Cousins

It is so hard to get a good picture of four kids that are ages three and under. Cricket and I tried and tried, but these are as good as they get (and I took plenty). Notice the one picture of Possum on top of baby Kenzie. I can't imagine being a professional photographer. That would not be a profession for me!

Children's Museum II

The kids had another fun time at the children's museum. They each have their favorite things to do while we are there. I don't think they would ever get tired of that place. Thank goodness for free Thursday's!

A Visit With Santa

During our visit to Cricket's this weekend we took the kids to the children's museum. To our surprise, Santa was there. Possum and Squirrel do not even know who Santa is, but Possum quickly went over to talk with him. Squirrel and Maddie would not have anything to do with him. We went on through the museum and when we were getting the kids bundled up to leave Possum decided he needed to talk with Santa again. I followed him over and heard him tell Santa that he wanted a gun cabinet with a new gun to go in it for Christmas. I don't know if he overheard kids talking while playing in the museum or what, but he somehow figured out that you were supposed to tell Santa your wish list. Possum has been asking for a gun cabinet for a while so I wasn't surprised to hear that and of course if you get a new gun cabinet you need a new gun to go in it. He is so much like his Daddy!

Christmas Cutie

My little Squirrel was dressed up and posing for me tonight. Where is her brother you ask? Well, he was busy cleaning up the mess he had made in the living room and his bedroom. He didn't have time to pose for pretty pictures. Me and the kids are going to Cricket's in the morning to celebrate Maddie's birthday. We will come back on Saturday in time for the town's Christmas parade. I should have plenty of pictures to post of the weekend's events.

My Little Elves

Joel and the kids surprised me with a Christmas tree while I was gone to the grocery store this morning. He took them out to the field and Squirrel picked the tree out that she wanted cut down. I think they did a very good job. Decorating the tree was much more exciting this year than in the past. The kids were so excited about the tree. They were satisfied just to get the lights on it. Possum is a very good tree decorator. He was very precise with where he put each ornament, making sure that he didn't put them too close together or ornaments of the same color together. They both loved to hear the stories of each ornament, to see were the ornament came from or who gave them the ornament. I will say that although it was much more enjoyable decorating the tree, it did take a whole lot longer. We also decorated small trees in each of the kids rooms. Possum's tree is decorated in an outdoor theme and Squirrel has a pink tree with pigs and jewelry on it. I'll post pictures of their trees later. This evening they helped me make Oreo balls. They ate the balls as quick as we could roll them out. I don't think they realized that we were about to put chocolate on them and make them even better! I have truly enjoyed my little elves.

Thanks-Christmas

A few years ago we started having Christmas while we were at Papa and Nana's for Thanksgiving. It was the only time that our immediate family was together alone during the holidays. As the kids get older it is harder to make them wait when we arrive for Thanksgiving. They are wanting to hurry and eat the turkey and be thankful so we can move along to the presents! The kids got some new toys and clothes (praise the Lord) and everyone was happy and even more thankful. Notice Uncle Tommy's new pink life jacket he received. That is so he won't drown we he goes into the water to retrieve his golf balls!

Old Friends/New Friends

On Friday night a childhood friend of Joel and Tommy's came over to Papa and Nana's for dinner. This is a friend from when they lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Christy is now married with a little girl and they live here in Knoxville. It was great to meet them. The kids enjoyed playing together and everyone had an enjoyable evening. Joel got to reunite with an old friend and the rest of us made some new friends.