We stayed here for Christmas this year and had a wonderful time as a little family. We carried over Alison's tradition from New Mexico and set out lumanarias on Christmas Eve. What a beautiful sight! Our Christmas Eve service at church was enjoyable last night. The boys enjoyed staying in today and playing with the new toys that Santa brought. Merry Christmas!!
The Christmas Season is upon us. We set up our little tree on the dining table so as to avoid Hayden pulling the ornaments (or the tree) down. We have our Advent wreath out and have hung our stockings. I still have to get Hayden a stocking this year. I helped Carter write a letter to Santa and this is what he wants: more cars (Hotwheels), new bike, new videogame, a Matchbox set, and "fancy" shirts & pants. He thinks Hayden should get baby toys, baby cars, & sippy cups. It is fun watching the Christmas magic in Carter's eyes this season.
I finally had time to update my blog. We spent Thanksgiving at Heath's parents' house in Winters, TX. My brother flew in from Santa Barbara, CA & Heath's sister and her boyfriend flew in from Boston to share the holiday with us. Carter had a blast playing with his cousins, watching the men shoot skeet and round up calves, and fly their r/c planes. Hayden got a cold the first night we were there, so he wasn't in a very good mood most of the time. We still got a few smiles out of him though! Now we are back home and into our groove again with MDO, MOPS, and getting ready for Christmas. This time of year is so busy! 
Happy Hayden
Hayden with his Uncle Steve
Carter with his 2 cousins, Jake & JessicaHayden is officially saying 2 words that he is associating with different people/things. The first was "Bubba" (brother) for Carter and the second was "dog" for Belle. He says dog whenever he sees Belle and often says Bubba when he's with Carter. Hayden is crawling around everywhere now and eating lots of table food (cheese, mac & cheese, fruit pieces, etc.). Still not liking the sippy cup, but we are trying several kinds to find one he will use. His favorite playtime activity is rolling Carter's footballs around the house. Carter calls him the "little finder" because he's always finding Carter's toys that he's not supposed to have. Hayden has decided that his mouth is an extra hand--he'll carry toys in his mouth when he crawls somewhere. He also seems to have his tongue sticking out almost all the time. Too cute!
Hayden
Carter has decided we are a family of bears. Papa Bear who goes to work; Mama Bear who takes care of Big Brother Cub; and Big Brother Cub who in turn takes care of Baby Brother Cub. He's been referring to us by our "bear names" all day. So cute!
Team party
Carter on the field
Throwing in the ball
Carter kicking off to start the gameMy little Hayden is becoming a very 'spirited' baby--the tantrums have begun in full force! He's very determined to have what he wants and if you take something away from him (like a napkin or one of Carter's toys that is too small for him) he'll let you know he's not happy! He gets little red dots on his face when he's angry. He's also decided he has to be with Mom ALL THE TIME or things just aren't right in his world. Although Mom is flattered, it's hard to accomplish anything without Hayden screaming when he is put down. His personality is so much different from Carter's. It's going to be fun watching them grow up together!
It's 4 days before little one turns 9-months-old and he's mastered pulling up and is starting to try to "cruise" on the furniture. He still isn't too sure how to sit back down again, but he'll learn. 
(Here I am with my free Starbucks on Election Day.)
Hayden is crawling now on his hands and knees, although he still scoots along on his tummy when he gets tired of being on his knees. And this evening Heath found him standing in his crib!! I'll try to get some pictures soon.
I always say we don't really have seasons here in Texas because they aren't as pronounced as they are in northern New Mexico. However, I do still love it when the temperature turns colder and the air is crisp. Today we have a cold front blowing in and I can feel fall in the air. It might also be because Halloween is just around the corner and with small kids, everything is geared around the next upcoming holiday. The kids have their costumes ready, and they both have new trick-or-treat baskets. Carter wanted a plastic pumpkin at Target and Hayden's is a black and white puppy from PBK. Time for hot drinks, flannel sheets on the bed, and homemakde soup for dinner. Another fun thing I love about the changing of the seasons with kids is getting out their new winter (or summer) clothes that I bought 1 or 2 years ago and have been waiting in the closet. Fortunately all of Carter's clothes passed the "cool" test and are OK to wear, although some outfits left over from last winter have been pronounced "too babyish" and won't be worn again. Alas, he's growing up... Happy Fall!
I am still trying to work with my header--does anyone know of any websites where I can get cool graphics, etc. for your blog header? (Unfortunately I don't have photoshop.)
I have joined the world of blogging--finally! I have really enjoyed keeping up with friends through reading their blogs, so I decided to take the time to start my own. I'm actually pretty proud of setting most of this up myself--maybe I'm more computer/tech saavy than I thought I was!
