A New Tradition!

Growing up my parents always would load all 7 of us up in the station wagon and drive around looking at Christmas lights. We would sing Christmas carols and play games in the car. So when my friend Stacie came up with the AWESOME idea of taking there trailer full of hay through Deerfield, I was totally on board. We started out the evening tailgating with some pizza (thanks Liz) and then off we were. Stacie made hot chocolate for everyone and a little Bailey's spike for the adults (you know to keep us warm). We had such a great time. Definitely put me in the Christmas Spirit. Carsen and Chloe were so excited to see all the lights and different characters surrounding the houses. Carsen would sing "Jingle Bells" and "Santa is Coming to Town". I'm assuming he learned all these songs at school. I only taught him Rudolph last year LOL!

I say lets make this a CHRISTMAS TRADITION.

Carsen getting down on some pizza!

The crew all loaded up!

Carsen and Caitlin hanging out all night together. They had several toddler conversations. Only they new what they were saying!

Kimmy with her hands full and always with a smile on her face.

The sweet Johnson family!

Stacie and Brody Bear! Thanks Stacie for everything you and Roger did. You made our Christmas season very memorable. Love you!

We can never take a good picture. This was as good as it got. LOL!

Carsen is loving the hay!

The gang. Chloe is missing in this one but its hard getting all of them together. Ha ha!

Merry Christmas!

Who am I? Where did Amanda go?

I'm not sure what happened to me this year but I've become OBSESSED with decorating for Christmas. I have made 80% of all my decorations. Seriously! Martha Stewart has taken over my body. I've enjoyed every moment. The only thing I did not do by myself was my tree. My sister took all my stuff I had bought and accumulated and ran with it!!! I can't believe how beautiful this tree is. I do not want to take it down EVER. Is it ok to have a tree up all year? Maybe I'll start a new tradition. Ha ha!

Here's pictures of my work. Pictures never do it justice but it at least you can get an idea.

We made these letters one night at my neighborhood "crafting night". I love how they turned out!

Who's that cutie in the picture? He loves all the decorations. Every time I do something new he goes...."pretty cool" " I yike it mommy" LOL!

Ahh... my mantel....

Now for the show stopper.... Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

How lovely are your branches....

Stayed tuned more to come!!!!

2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa

This is an AWESOME tradition the Whiteheads have started for their friends and family. The food, decorations, and Santa {0f course} was a treat beyond words. What a way to start out the Christmas season. Everyone had such a wonderful time.

My niece Peyton giving Santa her long list.... haha! Notice her cheeks are red. I think she was a little nervous.

Carsen was ready to tell Santa that he loved him and that he wanted a fire truck. How cute is that?!

Not quite the same reaction from Chloe. I guess the picture says it all....

Same reaction from Presley....

My niece Sydney wouldn't even look at him much less get in his lap.

Overall the kids LOVED him. And at the end Santa told the story of the candy cane. The true meaning of Christmas. Just turn the candy cane around and it makes a "J" for Jesus! How precious is that?!

Thanks Kylie and Trey for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful tradition. Looking forward to many more!!!! XOXO!

I'll be posting a blog a day until Christmas so keep checking back!!!!!

The BEST Dad In The World!

This week was my Dad's birthday {December 6th}. It was a pretty rough day for me. Someone told me to just have a conversation with him like he was here. So here it goes.... Sorry to bore you.

Me- Hi Dad! Happy Birthday!!! Do you feel 71? Haha!

Dad- Hi panda! I feel fine. Happier than a dead pig in the sunshine. Ahh... its just another birthday. We all have to have one.

Me- Well guess what? Chloe is now climbing on top of the coffee table and jumping off. I will be in the ER sooner than later. The girl has no fear. She is repeating words that we are saying, and says them when she is supposed to without us cuing her. Craziness. Her and Carsen are two peas in a pod. What ever he does she repeats it and vice verse. Most the time Carsen follows her and repeats what she's doing or saying. A little regression but its funny to watch. You were right about the daddy and daughter thing. Chloe and Travis are inseparable. But I think its the cutest thing EVER!!! She has your eyes!!!! I see you in them all the time. She's has a little of and attitude. We are going to have our hands full with her.

Dad-I told you that girls have way of doing that. I love all my girls. My boys... well... LoL

How's my little Carsen?

Me- Well talk about crazy. Carsen says the funniest things all day everyday. I wonder where he hears some of the things he says. He loves being outside and helping Travis around the house. He is his little shadow. He's too smart for his own good. Do you have any big birthday plans?

Dad- nah you know me... I have a date with CSI and Criminal Minds. Well is there anything else you want to tell me?

Me- I love you and you are the BEST Daddy in the world!

Dad- No I love you more....

Me- Have a good Birthday and I Miss you! I hope to see you real soon!

Dad- Me too baby girl. Take care of my babies and Travis!

Bye....

Ahhh.... I feel better now. Thanks for listening.:-)

Travis and I have decided to make my Dad's Birthday a annual Holiday in our family. So instead of being sad. I want to celebrate his life and everything he meant to me. I want my children to know what an AWESOME Grandfather they have watching over them from heaven. And yes there will be presents involved... for the kids of course.

ICE and SNOW 2010 Charlie Brown...

Instead of fighting the crowds at the stores, the Dennett's decided to hit the "ICE". Charlie Brown ICE that is. We went with my sister Myssy and her family and my sister Mary. The Gaylord Texan Resort was a winter wonderland. A great place for pictures {Katie}. We participated in the Snow and Ice Exhibits. I don't recommend this for any child under the age of 2. And 2 is pushing it. The parkas just don't fit the little ones. We just draped it over Chloe. She was happy being held by Daddy the whole time. Oh and they don't allow strollers in ICE. Carrying kids in over sized Parkas is tough. Overall we had a great time. It was nice to get the kids fired up for the holiday season.

FYI... The "Elf Yourself" was a HUGE waste of money.

Carsen hitting the bunny slopes...

Chloe eating her first gingerbread cookie...

Enjoying my little guy!

The crew minus Chip who was taking the picture...

Travis's sense of humor! Real funny T...

Someone is really enjoying themselves!

I think Carsen's smile is frozen...

A really tall toy soldier...

I think we are getting into the "funny smile" stage...

Chloe feeding her best friend, Daddy...

Winding down for bed. It's time for Christmas jammies!

What?!

And a good night smooch...

Chloe's Play Date Birthday party.

I absolutely LOVE to throw parties. I'm not real crazy about the clean up... but who is? My play group has been together now for about a year and a half. We have all gone through our second pregnancies together. And now we are going through round number two of "First Birthday" parties. Chloe is the first one in the group to turn one. So we kicked it off Halloween style with a little girly twist. Our older ones were in school so the little ones could cut loose and have their own party time. We had a great time!

The Birthday Girl!

I loved this outfit!!! Thanks Michelle!

I threw this party together in less than 12 hours. I think it turned out fabulous! Ha! Ha!

My sweet friend Stacie!

Sutton...

Brody Bear!