Happy Birthday, Sis-sis (a day late)!

Yesterday was my sister's 29th birthday! Ashlie (otherwise known as Sis-sis) lives in Nashville, so we went to visit her last night and did not return until very late, hence the day late part of the post. Sis-sis, we love you and are so glad we were able to spend your birthday night in Nashville with you!

Christmas decoration boundaries!

Every two year old needs some rules! At least that is good in theory! If they follow the rules is another matter all together! Cooper has loved the decorations this year as we expected, so a few guidelines have been established in our house. I decided to put two ornaments that he liked that were not breakable at the bottom of the tree where he could get them down and play with them. We will see if he the system for the rest of the month, but so far, so good! The nativity set has proven to be a hit as well! It turned out to be as cute as it looked!

putting the puppy dog ornament that he loves back on the tree

the accomplishment of the night- getting this little boy to smile for the camera!

Shopping trip!

We decided to make a spontaneous shopping trip to Memphis Sunday afternoon after church and take the two-year old with us! Both grandmothers were trying to get us to leave him, but we decided to opt for the adventure! Cooper was mostly good, but it was all due to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the car. We got him to wear the headphones for part of the time since we were in Mickey overload, and I snapped this picture with my phone!

So Thankful!

We have had a great Thanksgiving so far, and we haven't even begun the eating yet! Dan, Natalie, Josie, & I ran in the 5K Turkey Trot and now we are relaxing at home watching the Macy's Parade before the family festivities begin! I have always thought of Thanksgiving as my favorite holiday, and this year is no different. I am thankful for all of my family and friends and that there are many women in my family who love to cook more than I do, so we will have yummy food today and leftovers for days to come! Happy Thanksgiving!

Too cold for girls!

Dan and his good friend, Josh, who teach Jr. High Boys Sunday School took a group of guys camping last weekend. After much debate about whether to go or not (the low was 18 degrees here), they all decided to forge ahead with the trip, and they had a great time!

Meaningful decoration idea

Even though this Christmas will be Cooper's third, it is definitely the first one he will understand so I am trying to get creative about ways to make it meaningful & Christ-centered. I am all about Santa and all that comes with the jolly man, but I wanted a nativity that was very kid-friendly for Cooper to play with. I found this one here and thought it was so cute and a great price! I will update when I get it in the mail. I hope it is the hit of our Christmas decorations!

Doctor's Office...

Thank goodness for slides and daddies at the doctor's office to help entertain this very busy 2-year old on a hectic Monday afternoon. After a very long day our pediatrician got a kick out of Cooper's speaking abilities for a boy his age. She busted out laughing when he asked for her calculator! Cooper- you passed your two-year check up with flying colors! I tried to get a picture of how static-filled your hair was after many a trip down the slide, but it didn't work, so this picture will have to do!