What's Been Going On

It is cold here in Dallas so not much outside time but we have been having lots of fun playing with each other and friends. We don't do much, but we seem to sure stay busy. Here are a few snapshots of our 2013 activity so far. I sure do love these amazing kids.

At the Dallas Children's Aquarium with Mary. I love that they are friends and holding hands unprompted!

Playing with the dry ice that came with Dad's Omaha Steaks. Cadie is dressed up for no particular reason. 

Cadie Walsh movie star!

 

This was a boat game that was big over the weekend. Cadie has a shawl to protect her from the waves.

Visiting the Dickinson's in Ft. Worth. Miles offered to be at the bottom of the kid pile.

There was a lot of banging while the kids played in Laura and Josh's closet, but it was nice because it gave Laura and I a few mins. to catch up! Cohen and Jack Ranger were most likely off playing cars together.

Riding in the grocery store car at the front of the shopping cart is always a good time.

Feeling tired of being the dinosaur/monster that has to chase around the princess.

Christmas

I haven't been great about taking pictures over Christmas, so here is a smattering from the various events. 

- Sunday, Dec. 16: Lovely Walsh Family party at Mitzi Walsh's home

- Sunday, Dec. 23: Gift exchange with Mary at our house

- Monday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve day event with Dawna and her siblings at DD and Big John's house

- Tuesday, Dec. 25: Christmas morning at our house, brunch at DD and Big John's, fly to Kansas City, gifts and amazing dinner with my family to wrap up the day

 

Cousin Hannah passed down one of her favorite Christmas dresses to Cadie.

 

 

Mary nailed it with a soft Rapunzel doll for Cadie.

JR now has to have Buzz Lightyear in his bed to sleep.

Something about Willy Wonka kept Cadie and her Uncle Ace, Miles and Stewart busy in the crawl space under the house for most of the party at DD and Big John's house Christmas Eve.

 

Cadie loves her Calico Critters from Mom and Dad.

 

Christmas morning JR didn't want to leave his new train to go to DD and Big John's!

Why did we buy a plane ticket? We could have fit him as a carry-on.

Snowy and cold in KC!

Scofield Christmas Program

On Dec. 20th Cadie's school had a Christmas program and Cadie sang three songs with her class. She did a great job despite the fact that she missed all the practices because of us taking her to school late or getting her out early the week of the program. My mom and dad were planning to be in town, but were not able to come because a snow storm in Kansas grounded their flight. But we were surprised by a visit from Aunt CJ and Uncle Rhino! Uncle Rhino was there for Cadie's songs, but then spent the rest of the time in the hallway with Jack Ranger during the "Angel Alert" play by the first through sixth graders. Thanks Uncle Rhino!

The kids were supposed to wear "Christmas festive" outfits. Cadie was the only one in purple :), but she looked adorable. She thought CJ and Rhino's dogs should dress up for the program as well.

After the program we had a great time snuggle on the sofa outside under the new heater.

Holiday in the Park

We made our annual trip to holiday in the park at 6 Flags the week before Christmas and had a blast. It was busy, but the kids rides weren't as bad and we rode the train around the park three times. We went last year with Avery and Shauna and we missed them this year! We have season passes and it is nice to be able to go to the park for a few hours and not feel pressure to stay a long time and fit it all in. When the kids started to get tired around 8 we headed home and riding the carousel one last time.

Santa Yes, Baby Jesus Not so Sure

When DD and Mary took Cadie and Jack Ranger to see Santa at the SMU Pi Phi House, they reported that Jack Ranger ran right up to Santa like they were best friends! However, at Sunday School Jack Ranger did not want his picture taken with the baby Jesus. Not even when they bribed him with Lovey Dog AND a cracker!

Never Too Young for Star Wars

May the force be with you! Thursday night after the Thanksgiving feast wrapped up, we had Star Wars night. Mary had gotten us Darth Vader masks and blow-up light sabers earlier in the week and Thursday night we ran around having saber fights and then watched Star Wars Episode 1. Jack Ranger especially likes his mask and has been wearing it for the last 24 hours. Not sure what the folks at Outback Steak House thought tonight of the mini-Vader, but he thought it was great.

Happy Thanksgiving

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year and it was a wonderful day. We basically just provided the venue and drinks (and also brownies made by Mary) and everyone else came with delicious food. The weather was perfect - sunny and in the 70s - and most of the event was outside while the kids played and the adults ate and talked. We still have constructions projects going on at our house, but it wasn't too disruptive to the party.

We ended up with 23 adults and 4 kids, but there was way more than enough food and everyone went home with loaded leftover containers. It was a treat to be able to host and it made it so much easier so the JR could nap when he got tired and I could sit and talk and didn't have to worry about the kids breaking anything or hurting themselves in an unfamiliar environment.

After dinner the boys walked up to Hillcrest High School and played football. We all mingled, watched football and let the kids run around.

Cadie and Jack Ranger helped decorate with craft make at school and also with Mary.

Playing outside with new friends Thomas and Petey.

Aunt Winky was in town from California! We were so happy to see her.

Cadie colored bricks as party favors for our guests.

Uncle Ace told Cadie that Uncle Stew knew the way to Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory. She followed him around quite a lot trying to get him to tell her the way.

Our first family picture in a LONG time.

Just as everyone was leaving it started to sprinkle and then we got a beautiful full rainbow. An awesome reminder on Thanksgiving of God's promises.