Carlsbad Fun by John Lee

One of the cool things about the holidays is that Mama and Daddy have a few days off. We got to hang out in Carlsbad for a few days and do family stuff. We love to go to the big wooden playground by the river. 

We also play tag in the grassy area. I like to be it!

This time we crossed the river on the footbridge. It is a floating bridge and it bounces as you walk.

The big parking lot at the community center was a great place to practice on our new bikes and skateboards.

It was so fun to spend time together and play, play, play! We just keep getting bigger and the world keeps getting funner!

Happy New Year by Denny Lynn

Mama and Daddy had an Anniversary date on New Years Eve, so we stayed and played with Grandma & Grandpa. When Mama and Daddy came home, they brought noises makers and ice cream for a New Year's Eve Party!

It was very exciting to celebrate the beginning of a new year!

We got some poppers, too and shot confetti all over, since it was too dry for fireworks. We can't wait for 2012!

We Love Snow, Sort of by Denny Lynn

Snow kind of put a cramp in our travel plans this year, but it was exciting to have snow for Christmas. I had been waiting and waiting to build a snowman. Finally it was time! 

Daddy helped John and I get the snow together and shape him.

A snowman needs a body and a head.

John helped put in the arms. Mama was in charge of the face - cookie eyes and a carrot noses.

We borrowed John's new monkey scarf and one of Grandpa's hat to finish it off! I named him Thomas.

He was a great snowman and I cried when he melted. We sang the Frosty the Snowman song to remember that he will be back again next year, but I will miss him.

We also took the chance to make snow angels. Holly had shown me how. I can't wait for more snow!

Merry Christmas by John Lee

Yay, Christmas! This year I finally get it - Christmas means family, food and presents! I like the Church part, too and learning all about when Jesus was born. After the service at Grandma's church we had Cousin Christmas at Ma and Pa's. It was so fun to all play together. I love my new firetruck from Rex and Lynette and my Dinosaur Train from Cousin Caleb! 

We don't all get to be together very often, so it was very exciting to have a big group! We were missing a few - I hope they can all be there next time!

Then it was back to Grandma & Grandpa's to wait for Santa! I picked out some cookies and carried the milk! Denny picked out carrots for the reindeer.

Santa knew how good I have been, well, good for a two year old - so he brought me all kinds of great stuff! My very own big boy bike and my own Thomas the Train!

I tried out my bike before we went to church Christmas morning!

I do like church, even if it is alot of sitting still. My favorite part is the singing - I like to follow along in the hymnal.

After church - more presents! I got so many wonderful things!

I like my skateboard for rolling around...

...and my new Mickey Mouse for dancing around!

Denny and I got our own VReaders. We love them! I can read a book all by myself or with Daddy. I think it is cooler than Mama's Kindle - she doesn't have Elmo on hers.

We had such a wonderful Christmas with family. I missed my Oklahoma family and other cousins, but I know they love me and I love them!

Merry Christmas, by Denny Lynn

Christmas is awesome! It is a time to be with family and friends and show them how much we love them. And of course, there are presents! We were late going to Grandma's house because of the snow. We didn't get there until Christmas Eve. We went to the candlelight service at church. I love to go and I really like to help handout candles.

John and I even got to help put the holders on getting ready.

After church we had present time with the cousins! John had my name and he got me the Thomas movie that I really wanted! I had Cousin Caleb and I got him kits to build things with his new tools.

Then it was time to get ready for Santa. I picked out an extra special carrot for the reindeer.

John and I put our milk and cookies - with the carrot - next to the tree where Santa couldn't miss it!

Santa brought me everything I asked for! A helicopter with a rescue hook to save Teddy and it was even blue! Then there was a big boy biks just for me!

He also brought Teddy's mittens and put in a hat, too!

After dealing with all the weather, we were finally all there to open presents! I tried out everything as we went! This skateboard from Uncle Shawn will go great with my helmet from Uncle Jeff!

There was all kinds of fun stuff to put together and explore. It is such a blessing to be so loved. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas like me!

Yay, Oklahoma by John Lee

What fun it is to run and play when you have been stuck in the car all day! We love to go to Oklahoma, but the trip feels pretty far. We take play breaks along the way.

There is also a lot of milk and napping involved!

I got to borrow my sleep tent from Ms. Darcy so I had my very own bed in the special room Uncle Jeff and Emily set up for us. I was cozy every night!

I got a great new fleece on sale at Sharpe's (an Oklahoma store we don't have) that makes be look too grown up!

I ate lots of chicken at Braums of course - and quite a bit of ice cream, too!

We also got to build stuff and play fun games at Uncle Jeff's house.

I wasn't sure how to put my trains together, but in the end they came out great!

We went to the mall in Tulsa and found a guy who made balloon animals. He made Denny and I great balloon horses!

I got special birthday gifts from Nana and Papa and Aunt Judy, too! I love my hard hat and wear it all the time! I like the dump truck, too.

We had a great time with everyone and a very special Christmas trip. Mama's camera quit, but we can remember without all the pictures. I can't wait to go back and visit.