Happy Birthday Baby Mary

Yesturday morning (Nov.22) at 4:04am a new member of our family made an arrival. Mary Louise is baby #4 for my brother Andrew and his wife Rachael!! Mary is the first name of both Rachael’s mom and grandmother and Louise is my mom's middle name. It's so exciting to have another little girl in the family!!!

A very proud big brother Ryan

Big sister Ella

Big brother Adam

Christmas Traditions....Part 1

It's almost the middle of November, so it's time to start thinking about Christmas!!! We have several traditions for the holiday season and packing shoes boxes for Samaritans Purse is one of them. I was wondering how Dawson would do this year with the whole buying toys and then not being able to play with them, but he totally surprised me. Once we explained what we were doing and why we were doing it, he didn't ask once if he could keep the toys for himself! He told Dave and I that there is a little boy out there who is really sad, but once he gets this shoebox he will be really happy! What a great way to teach the spirit of giving!

We found a great little Veggie Tales movie clip that really put things in a preschoolers perspective:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC8-wpMrzBE&feature=related

I told Dawson we were going to build shoe boxes and he insisted on wearing safety glasses!

Dawson's favorite addition to the box

Little Packers

Conversations With A Two Year Old...

Dawson: "Mommy, Coopy and me are going up to my bedroom to have a visit" (this is their new favorite thing, they like to lock themselves in Dawson's room and hang out without me). You stay downstairs and visit with the....... (long pause as he scans the room) and visit with the bananas!"

_______

This conversation occurred as Dave, Dawson, and cousin Steven were cruising car dealerships looking at vehicles (a favorite activity for them all).

Steven: "That's a nice truck, but I don't like the fender flairs"
Dawson: "oh it's okay Steven, you'll learn to like them" (hmm wonder who he's heard that one from)

The Adventures of Batman and Robin

A little pumpkin carving

Cousin Sven (aka Steven) joined in on the fun!

The finished product

Hey Grandpa and Grandma, who's at the door?

Trick or Treat

Boy Robin is on a mission

The team of candy questing superheroes

Batbaby is on the prowl

We had a great time and collected way to much candy!! The quote of the night went to Dawson, as he was trick or treating in our neighborhood. He said, "I love this vacation, this is the way to go!" I don't know where this kid comes up with this stuff!