San Antonio Thanksgiving

Somewhere we got the idea of taking the kids to Sea World in San Antonio for Thanksgiving. The idea kept rolling and we extended an invite to Nana and Papa, who gladly accepted. Very nontraditional, but very fun.

Sea World 2010

We loved how it was all decorated for Christmas. All the shows were put to Christmas music. We walked around listening to and occasionally singing Christmas music.
Shamu was a big hit. Even as an adult I find it fascinating.

We watched Polar Express in 4D. Nothing to do with Sea World, but it was fun.

Uncle Max and the sea lions were among the favorites.

Halle and Papa. We had "buddy" on Halle, but she preferred to be carried.

The gang with Penny the Penguin

Feeding the Dolphins, another highlight for Isaac and Caite. The little kids didn't want to get that close.The Sharks! One of Hayden's favorites

Day 2: Thanksgiving Day

The Alamo

Riverwalk

Awesome place to walk around and see. We took a guided boat ride on the river and had a little history lesson. Very neat place! Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures, I was too busy keeping Halle from going overboard.

We had Thanksgiving Dinner at Marie Calendars...our first Thanksgiving at a restaurant. It tasted great and was nice not to have to cook and clean up. Once again no pictures.

Day 3: San Jose Mission (or something of the kind)

While we weren't looking Isaac scaled the wall and was sitting on the second story. He got in trouble. but was too proud of himself to care.

The Tower of the Americas. Very similar to the Space Needle in Seattle. The kids thought it was awesome being up so high. You could see everything...Texas is pretty flat.Ice cream break

Dinner on the Riverwalk at Zuni Grill. Waiting for the big Light Parade on the River. Very Cool. If you ever get a chance to do this, DO IT! You have to make reservations for a restaurant on the river. It's kind of pricey, but way worth it.

We had a great weekend. Very much worth the 10 hour drive. Thank you Papa and Nana for joining us. Memories were made!

Found it! love it!

My girls room is pink, purple, and yellow. I have never liked it, but that's what Caite wanted when she was three and we move to Arkansas. 4 years later...we are in need of a change.

Assuming that we will be moving in June, I have anticipated a bedroom makeover for the girls in our new house. I have looked and looked for different bedding ideas. I know Caite wants black and white with accents of bright green and blue. I haven't found the bedding until now. I saw this blog and fell in love with it. Even better, she has a tutorial on how to make it!!! So, once we know what our future will bring, I will get to work.Doesn't it make your heart sing? Mine just skipped a beat when I saw this picture!

Anticipation

I have that butterfly-excited feeling in my tummy. We have some fun and exciting things happening over the next month.

Tickets to Wicked this Friday night. Thanks to my awesome husband (and great babysitters)!
A trip to San Antonio for a Sea World Thanksgiving
"The Match" (Dec. 1). Where will be living 7 months from now?
Miami Beach: just me and my man, no kids allowed! Is it warm enough in December in Miami to lay around the pool or a beach and eat good food?

What I did this weekend

Times two. Caite got one also.

(not the greatest picture of a cute outfit, my model was kind of busy)

Gratitude

Tis the season to show our gratitude and reflect on what we are blessed with. There are so many things.

smiles

laughter

my family

my husband

my cute little house

my children's health

good school teachers

the Gospel of Jesus Christ

the comfort of the Holy Ghost

power of prayer

peace

good friends

my "job" that lets me stay home

modern conveniences

That's just a few, the list really can go on and on. Today I am thankful for my washer and dryer (seriously!)...they aren't the fancy kind, but they work great. I have done 14 loads of laundry in 3 days. Can you imagine how long that would take if I had to do it by hand!

Halloween 2010

The Fairy

The Gypsy

The Pirate

The Trunk-or-treat Carnival

The Camouflaged Ninja (without his ninja stuff on for the slide)

it's the only picture I have of Isaac this year.

The Tobler/Holman Halloween Party
no pictures. but fun decor. yummy, creative food. lots of good friends, with lots of kids.

A Doctor, A Teacher, and An Olympian

Last week was Red Ribbon Week at school. All week they talk about the importance of being drug free. And everyday they had a theme to follow. On this day they talked about having a bright future. The kids were supposed to dress up like what they wanted to be when they grew up.

"Dr. Gardner": Hayden wanted "doctor clothes" so he can be a doctor like dad. We went to the fabric store and this is what he picked out to make scrubs.

"Ms. Gardner": Caite wants to be a teacher. She practices everyday after school. She reads to her class, gives them homework, and sees that everyone is learning what they should.

The Olympian: Isaac doesn't know what he really wants to be, but he knows he's a great athlete. So today he was an Olympic Runner. Who know, maybe he will get there some day.