Thursday, December 29, 2011

Party Girl

Carsyn had some buddies over for a birthday party.  Poor baby with a December 30th birthday. It always going to be a challenge to have a party with her friends during the holidays. Tony felt it was really important for her to feel special and get recognized on her birthday. I was willing to wait one more year, but this turned out great. A simple, low key party at home.IMG_0031 What did momma do to prep for the party? Put on her makeup.

IMG_0037My friend Catherine aka Cason’s mom made these amazing decorations for me. This was the perfect set up for a Carsyn’s party (it was actually a traveling road show with 3 stops). She does this as a business and you can have her custom make anything for you. Or you can call her last minute and say you need decorations and she’ll magically make them appear. Even if you don’t have a clue what you want.

IMG_0045

This is how you party when you’re 2/3. Lay down on the steps. It’s big time.

IMG_0040

Daddy got Carsyn a very special ice cream cake. It was her special request and he made it happen! IMG_0057

Carsyn wanted Cason and Jack to come over. That worked for us because we like their parents. Catherine, Michelle and I were all pregnant at the same time. Just a couple of months apart. And now we’re all gearing up for round 2 together as well.

IMG_0060

Cason, Jack and Carsyn all played with the tent, balls, cars and whatever else they could find. The dads mostly referred them and the mom’s sat in another room and talked. It was the best birthday party ever!

Carsyn opened super cute gifts from her friends and then I tried getting a picture of the three of them. You can scan down and see the results. Too funny.

IMG_0069 IMG_0070 IMG_0071 IMG_0072 IMG_0073

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Snug as a Bug

 IMG_0022

Carsyn got this great air up mattress/sleeping bag for Christmas. She loves it. It’s princess. She loves those right now too. Carsyn and Gage were testing it out on Christmas night. This will replace her pack and play when we go out of town. She is now too big for that baby bed now. She’s a big girl. At least that’s what she keeps telling me.

IMG_0026

Daddy had to get in on the action the next day!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Happy Birthday Jesus!

IMG_0019

We started a tradition in our house that I hope will continue for a long time. Carsyn, Gage and I made a cake for Baby Jesus. Carsyn was very excited about it and was a great helper. Gage really like helping ice the cake (aka dig into the cake and eat a little).

While Christmas will always be a time of family gatherings and gift giving, I never want Carsyn to miss Jesus at Christmas time. Jesus, God’s perfect gift, will remain the most important part of this and every season to come. He is the ONLY reason we have Peace on Earth.

Santa Prep

Carsyn and I made cookies for Santa. They were sugar cookies that we added cinnamon and sugar to the top for snicker doodles. That is one of Santa’s favorite cookies.

P1080609 

We even got excited when asked “Who loves Daddy?” Carsyn adores her daddy.P1080610

Post oven. Carsyn and momma are both a little tired as this point.

P1080622

Finally, not to be left out, we put out a special treat for Santa’s reindeer on the drive way.

P1080617 Christmas morning review of the Santa prep? Carsyn didn’t think about the cookies or reindeer food once. There’s always next year.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Pizza!

We made pizza. I think Carsyn enjoyed the processes. I’ve had several people tell me that they make pizza at home instead of ordering out (of course they all live in the boonies and pizza can’t be delivered to the boonies).

P1080557 I bought premade crust and then we added what we liked. Tony and Carsyn seemed to really enjoy theirs. Mine was not my favorite.

Carsyn was very skilled at spreading her sauce around and adder her cheese. Big girl!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

North Pole Express

 P1080448

Grapevine has this really cool downtown area and it celebrates Christmas like no other (at least no one else in Texas, per their propaganda). We headed out Friday night to experience the North Pole Express AKA the Polar Express.

P1080434 Our first stop was Christmas ornament making. Carsyn had lots of help from Granny and Daddy.

PaPa T and I could barely stand the propane smell. We’re the ones with good sniffers in the family.

 

P1080435

Carsyn got to wear her PJs are part of the Polar Express theme. How cute is she!

P1080442 

Of course supper was in order! Grilled Cheese Please.

P1080444 

Finally on the train. The wonder in her eyes was worth everything.

P1080454 P1080455

Santa even joined us on the train.

P1080462

The night was perfect. Dare I say magical. Carsyn is so fun right now. She loved meeting Santa and all his helpers. It was a great family fun night!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Let the Little Children Sing

Carsyn had a choir performance last night at church.

It was with the 2,3 and 4 year olds. So we had no idea what to expect.

They met in the children’s area and warmed up on the slide.

P1080397

Carsyn was super fast.

P1080389

 

Carsyn stood by her buddy Jack.

P1080411

There was one song and lots of shinny maracas. That combination resulted in lots of shaking and little singing.

P1080424

Simply adorable. Carsyn with her buddy Cason (10 weeks apart), and Jack ( 5 months apart).

P1080429 Granny and PaPa T drove down for the concert and to spend a fun weekend with us. Thanks!