The Polar Express - Take 2!

O.K...so I came up with a SUPER GREAT idea we should get all the kids in Bryan's family matching PJs for the Bennett Polar Express Ride. I first approached Uncle Brandy about the idea, and he was pretty enthusiastic! I was surprised, so I hinted at the idea to Bryan, and since Brandy was in, so was Bryan!

I got to order everyone these adorable Hanna Anderson PJs and they looked so cute on everyone! The boys wore green and and the girls wore red. Although horizontal stripes are not supposed to good for the body image, I thought they turned out super cute!




Annabelle's cousins, Harrison and Ella, went with us, and everyone had a BALL! Annabelle absolutely adores her cousins. We talk about going to see them nearly everyday. They are the sweetest kids and they have a great time when we are all together. Ella is only 6 months younger than Annabelle, so they bond really quickly!

Here is the crew in their PJs. Thanks, everyone, for going with my idea and looking super cute. We did have quite a few people staring at us and pointing. Oh well, I bet they wish they had

thought of that idea! Hee. Hee!

Capturing Belle

My life long friend and college roommate, Christiane, started a new photography business. She was so sweet and took some REALLY great shots of Belle! Christiane is one of the most patient people I have ever met. She is so kind and tender-hearted. She takes so much joy in the little things in life and I am so blessed to have her as a friend.

I was amazed at how well these turned out. She captured some of Annabelle's little faces, that I know I will too soon forget. I am so glad I have these memories now on film. I didn't include all the pictures, but you should check out her website and see some pictures of all her subjects. If you need your picture taken, I would definitely recommend her.

Her website is: www.christianewheatleyphotography.com

Scary Santa!

Annabelle LOVES the idea of Santa Claus and she loves movies about Santa. She loves The Grinch and The Polar Express, but when she is face to face with Santa, I would definitely say she is not pleased.

Of course, we have taught our children to "stay close to mommy", and "don't talk to strangers", and to "be careful, because there are lots of people around". Yet, we push our children to go to a man dressed in totally different clothing that anyone else and to sit on his lap, without a proper introduction, and then mommy steps away to get that "perfect picture". No wonder children are so confused! Annabelle is definitely not an exception...she is terrified of Santa!

The first picture is of her picture with Santa in 2007, and the next picture is this year's 2008 picture. She has the same expression on her face as the previous year...and so

does Santa. I think Santa is thinking, "get this screaming kid off my lap!". I don't blame him. Oh well, these are hilarious and I will cherish them FOREVER. Definitely scrapbook worthy pictures! Thanks for making me laugh, Annabelle!

The Polar Express...Take 1

This year, Lubbock was so lucky to have obtained the privilege of hosting the Warner Bros. Polar Express Ride. Immediately when Bryan and I heard about The West Texas Polar Express ride, we knew we had to go. Bryan and I suggested having the office's Christmas Party as the Polar Express Ride and all partners agreed. What a lucky office we are...we have the nicest bosses!

Here are some pictures of our adventure. We had a BLAST!!!! I dressed Annabelle up in some Hanna Anderson Christmas PJs, and she looked darling. She was sporting her Elmo house shoes too!

The train ride was really fun and the company was great! My parents got to ride with us, since it was an office party, so there are a few pictures of them too!

Our office definitely dominated the upper level of Car 2. The kids from the office lead the Christmas carols and Annabelle and I knew one of the chefs, so she took special care of Annabelle. We will definitely make this an annual event for our family!!!

Just some funny pics

Annabelle is pretty good about me getting ready on the mornings I don't work. I usually try and wake up about 30 before her so I can at least have most things done before she wakes up. This past Saturday, I must have taken WAY too long to get ready, because grabbed her Dora chair and "popped a squat" in our shower. Kids do the funniest things. I thought she was hilarious. She ended up staying in the shower for a long time. We ended up playing like she owned a store and she would slide the shower door open and ask what I wanted to eat. We had so much fun...even though she was out of pizza and cheese for hamburgers! Hee. Hee.

Annabelle is obsessed with Trains. This one was at the Science Spectrum.



















Love the "dog ears".

Even BIG girls get so tired they fall asleep on their daddies! Too sweet!