Imagination Land

While I'm updating the blog, the kids are playing without any supervision. Joel comes to me with a pair of socks, asking for help to put them on so he can wear boots. At the same time I hear Allison say something like, "I don't have any dresses for getting married to him." The next time I look up, I find the "new couple" coming my way, with the groom walking beside the bride, who is on her stick horse, wearing her new hot pink Hannah Montanna garb. Not sure what to make of Joel's outfit. Sure is an outfit though.

Other December happenings

Matt's birthday. Yes, with 38 candles on the cake. It was quite a sight.

Fun with friends

And Allison giving her brother a ride. I don't know what precipitated this, but Allison was so proud of herself. She said, "Look! I'm strong enough!" They went all around the house and up and down the hallway for quite a while like this.

Christmasness

It was a busy Christmas this year. We started it off with a trip to Lindale, Tx with the whole Francis clan. The kids and adults had a blast playing outside with guns and frisbees. The munchkin army spent a lot of time in the bushes, Shane and Joel turned a small table into a pirate ship, and Allison...well, she didn't have to be asked twice to pose for a picture.

Other highlights were decorating gingerbread man cookies, and opening presents on Christmas morning, of course.

Later on Christmas Day we visited the Smiths, then Matt's parents. Then we left for Corpus the day after Christmas to spend the weekend with my sister and nieces.

Trips to Corpus Christi

My mom, Allison and I drove to Corpus to visit my sister and nieces just before my niece, Heather had her baby. Matt and the kids and I just went back after Christmas to visit and see new baby Dusty. In November, we took a little detour to Austin on the drive down. While we were in Corpus, we went to the Tx State Aquarium and got up close with sting rays and dolphins. Allison and Nikki has a good time together! Heather was a great tour guide!

In December, we got to cuddle with cute, sweet baby Dusty, and spent some time hunting for seashells at the beach. This was the first beach trip for our kids. They all had fun in the sand, and running from the waves as they rolled in. The entrance to one of the shops is a giant shark mouth. Joel was a little unsure of it at first, but eventually went into the giant jaws.

Weekend Get-Away, Broken Bow, OK

Matt and I were able to get away for a weekend to Broken Bow, Oklahoma for our 9th anniversary. Our darling friends, Kenny and Leah, kept the children for us. Everyone had a good time! While the kids were at the Jordan's eating cocoa pebbles, we were enjoying a nice canoe trip, and hiking through the woods. Oh, and simply had to take note of a local CPA's office. Would you believe that you can buy a deep fried twinkie in the same town where a CPA is named Joe Bob Smith?

Where is Thanksgiving?

I seem to have skipped a holiday. So, here is the annual Thanksgiving picture in Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jerry's Big Backyard Tree. Yes, Joel is wearing a red, white and blue USA tank top (muscle shirt, I'm told it's called) with camo shorts. And cowboy boots. Rather patriotic...in a redneck sort of way. He dressed himself, and...well...he was dressed, wasn't he?

And here are Allison and Jordan at Poppie and Grandma's house in Keller. They had a good time playing dress up!

Future cartographers

Two things to notice about Joel here. 1) He dressed himself, complete with tie. 2) He put together the USA puzzle on his own.

For Allison, the scarf on the floor is actually a river. She drew a Dora the Explorer map with 3 obstacles, just like in the show.

Catch-up Photos -- Random things

I'm in one end of the house folding laundry when I hear Joel call for help. This is the scene I find.

Things you find when cleaning out the minivan

package of baby wipes
flashlight
cow
drum stick
Dora and Diego disposable toilet seat covers
James Taylor CD