Beginning of the Christmas Season or Pictures that Didn't Make the Christmas Card

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was spent very quietly at my parents house! We did go to Toby's nephew's house for lunch, but only stayed a couple of hours. I spent most of the day feeling overly full and sleepy! I am thankful for the food, our family, and REST!

Toby and Kensli doing something about feeling sleepy!

My kids love to play games with Mam-maw!

Nicholas spelling his name with strange popsicle sticks.

Louisiana Beauty

The lake behind our house on a very cold morning.

I don't believe this picture really captures the view this morning. The lake was beautiful!!!! The steam coming off the water gave the lake a mysterious look.

A Day at the Beach

"I'm running towards that big wide ocean,

While you chase me down with that sun lotion.

Oh, Oh, Oh-h-h.........

I would like to spend seven days a week,

I never get tired of that sandy beach.

Oh, Oh, Oh-h-h............"

The kids were so good on this trip that we decided to give them a surprise treat! Without letting them know, we headed for South Padre Island. They we so surprised and excited!!!!

Since this little trip had not been planned, we didn't have our swim suits or beach towels. As you can see, those items are not needed for fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was Kensli's first time to see the ocean and play on the beach. At first, she didn't know what to think, but it didn't take her long to get over her hesitation.

Sizing up all that water!

When the first wave rolled in over her feet, she fell back in the sand. I guess the movement of the water and her eyes tricked her!

Jumping the waves!

Enjoying a little independence!


Security with my Dad!!!!


4 BEACH BUMS



Waiting on the waves!
Kensli didn't understand why she felt like the sand was leaving her when the water would rush back out. She would holler, "Come back here sand, come back here!!!"


Cutie pies!

Kensli said, "I'm a crab and I'm going to get you!!!!!"

Peace, Peace, wonderful Peace!

They were tired and slept for miles when we left!

Words in blue is a song called A Day at the Beach off of XM Kids by a group that I do not know the name.

The Long Road Home...........

Traveling with kids can really be........an experience! Here is what the kids looked like during the 8 hr. car ride.

Nuts!!!!!

Kensli looks the happiest of all! What? Guess the chocolate milk sippy helped!!!!!

Just plain bonkers!!

Tired with a hint of silliness!

I am happy to report that we made it home safe and sound!

Visiting Cousins

This past weekend we went to Alice, Texas, to visit with family. We had such a good time!!! Sally made some wonderful desserts and beans. We ate at an awesome B-B-Q place. It reminded me so much of a place we use to eat at when I was little. Kingsville, Tx., has the one of the best B-B-Q places ever!


Charles showed us around town and we met quite a few friends and neighbors. Also, two of Charles' kids were able to come and visit, too. We were so happy to be there, I hope we didn't wear everybody out!

This was Charles' father's house, Toby's uncle.

Charles, Sally, our kids, Kelvin(Charles' son), Renelda(Kelvin's wife), and Toby

The kids and cousins.

The kids thought it cool to meet extended cousins! They had fun playing outside!

Toby and Karen (Charles' daughter)

Toby really enjoyed talking to and sharing memories with someone that until the first of this year we didn't know existed. Hopefully we can get together again soon!!!!

Fishy, Fishy in the Brook.......

FISHY, FISHY IN THE BROOK,
NICHOLAS CAUGHT HIM WITH A HOOK,

MOMMY FRIED HIM IN A PAN,
AND NICHOLAS ATE HIM LIKE A MAN!!!!

Nicholas caught his 1st fish today in the lake behind our house. The bass was 14inches long. He was so proud! I fried it up for him and he ate it like a man!

Kensli tried her hand a fishing, too, but all she caught was "a worm" she said!