Inky

We'd made comments around Addy about getting a puppy at some point in the future, and somehow we decided we'd get the puppy when Ella was 3.  Well, we might as well have the dog now, it has a name, Addy has all kind of plans for taking care of the puppy in the morning, teaching it to walk on a lease...  she even made this sign

We are supposed to hang this on the door so that when people come over, they will know that we can't come to the door because we are busy taking care of Inky.  Inky, our dog of the future.  She could go on and on about plans for this dog that we do not intend to own for a couple of years.  It is quite entertaining, and at least for now she fully recognizes that it is a dog of the future. 

Santa 2011

 We got to visit Santa at The Little Gym (where Ella takes gym and Addy had her birthday) and not only was the process way better than the mall, but Santa was awesome.  Addy had written a list of what she wanted and we took it to Santa.  He took the time to read through the list with her and talk to her.  Then the pictures came - there were so many cute ones it was hard to choose!  For someone who only wanted to look at Santa from afar last year, she's come a long way. 

And then there was Ella.  Michael was holding her when we were waiting in line and when he'd ask her if she was ready to sit on Santa's lap, she'd immediately say "NO".  Well, we opted to be mean parents and just throw her on his lap for a quick screaming baby pic.  Fortunately Santa was awesome and the photographer was equally as great, so we got this classic. 

Snow in Houston

OK, not real snow, but Reddyice-made snow at the science museum.  We were invited to a birthday party at the museum and the party included playtime in the snow, and the kids of course had a blast!  It was really cute watching them too, they were attempting to make a snowman at one point and it was clear that these Texas kids had no idea how to build a snowman! 

 Giant inflatable Santa

 Of course the first thing that the kids did was start to build snowballs, which were apparently outlawed at the museum

 Addy and her buddies.

I just realized that it looks like she doesn't have hands in this pic - her white gloves blend in with the snow!

I found this the most interesting part - we got there early and saw them "making" the snow!  There were actually guys in the Reddyice truck breaking bags of ice into the snow making machine.  Cold, wet job!



Bike Rider

Addy is riding her bike without training wheels!!!! She still needs a little help getting started, but she does great once she is on the go. She started riding right before it got really cold (well, really cold for Houston) so we need to keep practicing on the warm days. 

She even does a good job stopping on her own.  We are so proud of her!

Ella's 1st Pony

29 Again!

Not sure who enjoyed opening presents the most... 

but if we were being judged on how much mess was made during the celebration - the girls would have won by a landslide!

Happy Thanksgiving

Such a fun Thanksgiving this year! In addition to the normal crew, we had the Schroeder's join us this year and Susan and Heidi. Missed Dave and Vicki though. The day was great, lots of hanging out and eating.  Unfortunately I appeared to be more focused on getting pics of the girls and not the rest of the family - oops!

Addy and Ella working on some turkey decorations.  Ella kept smearing the chalk with her hand - I think that Addy drew the face about 4 times!

The girls and their turkey skirts

Sitting together nicely watching a commercial during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Official 2011 turkey dunking

I think that Ella really enjoyed hanging out with the "boys" outside

Aunt Susan and the little girls.  About 2 seconds later Ella was probably poking Heidi in the eye while saying "eye".  She knows her body parts, just doesn't know much about personal space yet.

Granddad modeling Addy's "Native American" hat.  Kids are being taught the p.c. version of everything these days.  Although by the time they are adults, someone will have found "Native American" offensive for some reason and we'll have to come up with something else! 

Addy showing Heidi where her nose is

Ella and Heidi in deep conversation

Ella trying to hug Heidi, a.k.a. smother her

Cousin cuteness

This is how the day ended.  Aggies losing the game, Ella climbing on the table and Addy passed out asleep on the couch