Party & Santa - if only Santa was a party

Here are a few pictures of Brody's Christmas party at school that week. The funniest thing was that I sat in the room for about 5 minutes and he didn't even see me. He was being such a big helper but AS SOON AS he saw me the tears came flooding - I don't understand this. All he wanted was me and to go home. Thank goodness he got over it some and I provoked him into participating in the lessons so the moms would see what they have been learning.

Enjoying a cupcake.

Ms. Patty and Brody

Ms. Spivey & Brody

After the party, we went home to grab Trevor and head to the mall to see Santa - what was I thinking doing this by myself. The past 2 years we have taken Brody to see Santa at the Towne Center where Santa sits in a little house. Brody is not so excited to be in small places and it takes him quite awhile to get used to new places, so we we thought going to the mall would be better because he could look at Santa for awhile before actually going to sit on his lap.

We got to the mall around 12:30 and there's quite a line already and of course as soon as we get in line there's a sign stating "Santa is going to feed his reindeer" and will be back in about an hour. GREAT!!! All my planning blown out the water. While Trevor slept, we did a little shopping and go and eat Chick Fil La. We got back in line for our main purpose and after an hour and a half of waiting, a bottle for Trevor, and Trevor and Brody both ready for naps it was finally our turn. No, it couldn't be 2 brothers sitting nicely on Santa's lap - Brody dug his heels in and I drug him to Santa while trying not to drop Trevor. Brody is not wanting to go close to Santa at all and he's pulling my shirt off so I'm thinking all of the Avenues is seeing everything but I'm determined after waiting this long we are getting a picture. The picture turned out okay considering everything.

I told Jason that I just won mom of the year and I will NEVER do this again by myself. After all of this Brody still thinks Santa is a bad man.

The first of many

What goes along with being in school - Christmas presentations. This of course was Brody's first and we weren't even sure if he would participate since he still is not a big fan of school and so we didn't even invite anyone - yes no grandparents (we didn't even tell them about it). We didn't want to waste their time if Brody decided to cry and not even go up on stage. Since he only goes 2 days a week and hasn't been there much because of Thanksgiving and our Disney trip, I didn't even know what they would be doing and if he even knew the words. If I had, I could have coached him for a couple of weeks to make sure he had everything down - that's a proud mom for you. I found out the day of that they would be saying a Bible verse - James 1:17 (he told me the reference on the way home which I thought was pretty good), saying their prayer and singing Jingle Bells.

We got him all dressed up and took him to his classroom so we could then go and find a seat - of course he didn't want to be left but oh well!! Ms. Patti (his teacher) said he did great at practice that day so we could only hope and pray. The auditorium was packed - standing room only but thankfully we found a seat since we had Trevor with us. As I looked around I saw TONS of grandparents and I just knew I would be in trouble. Brody's class was the first to perform and I have to say he did pretty good for his first time. He held a girl's hand as he came out (smart boy) and we could tell he was actually saying stuff every now and then. No crying so we call it a success.

Saying his prayer.


Singing Jingle Bells

Once it was over we went and got ice cream - yes that was the bribe to get him to sing on stage - whatever it takes!! Let me just say that he doesn't forget when you tell him something - he will hold you to it. We then knew we had to go to NiNi and Papa's house to show them the video and BEG for forgiveness. That's all I needed was somebody asking her why they weren't there. Of course their feelings were hurt but we tried to explain our reason so I think they understood.

We were so proud of him and to hear him say his Bible verse - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" James 1:17 makes us so feel so blessed and honored to bringing up a child learning God's Word.

A Polar Express Christmas

On Saturday, Dec 11, we packed up with the Walsky's and the Cruce's (2 of Brody's favorite buddies - Baylie & Bradyn)and headed down to SeaWorld for the day. We took Brody back in May and bought a season pass since it was only about $10 more and Brody would still be free. We left around 6AM - crazy idea to try and get 3 3 year olds up at this hour. Once Brody got up and dressed he was eager to go but of course the "How much longer" questions quickly came.Best buddies

So sweet!!

We got down to the park around 9:30 and was off and running. We almost canceled the trip because we thought it would be raining, but it didn't even rain a drop all day - however it rained ALL DAY at home. We first went to the Polar Express before it got too crowded and attempted to see Santa. Well, Brody didn't want much to do with him of course, so all of the pictures have Jason in them.

Brody is not so sure about this man in red.

Finally somewhat of a smile.

We spent quite a bit of time in Harbor Town, which is SeaWorld's kid area. We put Brody on the Shamu rollercoaster - you guessed it he didn't want to go but we didn't even ask him. These 3 kids played all day and had a great time. Thankfully they behaved pretty good without having naps. Brody tried once but we woke him up so he could play on the ropes.

Of course I was not riding this one - I let daddy take over.
His favortie ride.

We were able to watch Elmo and Friends Christmas show which was great and the kids loved it. Of course they really enjoyed seeing Shamu so we saw 2 different shows - the normal show and the Christmas show. The Miracles Christmas show was wonderful and since this show was so late we decided to go ahead and end the night with that - it was about 8:15 and we had a 3 hour drive ahead of us.

The guys looking thrilled to be at Sea World.

After a long day at the park.

Our child made it about 4 sips of his chocolate milkshake and was out for the night. Yes, that was his dinner. I was such a good mom that day - full of good quality food - popcorn, crackers, pretzels, gummie snacks, hot dog and a chocolate milkshake for dinner. I think I won mom of the year for that daily intake of food.

Although the day was very long, I think the kids had a blast and it was so much fun to go as a group. I'm sure it will be an annual tradition.

4 Months Old

On December 3 Trevor turned 4 months old. He is such a joy as he is smiling talking (cooing) and occasionally laughs quite loudly. Actually he is quite the talker - we say he has some of my mom's side in him - the Willis!Thank goodness he is getting over wanting to be held all of the time - he just really wants someone to talk to him quite a bit. He has started reaching out and grabbing toys which is so cute. He is also such a good night sleeper - he sleeps about 11 hours straight every night. Boy we are blessed!!

What comes with 4 months old is starting to eat cereal which is so cute to try and see them use their tongue for the first time. Here are a few pictures of our latest dinner:

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This is the hardest part of it - keeping his hands down.

Look at that face - he's not so sure about this stuff.

Trevor looks scared for his life.

Happy 4 Months to my little boy.

A few Christmas traditions

Since having Brody we try to go and watch the Callahan Christmas parade. This year we weren't so sure since it was rainy and who needs children to get sick. Thank goodness the rain slacked off for the parade but we did leave Trevor with NiNi and Papa. Brody wasn't so sure about the beginning of the parade since there was EVERY fire truck from a 30 mile radius (at least that's what it seemed) sounding their siren. He was ready for that to end even though he loves fire trucks but I think it must be from a distance.

Brody racked up on the candy since there weren't many childrent around us. He had a lot of fun is beginning to be a pro at waving at people.

I have always wanted to decorate sugar cookies so what better time than at Christmas and with a child. I bought the Ginger teddy bears kit- easy to make and came with all the necessary items to decorate.

Finding the Right Tree

Here's a couple of pictures of Brody and Trevor helping to pick out our Christmas tree this year. Brody actually walked around trying to find the right tree for us. It was so cute to hear him mimic things we were saying.

My BIG boy turns 3

On December 2, Brody turned 3 and we celebrated the weekend before with a Lightning McQueen party. It was Thanksgiving weekend but the Saturday after his birthday is the Christmas parade and is just crazy so I didn't need that much pressure.

The one issue that came up for that Saturday was the UF vs FSU game and of course it started at 4:00 - the same time as the party. I told Jason he couldn't stay inside so he thought of the next best thing - bring a tv outside.

The playroom transformed.

We rented a bouncy house and since it was a holiday weekend we were able to pick it up on Wednesday and we didn't have to return it until Monday - a great deal. He had a blast on it with a few of his friends and they would run back and forth from the bouncy house to the playground.

He loves Buzz Lightyear!!

When we asked Brody several months ago what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday he was quick with his response - Lightning McQueen. I ordered his cake from a cake shop since I wasn't feeling so chipper in making it for him. It turned out great but the icing didn't taste so great - I guess too much red food coloring.

Yes, his teeth are red - I guess he can't hide that he just ate a piece of cake.

This past year has been quite fun with Brody. I can actually have a conversation with him but bring in another adult to pull attention away from him things don't go so well. He has been a great helper with Trevor and hasn't shown any signs of jealousy - I am very thankful for that.

I am amazed every day at the things Brody knows. He knows his ABC's, 1-13 numbers, his colors and how to spell his name. He is now able to dress himself which has become a big help. He is completely potty trained even at night - what a relief!! One of the sweetest things is to hear Brody tell us the Bible stories he learned at school. I am so amazed and feel so blessed.

I am looking forward to what this upcoming year has in store for Brody - I'm sure he will amaze us.