Playdough Ornaments

Wednesday we had our neighbors over for holiday crafts! There were coloring sheets, gingerbread men houses, gingerbread men to decorate, and playdough. Well of course, playdough was the big hit!! Tucker and Alexandra made several playdough ornaments. They were not that interested in the other crafts. After, they made the ornaments, we put them in the oven and headed to the playroom. We all were having such a great time that we forgot about the ornaments in the oven. As the song was playing on the radio, it reminded Misty and I about the playdough so we ran downstairs and found they were just fine. We were so glad we didn't burn them! Alexandra enjoyed making her ornaments and hanging them on the tree! What a fun activity for the holidays!

Misty and the baby girls!

Tucker holding up an ornament.

Alexandra hard at work on her ornaments.

Tucker and Alexandra working on teamwork!

Everyone playing with playdough!

Look at these beautiful ornaments!

They are so proud of their work!!!

My Beautiful Ballerina

Alexandra's Christmas dance recital this year was at a Retirement Community in Rockwall. It was so sweet! The girls shared their love for God through their dances with the residents at the facility. The dances were amazing and I really think the elderly enjoyed the show. Afterwards, the girls handed out Christmas cards they made earlier to the residents. I was so proud of Alexandra when she handed a card to a lady and said "Merry Christmas" that I didn't even think to take a picture of that precious moment. What a wonderful Christmas recital! I am so glad Alexandra is apart of Girls of Grace Dance Co. It is such a blessing.

Alexandra and her favorite helper Brenna

Alexandra and her sweet friends .

Ellie and Haley (front) Alexandra (back).

Cookie Decorating Party

Today we went to Cade and Kenslea's Cookie Decorating Party. We had a blast! Everyone brought a gift for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. What a wonderful idea! The girls had a great time decorating cookies, coloring, and making reindeers. It was great to visit with everyone! We look forward to next years party!!













Alexandra decorating a cookie.
























Avery eating her cookie.













Yummm............












Cade, Alexandra, and Joshua making a reindeer.












Avery coloring and Kenslea watching her.













Meredith reading the kids a story.

The Gaylord Texan

Last Saturday we met some friends at The Gaylord Texas. We decided to walk around the hotel to snap pictures and then go to How the Grinch Who Stole Christmas Ice. What a great idea! We are now going to make it a tradition. We got so many good pictures.....I know I posted a lot but I left a lot out too! The Ice was awesome! The best part was sliding down ice slides. It was very cold and they provide you with a huge coat but I would suggest hat, gloves, coat, and whatever else you like to keep you warm.

Toby had to work the Coppell Christmas Parade that evening so us girls tagged a long with him. I brought the girls pj's and we camped out in the Tahoe with the heat blarring! We met up with some friends from Toby's work and had the best seats in town!! It was a busy but super fun day!!!! What a great start to the Christmas Season!





















Alexandra and Avery with a standing reindeer.

Avery and Preston

Sweet sisters

The girls looking at the trains.

The family in a sleigh.

Alexandra, Grace, and Avery driving the train.

Jana and I in our big coats!

Grace and Alexandra loving the snow!

Toby and Avery in the Ice.

The Davis and Bowen family about to enter Who-ville!

Mommy sliding down the ice slide.

Alexandra sliding down the ice slide.

Daddy sliding down the ice slide.

Mommy and Alexandra at the Who-ville feast.

An amazing display of what Christmas is all about!

The girls in their pj's with daddy at the parade.

Snow in Texas?

People kept saying we might see some snow flurries! Who would have ever believed it this early in December. The girls were so excited so I bundled them up and sent them outside for a few minutes to enjoy the snow!

Thanksgiving

This year we had the joy of hosting a Bowen Thanksgiving! Jessica and her family stayed here as well as DD and Ya Ya. The cousins got a long well together and were worn out by the end of the day. We took the girls to The Arboretum and Build a Bear! A great time was had by all. Unfortunetly, I did not take as many pictures as I wanted or planned. Wednesday afternoon, Alexandra woke up with a constant dry cough. By noon she had a fever of 105. Needless, to say we had to put her in our bedroom away from everyone else. Toby and I took turns holding her for the rest of the day. DD and Ya Ya often visited her whick brightened Alexandra's day since she couldn't leave the room. On Thanksgiving Day, Mike and family came over and Uncle Steve and Aunt Kathy joined us as well. The kids had fun, however, Alexandra did not get to join in on the festivities. We took Alexandra to the doctor on Friday and she had bronchitis, again. Friday we had a cousin reunion and celebrated Ariana's 3rd birthday.

We had a wonderful visit with the family! I am thankful we could all spend time together. I am also thankful Carolyn (Ya Ya) cooked the turkey and other fixins for the Thanksgiving feast. Thank you DD and Ya Ya for keeping the kids while us bigger kids got to go putt-putting and out to eat! All of us miss everyone and can't wait to see them all again!

Alexandra, Ariana, Avery, and Sammantha with Auntie Ca.

Ariana at Build a Bear

Ariana the ballerina

Avery at 18 Months

Avery is such a creative little girl. We took her in for her 18th month checkup and she pretended to be a kitty cat. Dr. Pam went along with it and couldn't get over how creative she was. I am sure she gets it from her big sister! She loves playing with barbies, babies, and being a little mommy. She talks a lot like everyone else in her family. She loves saying "HI" to everyone that walks in her path. So sweet.....she is constantly busy except when she sleeps. It is so amazing how many people tell us she looks like a porcelain doll. I may be bias but I would have to agree. It is a joy watching her grow! What a blessing!