For Daddy

Daddy needed some photos for his office at work, so we had a mini photo shoot. Sooners and his babies. I think it's safe to say he's gonna love these photos.

Christmas Tea

Natalie loves having tea parties (thanks to Mrs. Anna Larsen for the early education). She has also realized that most everyone else in her class has a birthday party during the year and they get to invite their whole class. So, we decided to have a tea party for the girls in her class during Christmas break. It was a blast. Their favorite part was definitely watching the hot water turn into tea. I think we've found a new tradition for years to come.

Cookies, Crafts and tea! Mommy couldn't have been any happier to oblige her request for a Christmas party.

Time certainly has flown since we hosted our very first Christmas party together!

I couldn't resist including a photo from that first Christmas party! (Natalie is 3rd from right)

Third Annual Brookfield Mowtilla

This is big time, small neighborhood fun! In Wilmington, the weekend after Thanksgiving, the NC Holiday Flotilla takes place at Wrightsville Beach. All the boats dress up in a float-like manner and join the flotilla parade. Well, the flotilla now has competition with the Mowtilla in Granny and Grandaddy's neighborhood! It really is quite fun. A few years ago we decorated the trailer with garland, lights and bows. This year we stepped it up with a nativity theme. Our characters were too cute.

The parade of cyclists, mowers, etc was longer this year than ever!

Fun way to ride, for sure.

The Cooks as Calf, Comet, Claus and Carpenter.

Mary and Joseph.

Mary was in character most of the night, watching closely over baby Jesus.

Daddy even rigged our ride up with lights and music!

Preschool Partying

I am hoping the reason Natalie talks so much about the boys in her class is because she recently relocated to a table with mostly little men. Oh the stories she tells. :)

Christmas Traditions, new and old

Natalie and Daddo makin' the gingerbread house.

Natalie, catching the fake snow on her tongue. She wakes up in the morning, sees frost on the ground and yells, "Yay! Snow!" Poor kid. Probably no snow this year.

New Tradition: Hayride at Mike's Farm with some great new friends.

Love those little faces. SO funny together.

Newest addition to the pack, sweet baby Kendall.

The only boy, and lovin it.

Singing with the kids choir at church. Baby Jesus We Love You! (she's the little lamb in the front)

Old Tradition continues: Tacky Sweater Christmas Party. That's our pastor and his wife, and 2 of their 4 kids. Love that fun family.

Everyday Sutton

Oreo Ball Taste Testers

Baker Boy

With Christmas, comes baking. Sutton has thoroughly enjoyed his one-on-one time with Mommy in the kitchen while Natalie is at school. He is especially good at spreading flour and loves powering on the kitchen power tool, the kitchenaid mixer. Mommy happens to enjoy the one-on-one time with him too.

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

I have had some really fun photo shoots over the last few years. But the ones that involve me trying to take photos of my very own, usually aren't quite as fun. This time, however, I have to blog that it was simply the most fun I've EVER had taking photos. The trick is that it was totally unplanned, and completely Natalie's idea. Funny how when it's her plan she is so much happier to go with it. And if big sister is into it, Sutton gladly follows Anyways, here is the series of photos we took.

This is one of Natalie in action, directing the shoot. "I know, I know, this time, you sit here, and Bubby will do this and..." Then right after every self-timered shot, we'd all (except Dad) hop up and race to the camera to see what we'd gotten. I can still here Sutton's, "I see, I see" over and over.

I am SO blessed and in absolute love with every member of this family! :)

Better Watch Out

While the jury is still out as to if we will continue to "do" Santa (yet, a whole 'nother post worth of thoughts and questions), as of this year, he's definitely coming to town. Actually, he already did. The weekend after Thanksgiving to be exact.

Earlier that day, Natalie told me, "Mom, did you know Santa even knows when we are sleeping?" I told her that yes, I'd heard that and that's pretty neat. Well, to her it was just downright amazing and nearly unbelievable (go figure). So later that night, as we watched him walk onto the stage and sing, "Santa Claus is coming to Town," Natalie listened intently. And at the very part where he sang, "I know when you are sleeping..." She twisted her head around so fast and looked up at me wide-eyed and said, "See. I told ya he knows!"

It was precious. Made Nate and I both smile at her child-like wonder. I do love seeing Christmas through her eyes.