ICE

So tonight, we went on our second annual trip to the Gaylord Texan to see the ICE show with the McKinney's. This year's theme was Charlie Brown's Christmas. It started out so much better than last year because we didn't have to wait in line for an hour and a half before we entered. And when we did enter, there weren't a million people in the exhibit. We had plenty of room to walk around and take pictures. Although, Graham did get off to a rough start. Graham put on his little blue jacket. It was a little big for him and he walked around in it like a penguin. He didn't have much use of his arms so when he tripped he went straight into the ground. Poor thing got a busted lip before we even set foot into the exhibit. He's a trouper though...only shed a tear or two. Honestly, I'm not sure if Graham actually enjoyed it. It was so cold (9 degrees). Jeff took him on the ice slide and he looked a little terrified when he slid down. In the end, I hope he had fun because we enjoyed spending time with Andrew and Monica!

So this is before our parkas.

The cutest little penguin.

There faces make me laugh.

time goes so fast...

Wow! It's official, Graham is 18 months old. I know 18 months is just a month older than 17...but man it sounds old. So quickly he's turning from baby to little boy. We went to see Dr. Daniels today, our pediatrician. Graham is pretty much on track with all other 18 month olds...except that he's still in the 90th + percentile for height, weight and head circumference. Today he weighed in at 30 lbs. 10 oz. and was 34 1/2 inches tall. He's just one big boy...I mean he's totally proportioned, but he's got his uncle's height. He's right on track with hiscommunication skills, but I think they need a little work. Jeff and I counted the number of words he can say tonight, and we reached 10 (maybe 11 if you count "ahh" as a word after he takes a big drink). Those "b" words seem to be hard. He's mastered the "d" and "m" sounds. I think this is one of my favorite ages so far. He's getting a little more independent and can play without me by his side. This has been helpful because I can get a little laundry or housecleaning done during the day. He's so interactive, dances to any music he hears, and loves to laugh. He's figured out how to tickle us, and he thinks that is hilarious! There are so many wonderful things about our 18 month old little man, that I could go on all night but I think I'll end it here. We're still taking monthly pictures, so here's one from the other day.

a boy's love of ketchup

As you can tell, fries are not a necessity when eating ketchup...fingers work just as well. Actually, they are probably preferred. Really, I'm just posting this because I think it's so cute and funny! We were at Olive Garden with my parents the other night. Graham got french fries with his chicken nuggets. After he figured out there was ketchup, we couldn't get him to eat anything else. We sat there laughing as he gave us his big eyes and ate that ketchup without making a sound!

Trains at Northpark

Today we took Graham to see the trains at Northpark. We tried to see Santa Claus too, but it was crazy. I figured Santa would be crazy...but it was worth a try. I think I'll take him by one day during the week! The little man loved seeing the trains. His eyes got so big when we entered the exhibit. I just wish I had gotten his expression on camera. It's such a neat exhibit. They had the Dallas skyline...that was my favorite part. Here are a few pictures from our fun Saturday! I love the wind turbines...reminds me of the big LBK!

Dad's knee surgery

Thanks for all of the prayers friends, my dad's knee surgery went extremely well. They made it home yesterday, and we're hoping for a speedy recovery.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For Thanksgiving, we had a feast at the Brook's house (Jeff's mother's first cousin Susan's house). I think my favorite were the yummy mashed potatoes. All Graham ate was bread...seriously nothing else. Maybe a little ice cream after the bread. Oh well...bread was his Thanksgiving feast and he was happy about it.

We are so thankful for many things. We have a wonderful family that loves and encourages us. Our friends are always kind and fun to be around. We have a great house over our head and delicious food to eat...this year was perfect! Of course, we have a precious little boy who makes us laugh and cry because he's so stinkin' funny! Most of all, we are thankful that we have been saved by grace through Jesus Christ.

Graham's vocabulary is growing

I had a wonderful 27th birthday! Basically, I got to eat at several great places with some of my favorite people! My parents gave me a camecorder for my birthday....which I love. The video above is a from the new cam.

Monthly pics of the little man

I love his smile in his 17 month picture...so cute!

Happy Halloween!

I've been so stressed about the Ranger's game...so I'm blogging. We carved Graham's first pumpkin today. He did not want to touch the squishy seeds...haha...I'm not surprised because he hates to get his hands dirty. We went trick or treating at our friends the Jackson's, the Graham's, and our next door neighbors. Even though it was 80 degrees, Graham wore his outfit well. I was even impressed that he'd wear the hood.

We had him try on an old wig...such a sport. Haha...that's my Ashley hair from an old Halloween when I dressed up like Ash.

He's got his fins out to swim like a shark.

This shark is scarey...

The Jackson's

The Graham's

These photos were taken a few days ago at the pumpkin patch near our house.

Graham is such a stud that he could pick up this pumpkin. Honestly, I think he thinks they're just big balls.

Graham and his Nana (my mom)

15 months

My big Boy!

Go RED RAIDERS!!!! Too bad we couldn't get them on tv last night...just glad they won though!

first day of mother's day out

Graham started Mother's Day Out last Thursday. He goes one day a week for a few hours in the middle of the day. His report card said he was happy and energetic...which sounds just like my little boy. They also told me that he's gonna be a great soccer player. Apparently, he kicked around a ball all morning. Little man LOVES balls. I tried to get him to stop moving and catch a few pictures before school....but he just loves to move. These are the best ones I could get.

Labor Day

Went to the lake to visit the parentals. Did a little of everything. Here are a few pictures from tubing. My favorite is the brotherly love pic....you'll see what I'm talking about. I was driving the boat, watching the boys and laughingso hard because they were falling all over each other...it was great!

I think Jeff is embarrassed....

Las Vegas

Jeff and I went to Las Vegas for our 3rd anniversary....thanks to my Aunt Sandy and Uncle Paul for the airline miles! We left at 10:40pm and arrived in Vegas at our hotel around 2am (Dallas time)...we were a little tired. We stayed at the newest hotel on the strip, the Aria. It was beautiful! When we walked into our room the first night, the blinds opening automatically, the music turned on, the lights turned on...it was crazy. FYI- I pretended to leave and then come in again...but sadly nothing happened. I would definitely recommend the Aria to anyone going to Vegas. My parentals were nice enough to watch Graham so we didn't have to take him.

We experienced it all while we were there. We went to the Peppermill for breakfast. It's a fun old lounge.

We also walked up and down the strip...didn't go into every casino, but most. That night we saw the "O" cirque show. I think it was the best show I'd ever seen!!!! We loved it so much that we got half price tickets to "KA" (another cirque show) the next night. "KA" wasn't near as good as "O" though. If you go to Vegas, you have to spend the $400 dollars for two tickets to "O." We even went to the In-n-Out burger. Here are a few other pictures from the trip. Ash, I even made Jeff go to New York, New York...in your honor.

Jeff taught me how to play craps. At this one casino in downtown, I was doing so good as the shooter that people from the table were tipping me because I was winning them so much money. I had lost a little money, but I made it back real fast at the Freemont!