Children's Holiday parade

Llama Llama Red Pajama-we read this book every night
Gavin's Favorite: a train with bubbles


Best family picture we could get.

Last Saturday we went to the Children's Parade in downtown Dallas. My parents volunteer each year to help check tickets, so we decided to tag along. Last year, Gavin had so much fun, so I knew this year would be even better. We got down there pretty early, so Gavin had plenty of time to see the clowns, say hi to the characters, and run around A LOT. It was a really fun morning. We were all exhausted afterwards. Gavin took a really long nap that afternoon. A plus for both of us!!! :)

Happy Birthday Alligator

Oh Alligator, you have been in our family for over a year. Happy Birthday!!!! I remember when Nana bought Gavin this alligator. See, Gavin was/is terrified of the alligator at Grapevine Mills Mall. So, last Thanksgiving we thought it would be funny to buy him this little alligator and see what he did. The first time he saw it, he was scared to death. We would randomly put it next to him, or on his shoulder. I know, we are sooo mean, but it was too funny. After the five day vacation, Gavin would hold this 8 inch alligator by the tail only. He had to be certain Alligators mouth came no where near him. It didn't take long for them to become friends. Gavin plays with him at least once a day now. Did i mention this alligator cost a total of...........wait.......wait......wait for it.......one whole dollar. ONE DOLLAR!!!!!! That's it. This stupid toy, that is a must have for Gavin, cost less that the donuts we ate yesterday. Anyways, needless to say, Gavin has become quite the fan of Alligators. He loves going to see them at the zoo, and watch them on national geographic. Although, he is still terrified of the alligator at Grapevine Mills Mall. Silly boy.


Lately, Alligator takes a bath with Gavin every night. Many nights we wash him too.

He came to the BYU game with usA sleeping companion
Playing under the kitchen table Thanksgiving morning Alligator has been to: Utah, Idaho, Montana, Tennessee, Arkansas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma. Most of the time Alligator lives in Gavin's frog backpack. He also goes to church every week, eats meals, and runs many errands with us. Who knew one dollar could bring so much joy to this little boy. Happy Birthday Alligator!!!!

Riding the Polar Express

Getting ready to board the train. They were soooo excited!!!!!





Dancing to the Christmas music with Miss LilyTrying to put his ticket in his pocket. Uncle Brent taught Gavin that his pocket was up his pant leg over a year ago. He insist that's where everything goes. :)


On Black Friday night we headed to Grapevine to ride the Polar Express. I was so excited to take Gavin. He loves Trains and watches the movie Polar Express at least once a week. Gavin was ecstatic about getting on the train.We first went in this big tent and watched a little show. It was a lot of singing and we met the conductor of the train. Then, we walked through a path surrounded by Christmas trees, and it was snowing. Once on the train we sang Christmas songs, and Santa came by to give each child a gift and hot chocolate. Gavin was so excited the entire time. He loved every minute!!!! Thank you Nana and Papa. It has been so much fun this Holiday season taking Gavin to all of these activities. Although he is a handful at times, I can't imagine my life any other way. He is full of life, personality, and energy.

Meeting Santa

After Thanksgiving Dinner we headed to Outdoor World to get pictures with Santa. They have a carousel, crafts, train, shooting games, and the best part is it's all FREE!!!! I wasn't sure how Gavin would react to Santa this year. He was so funny. He walked right up to Santa, but once he got in his lap he froze. We couldn't get him to smile for the life of us. He kept his head perfectly still, but kept darting his eyes from Santa to me. He then turned and gave Santa a hug, and walked away. Of course he loved walking around and seeing all of the animals and fish. Great way to really start off the Christmas season.
Ps. I tried to upload a video of Gavin meeting Santa but it won't work. Sooooo annoying

Busy Busy Bee

Helping me with a million sugar cookies. He ate soooo much doe that he wouldn't eat lunch. I know I'm horrible, but when your trying to finish a quadruple batch, all rules go out the window. Not that this picture does it justice, but he was covered head to toe in flour. Fun times for mom.About to get our grub on Thanksgiving day.
We met Tasha and her son Giovanny at the Dallas Arboretum. We were college roommates, and it is so much fun to get together now with our boys. They played great together


Nana had a birthday and of course Gavin opened all the presents, and blew out the candles. I'm so very blessed to have such an amazing mom, and unbelievable Nana. Gavin adores her.
Shawn had a birthday too this month. He turned 33 and told me all he wanted were the petit fours from Linsey's wedding. He got his wish, They were heavenly!!!!


We have been very busy lately. Getting ready for the Holidays is so much fun. I love this time of year and all the activities there are for kids. Throw in a couple of birthdays and Thanksgiving and we have had a busy month.

Halloween and Fall Carnival

Whats not to love about a elementary school carnival for a two year old??? Train ride, bounce slide, pony ride, and park, all for a total of 5 dollars. Sign us up!!!! He loved every minute at the carnival. Not a happy camper when it came time to go home. That's what I should really get a picture of. (black mail for later in his life)


Pony ride.... I mean HUGE horse ride.

Seriously, this kid has no fear. He would jump 3 or 4 times at the top and then bounce down the slide. Everyone around us kept asking how old he was. "Oh you know... 2 1/2 !!!!!"

Look at the air he is getting.


After a good long nap we got ready for Trunk or Treat at the church. This basically was Gavin's Halloween. On Monday, we got all dressed up again, and went around the neighbor hood Trick or Treating. POINTLESS!!!!! All Gavin wanted to do was run around, and eat the candy that was all ready in his bucket. I mean really, who needs more candy when you have a huge sucker waiting to be opened. Anyways, back to Saturday night. I loved Gavin's costume this year. His father thought it was a little girly, but this is coming from a man that only wore blue, black, and white when I first met him. Shhhhh our little secret. I just wanted/needed one more year where I chose the costume. Gavin actually loved his costume this year. Why, you ask???? It's all about the wings. With those owl wings he could FLY!!!!! I can't even count how many times Shawn threw Gavin up in the air and let him "fly". Such a great dad. We had a fun night collecting candy and passing it out too.


The first time I asked Gavin if he wanted to be an owl for Halloween his response was, "what about.......a cicada?" (the insect that make all the noise on summer nights. A lot of people call them locust.) Silly boy. That costume was obviously out of the question, so an owl he became. A mighty cute one too.
Just hangin out in his tree where he belongs. I know he looks a little distressed, but he is in the middle of saying "cheese."

BYU Football

In between all of our Halloween fun, we went to the BYU vs. TCU football game. It was held at Texas Stadium in Arlington. It is such a nice stadium. Soooo impressive!!! Gavin has become quite the football fan and really does great at the games. Any time BYU plays close to us, we have to go support our team. The weather and our seats were perfect, just couldn't pull off a win. Maybe next year!?!?!?