Birthday Party Fun

Our neighbor, Chase, turned one last week. We had fun celebrating.

The birthday boy!

Can you believe that Evie is the youngest one in the picture?

Look out! It's Evie the shark!

Trying on a new nose

Dress Up

I think Santa needs to bring Evie some dressup clothes and shoes....

mommy's belt and shoes

Thanksgiving Day

We woke up to a cold, misty, and overcast Thanksgiving with Evie waking up bright and early at 6am. Later that morning I left to participate in our annual tradition, the "Thomas Trot". the small scale version of the Turkey Trot. It all started with my mom and I joining Lindy, Abbey, and Dane for the 5K Dallas Turkey Trot through the streets of downtown Dallas. Two years ago the Turkey Trot was so crowded, it took us about twenty minutes to start walking. We decided it was way to crowded, so Lindy and Lindsay (Abbey's parents) decided to host their very own "Thomas Trot", which is a 5K walk from their house through Andy Brown Park (right behind their house). Last year we took Evie, but this year it was too cold. Judd stayed home with Evie, while I went to the park. Since I am training to run a 5K in December, I ran a good 2 1/2 miles. Despite the misty 40 degree weather, it wasn't too bad.

While I was gone, Judd and Evie read her Thanksgiving Parade book. Then they watched the Macy's Parade. Evie really enjoyed watching the floats and balloons. Now Evie loves reading her Thanksgiving book to herself.

After Evie woke up from her nap, we started decorating our Christmas tree. Judd had fun "decorating" Evie with stringed beads. Unfortunately, Evie liked the beads so much, she pulled most of them off the tree!

Every time Evie notices the Christmas tree she responds with a "wow" or "ooh". She then rushes up to the tree, grabs an ornament, and eagerly gives the ornament to Judd or me. One time she pulled off a picture frame ornament of Judd and I, pointing to Judd saying "Dada, Da!" Then she put the ornament down and kissed it! (She doesn't really say "mama" yet. : (

Later that evening, we ate Thanksgiving dinner at Gwen's house. You'll notice that Evie is holding grapes in the picture. She was obsessed with those grapes and carried them around the house all night.



Thanksgiving Feast

Every year Evie's school has a Thanksgiving Program followed by a full Thanksgiving dinner. Although, the one year olds were not in the program, Judd and I thought the preschool kids were cute singing their Thanksgiving songs. Evie enjoyed some ham, mashed potatoes, and crackers, but especially preferred brownies and cookies...a very RARE treat.

15 Months Old

Since Evie turned one, she has really developed into a curious toddler! I want to always remember what she is like right now, so here's what she has been up to lately.

1. She gets very excited when she sees balls or anything resembling a ball (balloons and dog toys) and instantly yells "ball, ball, ball." She can also say "dada." I think she is trying to say thank you "tae too"

2. When she is hungry, she points to her lunch box and whines, or she will walk to her booster seat and stand next to it.

3. With a book in hand, she plops into your lap and puts the book in your hands.

4. She will intently stare at pictures in a book, making up words to go along.

5. She and Wilson play a game of ball where Evie steals the ball from Wilson, and Wilson chases her. Evie dives into your lap for protection. Then Wilson steals the ball from Evie and so on.

6. When Judd comes home from work, Evie runs straight to him with her arms wide open.

7. If Evie wants something, she puts her hands together and holds her arms outstretched.

8. She laughs when you chase her.

9. After school, she loves going on walks to check the mail, picking up leaves and acorns along the way.

10. She loves all types of dogs, and if one lets her, will run straight up to any dog and try to pet it. We of course, don't let her pet the dogs unless the owner is right there.

11. She has a mouth FULL of 13 teeth. All she needs are three eye teeth and the two year molars.

12. Evie is very outgoing and will walk up to any kid to play with them. She is also very calm when meeting new adults.

13. She doesn't have separation anxiety. She LOVES church, school, and her teachers.

14. She likes climbing up and scooting down stairs.

15. Anything sparkly instantly catches her attention, especially jewelry. After digging through mommy's closet, she'll pull out the most sparkly purse and carry it around the house.

16. She loves swings and slides.

17. She tries to put shoes and socks on her feet as well as other people's feet.

18. She tries to use a fork and spoon, but then gives up and grabs a huge handful of food.

19. When Judd plays music, she is mesmerized and instantly tries to play with him by trying to pluck the guitar strings.

20. She's so darn CUTE! Love the blonde hair and blue eyes.

Trick or Treat!

Last Halloween Evie was almost three months old, so she spent most of the time sleeping. This year was quite different! She was awake to participate in the festivities. It has become a tradition for all of our friends from church to gather at the Beckman's house for their Halloween party. Denise always cooks up a giant pot of her famous chicken and noodles. This year, she added elk stew to the menu. After everyone gobbles up her delicious home cooking, we head outside to take the kids trick-or-treating. This was obviously our first year to have a trick or treater of our own. Evie didn't quite understand the hullabaloo, but she had a good time walking around and looking at all the decorations.



Helping dad gut the pumpkin

slimy!

Let me see!

I want some gooey pumpkin.

Mom designed the pumpkin face.

Dad carved it.

What's inside?

Fun in the backyard before trick or treating started.

Weeee!!!

Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Tinkerbell

On our way to the first house!

Getting candy!!

Wow!

What is this stuff all about???

Birthday Party at Emler Swim School

On Saturday we took Evie to celebrate Pierce's 2nd birthday at Emler Swim School in Dallas. I teach 4th grade with Pierce's mom, Joanna. I remember the day she had Pierce.On that day she shared lunch duty with me and mentioned that she felt a little strange. Well, later that afternoon, she called the school with news that Pierce would be born that night! It seems like yesterday! Now Pierce is two! Evie had so much fun playing in the salt water swimming pool. She especially liked taking big gulps of the water! Evie will have another playmate soon, because Pierce will have a baby sister, Stella, in January!

The birthday boy cried during "Happy Birthday to You"

Yummy!

Still had plenty of energy after the party ended!