Hello 2011!

***WARNING:  LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG!


Happy New Year! The past two days I have been reflecting on 2010 and have come to the conclusion that I am neither happy nor sad to see it go. Yes, there were some hard times, but there were also many blessings that I can't ignore. We went on our first big family vacation and had a BLAST! Seeing the expressions on the kids faces when they gave Minnie a hug was truly priceless and something I will never forget. You don't get moments like that back. I am confident that 2011 is going to be great! I know that we are in for some BIG changes (more on that later) and some we are ready for and some we are not. But we will be in together!!
This year I want to make sure that I go outside with the kids at least once every day. I want to make sure that we play more games as a family, which means lots of Candyland, but I am good with that. I want to read more books to and with them. I want to do more projects. I want to get back to my old organizing ways (and may be forced to). I want to make sure that my family and friends know that I love them, every day. I want to be a better dog mom. Ugh....I know there are a gazillion more, but that will do for now.

This past week Eric was off of work and while he spent a lot of time working on his *truck*, here are some of the fun things we did:

We went out to dinner with Eric's dad and brother.... sans kiddos.

There was a lot of buildings constructed out of Lincoln Logs.... Delaney really wanted Daddy helping.

I don't remember if this was a hug or a head lock

Delaney played with her Strawberry Shortcake remote control car.

Kids were over the Lincoln Logs, or maybe it was because they didn't really get to help.

Notice the lack of kids.

His finished fort, with a porch and a partner

There was a lot of bike riding.....

My boys.

My big boy

How many kids do you see????

He really wants to pedal, but instead he tiptoes. Cutest thing ever.

I want to squeeze him

Daddy helping his little girl after falling off the bike. First fall is always the hardest!

But she was right back up!

On Wednesday we went to Phoenix to see Mimi and Granddaddy (my grandparents) and my Aunt Leigh Ann and cousin Julie. Delaney was so excited to see them and then she saw that they had presents for her so she was even more excited!

At the McDonald's at the half way point

Brody opening the big present!

A WAGON!!

Then it was Delaney's turn to open her gift from Aunt Leigh Ann and Julie and let me just say....I think they have it out for me cuz here is what she got

A freaking keyboard! It has a stand, a seat and a friggin microphone. It's okay though, because next time we visit or EVERY TIME they visit, Delaney will be entertaining them while she tickles the ivories!

Brody likes it too!

The next day we went to Peter Piper Pizza. They were so excited and didn't understand that they needed to eat first and then play, so we had some attitude

Could she BE anymore dramatic?

I guess so.

Maybe if I am nice Mommy will let me play

So, I don't think they will be making a living playing this game. Not one ball made it all the way in.

Brody wanted to ride a motorcycle

so Daddy helped

Delaney wanted to ride the merry-go-round and was 'beary, beary brave"

Brody, on the other hand, wasn't scared, but was totally pissy and cried the whole time!

Good times

The rest of the week has been spent "wowing" at the fire in the fireplace, playing Candyland and listening the the kids sing, as loud as they can, in the microphone. We have been playing the wagon and I have been watching as Delaney and Brody grow up right before my eyes. They are starting to play with each other. I know that 2011 will be great. It has to be!