We go Thursday mornings after dropping off Sam at school. It’s one of our favorite times of the week!

Oh Brother!

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Zoo Fun!

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It’s November but the weather is PERFECT! We’ve been enjoying many beautiful afternoons at the zoo. We’re exhausted by the time we ride the train & carousel, visit all the animals & play in the children’s area. What a perfect afternoon!

Wings Over Houston!

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Scott here, guest blogging for Anna. Sam and I spent the day out at Ellington Airfield at the Wings over Houston Airshow. We had a blast. Thanks to one great Mom and Wife we had tickets front row and center. So close you could feel the heat from the jet’s afterburners and catch a cool breeze from the propellers. We headed out first thing this morning and spent the whole day watching some of the coolest planes in the USA do what they do best. After getting settled Sam really got into it, by the end of the day he was pointing out the planes for me and telling me to “get my camera ready”. Sam’s had a blast walking through the hurricane hunter plane and telling the pilot that his baby brother was born during Hurricane Ike (actually two weeks before, but who’s counting). But Sam’s (and Scott’s) favorite part was the Blue Angels. They can do the most amazing things with an airplane. Sam loved it when the Blue Angels “almost crashed” (i.e. high speed passes).

I think we may have a future fighter pilot on our hands. I wonder if he will go by the call sign “Buggar Bear”. Over and Out!