MOM'S GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!...
Mom turned 30 on the 30th! It was a really special day! Mom heard that this kind of day brings good luck. She is holding on to the idea that this is true. I was so sweet and offered mom lots of love, kisses and birthday wishes. Mom is an easy target...her heart is always melting! We spent the morning together making breakfast--none other than chocolate chip pancakes with bananas on top. YUM! Then we were ready to play and to get mom a bit fancied up too. Off to the nail salon we went. I didn't even mind waiting on mom. I was such a good boy. I even helped her pick her color. Moms should always listen to their boys and she did just that. This time it was R-E-D. She has already tried orange and pink at my request. As the nails were drying we were napping. We knew what the afternoon had in store and we needed some energy. Mom heard that there was outdoor ice skating at Discovery Green. This is something you see in the movies and an experience that mom wanted to share with me on her big day. We had practiced ice skating around the tile floors at home, but nothing prepared me for the real ice, the crowds of people wobbling here and there and the laughing that shakes your whole body as you almost fall 10,000 times over. Dad had never experienced ice skating either and he was more than a bit scared of the falls. I guess he has a right--he has a long way to fall, but that fear did not stop me and mom...we were ready to go! We laced ourselves into our skates and then slipped onto the ice for a huge effort and little result. Were we even moving? Mom had me by the hands like a puppeteer, but there was no one to hold her up :) We did our best to move as one around the ice and we were doing it! Our ankles were aching, but we were having so much fun. Mom wishes she could have captured my expressions. I was grinning ear to ear and belly laughing so. It is a memory she will always treasure. Dad eventually gave it a go too. We wern't so bad...just don't compare us to the tweens that were twirling in circles around us. A few slips here and there, but no falls, no wet clothes, no broken bones. We loved it and the time we were able to spend together outdoors. It did not end here though; I had another surprise for mom. I packed her a picnic to enjoy on the green grass hill. My lunchbox was filled with all of the things I love most. The weather was wonderful and the sentiment was better. We ate string cheese and crackers, tomatoes and yogurt, Spiderman fruit snacks and oranges as we listened to the jazz band set up in the distance. We could have stayed there all night. But, as the sun set we made plans to meet the family for dinner. It is a family tradition that means so much to mom. 30 years of birthday dinners have been celebrated with Mawmaw and crew. Happy Birthday mom! This year will be your best. We love you!

TA DA!...
This is my "pirate birthday." Dad helped me get every piece up on the wall. I was so proud. I stayed in the tub an extra long time to enjoy it. I made mom promise she would not take it down after I got out. She agreed and the pirate party remained for a week or more. I have to say kids have more fun bathing than moms and dads! Who wants a shower when you could have all this? There is a party in my tub each time I jump in--ta da!

GRANDPA LIVES WITH CACTUS!...
My favorite place mat is a map of the United States. Each state has an icon. I can point out where I live in Texas. It has boots and a hat and I know that Grandpa lives with the cactus. Shortly after the holidays it was time for him to head back to Arizona, but he made one last stop before he left. He wanted to see me of course. We headed to Chili's for lunch before his big flight. Saying goodbye is never fun especially when you know it will months if not longer before you see each other again. Grandpa, just so you know, I tried to call you last night on the house phone. I pushed all the numbers I thought were yours, but an operator said I needed to hang up and try my call again. Maybe you should call me this time. I'll be waiting. We had lots of fun together at Uncle Jeff's house. I Love you Pappy Poppy Pops.

A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO ROAR ABOUT!...
We were off to Lala's house to continue the family fun. Everyone was gathered and waiting for the big reveal--3 big surprises awaited me. One was something to ROAR about; a giant dinosaur complete with munching mouth and wagging tail. WOW! Wes and I climbed on and off of it all night. We fed it leaves and roared right along with it. Then, I opened my gift from Aunt Kay and Uncle Al. It was a puppet theater! I had a whole box of puppets too. There were dinosuars and monsters I was so excited to play with them. Aunt Carley and Uncle JJ got me my very own ant farm and a book and puppet too. Big Grandma gave me yearly ornaments to adorn with my picture and a money for more books too. But my favorite gift of all is still my computer. I can work just like dad. I have amazed everyone with how quickly I have mastered the mouse, the pen and the keyboard. I know just what to do. I love working on my Computer Cool School so much that mom and dad purchased more games for me to play. I am learning so fast and I finally feel like a big guy in dads office.
Well the night was still young and we had a feast to enjoy. I once again conqured the relish tray. I am not a fan of fancy holiday foods. Just give me cheese, pickles, tomatos and snacks. The grown ups can enjoy all the yummy yums they want. The grown ups spent the afternoon playing Wii and the lil ones followed suit with empty controllers. When it was time to go there were tears of course, but I was fast asleep by the time we arrived home. A very busy day was a very special day to share with family and remember the real reason for the holiday. With 4 Christmas celebrations we have no idea what it means to be "Home for the Holidays," but we do know that love of family, however big, brings the best home you could ask for.

CHRISTMAS MORNING!...
Everyone expected me to be the first one out of bed, but given the night before Christmas I was still sleeping when the family arrived. It has long been tradition for the gift opening to begin before 7 am. Uncle Jeff made sure of that each year at Mawmaws house. This Christmas was not any different. Uncle Jeff and Uncle Dot arrived right on time, 6:45 am. Dad started up the coffee and set up the webcam so the reset of the family could watch online. Mom tried to coax me out of bed with visions of what was waiting for me under the tree. IT WORKED! I was ready to see, ready to play and ready for the whole Christmas Day!
BATMAN! Santa must have heard my request! All of the costumes were there. I could not wait to strip off my PJ's and join dad in the dress up. Batman was first, followed by Hulk, then Flash and Superman. In fact the whole morning was complete with costume changes and intermissions to play with the toys I had opened. The family could see that I was truly grateful for the gifts I was receiving. I would have been content at 2, but I had a long road of opening ahead of me. I got a computer, a scooter, games galore, a microscope, preserved bugs, books and much, much more. Everyone cheered me on as if in a race to finish the opening of the gifts so we could move on to breakfast. I just could not do it...I had to play with each one so we took a break and headed to the kitchen for some cooking fun. Each family member added something to the mix. Waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, juice, milk and more. Family time was the best gift of all.

ON THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...
This year we enjoyed every bit of the season...right down to the night before Christmas. Mom was just searching for family fun ideas to start new traditions in our home. I was loving every minute, so excited and so exhausted!
We had just returned home from Christmas Eve service and a delicious dinner out with the Malone family when the last of the festivities flared. It was time to sprinkle out the reindeer food. The moon was out and the glittered oats were just what the deer needed to find my house at night. The Shelf Elf had been watching for weeks and he had reported to Santa what a good boy I had been. In fact, I had yelled up the chimney several times myself to be certain that Santa knew what was on my list and to include a few things for my parents too. By the way, this whole Shelf Elf thing is great for kids. It taught me to tattle. I ran to the Shelf Elf every time daddy and I disagreed. I proclaimed in none other than a booming loud voice, "Shelf Elf, my daddy has an attitude to me! He gets no Batman costume, no cookies, no surprises..." My parents giggled I am sure, but this was the real deal for me. If my parents could report to The elf then I could too. Well it was time for the snacks. Aunt Meme and Uncle Mean bought me the perfect plate for serving Santa. It came complete with a note and I knew exactly what Santa wanted to eat. Mom and I had talked about cookies and milk and even a few carrots for the reindeer, but I knew the needed more. He works up an appetite and I did not want him to go hungry on my account. I went right for the pantry and pulled out everything from hot cocoa to coconut. It was truly a masterpiece. In fact we made an extra plate for me. Snacks at bedside at the best! After a few pictures by the tree we were ready for enjoy the books from big grandma. She gave me part of my Christmas present early to enjoy in the days leading up to Christmas. Each night brought a new classic book and this night brought The Night Before Christmas. Mom and dad cheated just a bit...I picked out Roudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, but it was late and mom knew that tale was just a bit long. Dad quickly removed the jacket from the book and wanted and wrapped it around the book they wanted. So sneeky. I enjoyed it anyway. Then I was off to sleep for a whole 7 hours before the morning brought gifts and another day of family fun. Mom and dad still had work to do, cameras to set up and things to arrange. You could say they were exhausted too; and at the end of it all and somewhere in between mom reflected. She knew in her heart that she had to make the REAL meaning of Christmas just as wonderful, special and exciting as Santa. She told me the Christmas story and made extra stops at the houses with nativity scenes out front. Somehow, in all the preparations family gatherings and fun we have to focus on Jesus. We have to find a way to keep HIM at the center of it all. HE is the real reason for the season and everyday that follows. Mom will try just as hard to focus on Jesus this next year. She wants me to know Him and all the truths and have the relationship that follows. Santa is great, but Jesus is even better.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE TAYLORS...
I spent the day with Uncle Dusty. We played video games and pool and opened lots of presents too. Grandma D and Grandpa filled our bellies with yummy food and promised we could do it all again soon. Uncle Dusty come to my house to play!

CHRISTMAS WITH GRANDPA...
I think I just got what I always wanted...my very own DJ booth! I'm so excited! I can mix and match all kinds of songs and sounds and sing right along too. Anyone up for Karaoke? I love to sing with the volume on full blast! Whew, it might be mom and dad who need the headphones!

CANDY AND THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE!...
Tim had a great idea. He sent me my very own candy...and a gingerbread house too. Mom and I had a blast adding icing and gumdrops, M and M's and more. We had even more fun tasting each one. It was a tradition in the making for us as we laughed and played and even iced ourselves silly. Each day that followed brought a special treat--a tasty tidbit to grab as you entered and left the kitchen. I learned the best phrase too, "Please mommy, just 1 little bit and that's all?" Pair that with a head tilt and a grin and what can I say? It's Christmas and everyone is in the giving spirit...who wants candy?

Reagan the red nosed sweet heart!

LIONS, TIGERS, BEARS AND SANTA...
SANTA WAS AT THE ZOO! I couldn't miss having breakfast with this guy. He was so jolly! The moment he walked in the room my eyes were glued to him. I was ready. I walked right up to him and told him all about the costumes I wanted for Christmas. All the costumes to be exact...Superman, Hulk, Batman, Flash. Santa gave me a note too. It was a list of all the ways that I could be nice throughout the year...good to know...I want to stay on the good boy list.
Even though the weather keeps changing around here mom, dad and Santa need me to be consistent. This particular morning it was FREEZING! Mom and dad kept me all bundled up. There was my shirt, my sweater, my jacket and then 2 blankets snuggled in tight around me in the wagon. I was riding with a smile while mom and dad, Aunt Carley, Uncle JJ and Wes had the shakes. BRRRRR! After a surprisingly warm and yummy breakfast we headed out to see the zoo animals. We took what Aunt Carly calls the fast tour of the zoo. We saw the highlights, ate some cotton candy and enjoyed every minute of the zoo without the crowds. Mom promised that come cold weather we would make another trip--it was so easy to get up close and enjoy the animals. I think the cold weather was enjoyed by the animals too. They were moving about and ready to interact with us. One bird squaked so loud at dad that he about jumped out of his jacket. We reinacted that one time and again. Dad wasn't laughing as much as we were though. We finished our morning out with a very chilly train ride. Mom and dad talked about the old train and all the old creepy toys and stuffed animals that once lined the tunnels. Things have changed quite a bit and we are looking forward to our next outing. Merry Christmas Santa! See you next year! I will be the best boy!

I WANNA STEAK!...
We joined the KAYA crew for dinner and a pre-Christmas celebration. The food was outstanding and I was determined to eat a steak! I did too...I ate more than daddy! With a full tummy and knowing that I was up way past bedtime (11 pm) I was in tears by the evenings end. I have been a busy boy in more than one way. I have discovered the true meaning in others conversations. I am always asking who mom is talking to or what the other person wanted. I have discovered sarcasm and what it means to be embarrassed. My tears were rolling again after I made a group at the party laugh. They thought I was so cute and funny and lovable, but I thought they were "laughing at me." I buried my head in the back of my chair and had the sweetest frown you have ever seen. Mom just held me tight and tried to explain. I am growing up faster than the fam expected. Three years old brings a whole new set of battles, lots of explaining and even more nurturing body, mind and ego.

THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG...
Mamanez started a tradition long ago when she sewed the first stocking for mommy. Mawmaws was eager to continue it and completed my Christmas stocking last year. She did not want dad to be left out so this Christmas she completed one for him. They are beautiful! Each little stitch was made with so much love. We will treasure them forever. Thank you Mawmaws for your dedication to our family and all your extensions of love!