He saw what???

Picture this:

And this: 

I do not ever want to forget Evan's wonderful little sense of humor.  He just never ceases to surprise us -- or make us laugh along with him!  Yesterday morning (Thanksgiving), we were all up and working in the kitchen getting some yummy goodies ready for Thanksgiving.  Daddy decided to play some Christmas music to get us all in a festive mood.  When a rendition of "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus" came on, Evan got the most curious and thoughtful expression on his face.  He listened for a few minutes and suddenly said "Mummy?"  Ha!  Yes, I guess he was picturing Santa kissing a mummy.  And I thought I was going to have to explain why Mommy was kissing Santa -- guess I got out of that one this time, huh?

Kick Off to the Christmas Season!

Since moving to Charlotte, we have enjoyed a little annual tradition that just helps us jump into the Christmas season and really get in the spirit.  One of our local malls host a big tree lighting celebration.  Although they have done different things every year to spice things up, it pretty much revolves around the lighting up of a big cedar tree in front of the amphitheater and then an outdoor showing of some favorite Christmas movies for children.  We've never stayed for the actual movie showing because it is either just too cold or too late for our child/children.  Evan has always enjoyed this tradition, and we couldn't wait to share it with Brody.  He seemed to enjoy himself and especially liked riding the little Christmas train.  It was a cold night so our little ones were bundled up like eskimos but that just added to the mood.  We were all ready to get home to our jammies and some yummy hot chocolate before bedtime. 


Our baby eskimo



Big brother didn't stay seated long. 



All aboard the Polar Express.



Mommy and the boys waiting for the choo choo.



Front row seats on the Christmas train. 



Ready to ride.



Big brother showing Brody his first Christmas tree.



A nice gentleman took our family picture in front of the big tree...we didn't realize Brody was too busy looking at the tree.


TIS THE SEASON!

Leaves are Fun!

I had been waiting for weeks for our weather to cooperate and dry up so my wonderful husband could blow the leaves into a pile that me and the boys could jump in.  We finally got our wish last weekend, and I must say we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. 


Evan enjoyed throwing leaves on Daddy while he worked.



Evan makes a run for a pile.



What a jump!



Brody finds his leaf bed quite cozy.



Got a little smile out of him.  Yes, he tasted a few.



My cutie pie.



Brothers loved playing together outside.  It really is more fun with two!



Brody liked it when they fell back into the leaves.



Mommy and her boys just makin' memories!


HAPPY FALL, YA'LL!

11-11-11

Well, I almost posted at 11:11 p.m. on 11-11-11!  Haha!  This day only comes around once every 100 years so I thought I should commemorate it somehow.  It was not that extraordinary of a day as far as events go, but we had a nice day.  Mommy and Daddy were both off from work and looked forward to a nice relaxing day at home.  Unfortunately, those plans don't always work out when you are parenting.  We enjoyed some quality time with our beautiful children and even managed to get a few chores accomplished although we didn't get the naps we had hoped for.  Haha!  Today was also Veterans Day which is always a special day to us.  We love to remember and be grateful to all those brave men and women who have served our country in the armed services.  My Dad is a great example of one of those who served their country loyally for over 20 years in the Air Force and served in Vietnam and other parts of the world.  He is such a sweet and giving man and has given me more than I could ever repay to him.  I love him dearly!  God bless all the Veterans who have and continue to serve the U.S.A.!

Brody's Special Day

One of the most cherished days in our lives as parents is the day we dedicate our children to God before our family, friends, and fellow church members in love and thanks for the wonderful blessing God has given us.  We believe that parents need the love and support of many people in bringing up children in a Christian way, and this service is meant to ask God for his love and blessings on the parents and the child as well as to ask the parents and their families and friends to pledge or "covenant" to help support the parents in this great task.  Our church calls the dedication service "Covenant Promises" for that reason.  We are so blessed to be able to participate in this beautiful and meaningful ceremony.  Daddy said a special blessing for his beautiful baby boy too. 





Getting all dressed up for his special day.  Yes, I am a "traditionalist" and went with the all white attire.  I think he just looked like a little angel. 






Sweet, happy baby!



Cutie with his little hat on.  I chose a warm sweater outfit since the weather has been so chilly lately. 



My beautiful angel faced baby.






His picture on the big screen. 



Being prayed for and promising before God and witnesses to do our best as parents.



Daddy prays for his little boy.



Brody sitting at his special table with his pretty flowers.



Our blessed family!



With Nana and Papa



And with Grandma and Papa James



The whole Smith family.  Baby Cate was dedicated too. 



The Reese family



Aunt Dava and cousin Jason joined in the celebration and made it feel so special.



A sweet picture with Aunt Dava!

Last Soccer Game & Another Trophy

Evan is a typical boy and is amassing quite a collection of trophies and awards to show it.  Last Saturday, Evan played his last soccer game of the season and then ended the season with a picnic-style lunch and awards presentation on the field.  It was a pretty chilly day, but we were thankful it was at least dry.  We have enjoyed the season but are looking forward to a break in the crazy sports schedule...and maybe even sleeping in a little on Saturdays again (yeah, right!).  Since not all the boys could attend the big awards presentation, we also met the team on Wednesday night for a pizza dinner.  It was a crazy night, but the kids enjoyed getting together and playing.  They have really developed some close friendships over the last few months. 


Meet the Strikers (a great shot of the team after the last game caught by my Dad on his new iphone)



Waiting with Coach to get their awards.



Evan waits patiently for his trophy.



Go #3!



Evan and his teammates show off their cool new trophies!



He couldn't wait to put the trophy in his room.



Cousin Lanny shows off his trophy after the game.  He got to play with cousin Evan again and did so well.  We were very proud of these boys!



And their biggest fan, Brody, bundled up for the last game of the season.

Our Very Happy Halloween with Two!

We had been waiting so long to share a fun halloween with two kids.  Last year, Evan had really looked forward to getting to dress in a costume with his little brother.  Mommy just had to coordinate their costumes.  She would have loved to have made their costumes if she was more crafty, but she had to settle for store bought.  She thinks they were rockin' their pirate and parrot costumes though.  Brody also had to wear his big brother's costume for a little bit too. 

BRODY'S 1ST HALLOWEEN




THE COSTUMES


The cutest monkey we've ever seen!







Big Brother loves his monkey!



Monkey in the jungle.



Monkey see, Monkey do.






Pirate Evan and his cute little feathered friend.  What's a pirate without his parrot?



Love!












Mommy and her boys



Daddy teaches the little parrot to fly.



Daddy and his handsome boys.



Evan shows off his favorite pumpkin and that his house got "booed!"


A BIRTHDAY COSTUME PARTY

Evan's new school friend Scarlet's 5th birthday was a little costume party at Gymboree Play & Music.  Scarlet's Mommy and Evan's Mommy are also school buddies so we all had a great time.  Evan enjoyed some extra time with all his new friends on the Sunday afternoon before halloween. 


Evan and his little "girlfriend" Ashlee playing "follow the leader" I think.



Sliding



Scarlet, the birthday girl, is in the middle dressed as a cute little Cinderella.



Evan enjoyed the "freedom" in this fun place.  The kids can just run wild in this big room. 



Jumping off the ledge.



Scarlet and Ashlee jump together. 



Scarlet's Mommy was a kitty cat and her little sister was Princess Belle.



Evan loved being in the parachute house.



Ready for some sweet treats.



Sweet boy is ready for cupcake.



Evan and his buddy Brendan enjoy their cupcakes.


TRICK OR TREAT

We enjoyed eating a yummy halloween dinner made by Aunt Jessica and letting the kids get together in their costumes.  Aunt Jessica made "spooky" spaghetti for the kids before they went trick or treating. 


All the big boys with their swords.  Lanny looked like Big Foot here, but he was a realistic looking gorilla with his mask on.  Reade was the cutest little kangaroo. 



Lanny and Evan were being silly as usual.



Sweet Reade loves cousin Evan, and Evan loves cousin Reade.  That was really why he wanted a little brother...just like Reade!



Brody & Cate's first halloween!






And one with all 6 of the crazy kiddos!  Miracle -- I think so!  Emma the peacock, Lanny the gorilla, Reade the kangaroo, Cate the pink elephant, Evan the pirate, and Brody the parrot.



Evan rings the doorbell for trick or treating.  He's an old pro!



Getting his bucket filled didn't take too long.



Our sweet neighbors, Mrs. Regina, and little Levi the tiger.  Levi loves babies and is just so loving! 



Levi's cute little face. 



Our neighbor, Mr. Eddie, was pimpin' at the block party.



And so was his son, Zach. 


PUMPKIN CARVING


Evan pretending to help Daddy scoop out his pumpkin. 



No, he refused to touch the "yucky" stuff.



Evan helped Mommy carve her silly mummy pumpkin.  He loves his mummy!



Daddy made Evan a Panther pumpkin.



Mommy's Pumpkin



Daddy's Pumpkin


EVAN'S SCHOOL HALLOWEEN BALL

Since Halloween fell on Monday this year, Evan had a special Halloween Ball at his school.  Everyone was supposed to dress as a "storybook" character.  Evan already had the pirate costume so we just added a hook so he could be Captain Hook from Peter Pan.  Of course, there were several princesses and a few comic book superheroes too.  There was also one of the 3 little pigs, a little Jack "be nimble," and even a Big Bad Wolf (the teacher)!  I loved all the pictures Evan's teacher took of the event. 


And there's our cute little Captain Hook.  Arrr!



Playing at one of the activity tables.  Evan still chose to do the puzzle while his friends played with monster claws and eyeballs. 



The class listens to the "Big Bad Wolf" at story time.



Yum...marshmallow spiders!



Eating doughnut "eyeballs."