Prairie lights

On Wednesday, December 12, we took the kids to Prairie Lights. We had left the house at 4 so we could meet everyone at Uncle Julios in Fort Worth for Parker's birthday dinner. Unfortunately we sat in traffic for an hour and a half and never made it there. I was very disappointed that we could not be there. So, we went and ate at cheddars in GP. We left from there to go see the lights. I don't think the kids were as excited as we thought they would be. We let them sit up front with us while we drove thru the lights since we were going at a snail's pace. Kendall made some oohhs and aahhs but Talan was kind of blah about it all. We walked thru the forest that was all lit up and watched the show. I had some hot chocolate and fudge. It might not be something we have to do every year, but it was fun non the less.

Kendall's first soccer tots

On Saturday, December 8, we started Kendall in soccer tots. Talan has loved it from the first day, so we were hoping for the same result with Kendall. She definitely needs some time to get used to the idea of a structured class. She did pretty well. We did have a couple of screaming outbursts, so I removed her from the class as to keep her from disrupting the other kids. She likes to kick the ball and do the races. I just have to keep reminding myself that she is different than Talan and some things may be easier for her and other things could be harder. Somethings that Talan did well at quickly could take her longer and vice versa. I just have to be encouraging and loving and help her be amazing at whatever she decides to do.

Sunday funday

Sunday, December 2, Talan had his first game of the new season. We lost our first game in as many as 10. The boys we played were in first grade, probably 6 or so and our boys are 4-5. They played well all things considered. It was nice to play a team that was better than us because it showed we still have some learning to do at this stage. We lost 9-2. Talan scored 1 goal.
Afterwards, we went to see Jayme and Juliet. Mom and Dad brought dinner. Ashley and Jay got there shortly after we did. Talan and KendAll were excited to see Juliet as was I. This was Randy's first time to meet her. She was soo sweet. She was awake quite a bit. But she sure did like sleeping on Aunt Jenn. I loved every minute of the short time we had with her. Jayme looked great, like she never had a baby or any of the swelling issues.
After, Randy, the kids, Mom and Dad and I went to Dairy Queen. We had blizzards that were yummy as always.

Bows

Kendall obviously heard me talking about hating bows when she was in my belly because now she won't wear them. It's a constant struggle between us because now I want her to wear them and she won't. BOO!

Christmas decorations

Talan and Kendall were such good helpers putting up decorations. I decided I was going to get them their own tree. I am very ocd about my tree, where the ornaments are placed and how its fluffed. I figured if they had their own, they wouldn't want to mess with mine. So, we went and Talan picked out their ornaments. He chose Cars and Toy Story for his side and Fairies for Kendalls side.  I am glad we did this, they love their tree. After a day of trying to get the lights on my prelit tree to work, I finally got it decorated and ready for my most favorite time of the year.

Thanksgiving

This year was a little different than years past. We started our morning the same by going to Bass Pro to take our annual picture with Santa. Talan had written out his list to give to him. Kendall wanted nothing to do with him,  same as Talan at this age. We then went to Debbie and Paul's. We were happy to see this side of the family. It has been awhile since we were all together. Thank you Debbie and Paul for hosting. It has been many years since we had Thanksgiving with the Skinners. Usually we are at David and Melinda's for the first part of the day or with Debbie's aunts and uncles.  So, we got there around 1030 and immediately got into the Turkey Bowl. Paul has recently taken up Wii bowling and decided it would be fun to have a tournament. It was a blast and very competitive. Randy and his cousin Alec won. Boo! I had made some goodie bags for the winners. Debbie had made some prizes for during the game for things such as a turkey and that rounds high score. We also had a football squares pot. None of us won that. But Kendall.....did win the correct score of the game.  Um yes, that was my guess. I spent some of the day looking for black Friday deals in the ads. I did a little shopping online. Michaels opened at 4, so Misty and I ran over there. I got $75 worth of stuff for $30. I was pretty happy with that. When we got back, Randy, the kids and I headed home.  Yes, home. This is where its different. I didn't see my family this year for thanksgiving. Mom says Christmas is most important to her. She had been a Jayme's for a week, so I understood her wanting some down time at home with Dad. Joanna, Billy and Parker are in Houston. They had just been here and are coming back for most of December. Move home already.......we miss you. Jayme, Jeremy and Juliet stayed close to their home. Jeremy had to work that morning. Juliet is only two weeks so I understand. Ashley and Jay were able to spend the day with the Yldas as this was Kim and Joes first holiday back in the states. I am sure everyone was happy for that.  Aaron, Jeanne, Amira and Audrey are in Senegal. I can't expect them to fly here for every holiday. We sure wish they lived closer.  I guess what I am trying to say is we all have so many wonderful other things going on in our lives. We are all busy trying to do what we can to be amazing parents, siblings, daughters, sons and friends. I truly appreciate all of the families I have. We sure couldn't do any of this without any of you. I am happy that my sisters have amazing second families. I hope you all know how much we missed seeing all of you today. I know its just a name, Thanksgiving, but you ALL mean the world to me. I thank you all for being a part of my family.