Want, Need, Wear, and Read

This Christmas I found myself with my hands a little full and wanting to enjoy the spirit of the season.  I’ve always been more of a quality of quantity person, and I hope to raise Addison to have the same attitude.  So, this year, more than ever, I was committed to a simple holiday.

This year, my sister-in-law Jen and I began a new gift giving philosophy.  And it goes like this:  something they WANT, something they NEED, something to WEAR, something to READ.  Our hope was to keep the focus on the season and not the number of presents under the tree. 

Between Honey and Poppa, Aunt Meddy and Uncle Heffrey, Pops, Mary, and Megan, and Uncle Zack and Aunt Jen, there were plenty of presents under the tree.  To be honest, I don’t know that Addison will ever notice the philosophy, but I know that Clay and I will – for the better!

 

Dear Santa

We were constantly on the road throughout November.  It seemed like we were all a little road weary, including Addison.  The first weekend of December was the first time all 3 of us had been home together in several weeks.  We had planned our usual Sunday – wake up by the Addison alarm and head to church; however, our alarm must have been pretty tired (or sensed that we needed the extra sleep).  When she finally woke up, we instead decided on a lazy morning and (sorry Mom and Pastor Craig) skipped church. 

After an amazing brunch (because of both the food and the child’s behavior) at Manna, we thought it would be a good time to run by and see Santa.  We got there right when Santa arrived.  After a short line, we approached Santa, and Addison was not impressed.  So, in an effort to move along the growing line and save my girl from the ever terrifying Santa, I stepped in to join her for a picture.  I’m not sure what Addison wished for (but am pretty sure she asked for an American Girl)

 

Ever since Addison was born, my mom, sister and I have been excited for our trip to the American Girl store.  Growing up, I still remember when Melody and I got our dolls – Samantha for Melody, Kirsten for me.  We were recently at our parents’ house and got down our dolls.  Addison LOVES dolls and drug Kirsten around so much that her arm came off…not to worry, the American Girl Store has a hospital! 

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we went to the American Girl Store!  We were in little girl heaven!  Lots of light, bright color, happy faces everywhere.  We snacked at the bistro where we dined with a borrowed American Girl doll and we selected Addison’s first American Girl – a Bitty Baby!  Hopefully Santa will come through! 

 

We discovered that there is nothing like a gigantic toy store to bring out the kid in you.  We oohed and ahhed over all the dolls as much (or even more) than Addison did!  Although Addison won’t remember her first trip to the American Girl Store, I know that my sister, mom and I will, and next year after Thanksgiving we will enjoy it again!

 

 

 

Merry Christmas from the Family

Our dear friend Ellen has become our family photographer.  She knows us, our personalities, and how to get great shots within the short attention span of a 19 month old (and her father).  Check out how much Addison has grown since the last EK Photography (or as Clay would say Photographa) session, and even crazier, check us out the year before our girl was born!  Seems like a lifetime ago!  Ellen has such a great eye.  We love her and the memories she has captured for our family!

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas and Amen and Pass the Butter,
Marcy

 

 

 

ZJE&E Visit

What fun it was to have Zack, Jen, Ethan, and Eli in for a visit!  With an 18 month old , 2 1/2 year old, and 3 month old around, one thing is for sure - we didn't stay still for long.

A little parental ingenuity!

Saturday afternoon, we had a fun time at the Corn Maze.  We got lost in the hay maze, took a ride in a cow train, and saw animals at the petting zoo. 

Riding the cow train!

Our little critters!

After taking in the sun and the sights, we ended our visit with a good old fashioned hayride to the pumpkin patch.

 



What a wonderful weekend we had enjoying the beautiful fall weather and enjoying our family!

Sweet cousins

Amen and Pass the Butter,
Marcy

Happy Halloween!

One thing is for sure...Addison is a festive little girl! 

Addison LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so her costume was an easy choice...she was the sweetest Minnie!

 

Our Halloween was full of trick or treating, candy, friends and fun! By the end of the night, Addison was a tired, sticky mess.   



Maggie the Butterfly and Minnie Mouse Addison



Hadley the Witch and Minnie Addison

 

Our night was the start of many new traditions - trick or treating with friends, Hadley's Halloween party, and the CTHG office treat! 

 

Amen and Pass the Butter (and candy)!

Marcy

Honey Time

Today's post featuring guest blogger, Honey!

Addison and I enjoyed a long weekend while Marcy and Clay flew off to South Carolina. Marcy had a fun holiday planned for us:

Wednesday:

Our adventure began with a hair cut (complete with glitter and perfume). The beauty shop played pop music. Addison loves music and did a little “shoulder dance” under the hairdresser’s cape!

Thursday:

Next, we went and had Halloween pics taken (2nd annual trip for us!). Our little princess enjoyed the attention – but really isn’t in to sitting still for long.

Then we were off to the mall (AND more importantly the MALL PARK!) Addison started getting excited as we rounded the corner – she knew where we were going (did I mention how smart she is?).

Friday:

We started off Friday with Gymnastics! It was Addison’s first try. Addison was a bit concerned that I was going to leave her there (like at school). When she realized that Honey was staying, she joined right in. She sat in the circle and listened to the gym instructor intently. She enjoyed the songs and liked climbing. She especially liked walking on the balance beam and hanging from the rings. She is quite strong and can hang all by herself!

After naps … Friday continued with the theme of FUN! We were off to the pumpkin patch (where we stayed for over an hour – playing, riding in the wagon, and making new friends).

Supper found us at Chuck E Cheese!!! Most fun was watching the “show” up front (music video and Chuck E Cheese dancing). She enjoyed riding the little cars.

Saturday:

Saturday was the Lubbock Komen Walk for the Cure. Addison and I were up early Saturday morning to join in. It was such an emotional experience. Addison danced during the warm-up and found many fans for her talent. We walked the mile with such a large group of excited supporters and survivors. I walked to honor my friends D’Anne and Rita.

The morning was cold, but inspiring. Our dear friend Ashley Hamm made sure that ALL of Lubbock was PINK for the weekend.

Saturday afternoon we spent a few hours at the Science Spectrum. Addison loves to go to discover, touch, and meet new friends.

Sunday:

Addison and I were determined to finish up our “To Do” list. We got up Sunday morning and attended the Erwin’s church home. We attended the contemporary service (Addison loves the music).

Afterwards we headed home to clean up for Clay and Marcy’s homecoming. Everyone was SO EXCITED to see eachother. I headed home for a week of work without my favorite grandblessing. What keeps me going is knowing that a month will not go by without seeing our favorite little girl.

 

Amen and Pass the Butter,

Honey

 

How lucky we are! 

Amen and Pass the Butter,

Marcy

Fair Fun

We went to the South Plains Fair with the Lehnens and only one rule...if it's not fried, we aren't eating it!  Our fair delicacies included corn dogs, fried Oreos, fried Reece's peanut butter cups, fried snickers, fried pies, chicken on a stick, cheese on a stick, tater twisters, roasted corn, and fresh lemonade to wash it all down! 

 

The girls had a great time at the petting zoo...

 

...and riding the carousel!

As we were leaving, we had an impromptu dance party courtesy of DJ Sancho.  Our girls definitely have some moves!  (The dancing was just as entertaining in person as it appears on video!)

Amen and Pass the Corndog,
Marcy