Zoolights in Birmingham

Caught up now! We stopped in Birmingham, Alabama and visited their zoo. They even had snow (the artificial soap version). Although it was cold enough for it! They had a great display of lights, train ride, petting zoo, animal talks, face painting, and a hay ride. Next stop - New Orleans - maybe I'll post pics of the kids throwing beads on Bourbon Street. Just kidding!

Bowling in Tennessee

We opted for some bowling one day to expend some energy. Kennedy bowled a strike on her first frame out (fast as lightning - the ball rolled for more than a minute!) Kaden was a pro - no assistance needed.

The Trail of Lights in Austin

The Clement and Milonovich families met for dinner and took a bus ride to Zilker Park for an amazing light display. Temps did drop into the 50s to justify the big bonfire at the end.

A visit with Santa

Despite Kennedy's outgoing and brash personality, she was completely unwilling to sit on Santa's lap. Maybe next year?

Kaden and Kennedy's Christmas Program

The montessori put on a great program. The kids are still singing their songs. Sorry for the poor quality of pics - maybe Santa should have brought a new camera.

Welcom Shirin!

Congratulations to Greg and Negin. They welcomed Shirin June on December 1st.

Housecleaning before we leave 2008

Okay, not really. We're on our way back to Texas. We left Tennessee after an eventful morning packing the van (Kennedy locked us out of Uncle John's house in the process). I found some time to update the blog and found some random pics on my camera. Bear with the randomness.

DANCE, DANCE, JEFFREY!

I'll let this one speak for itself - enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas morning fun at Uncle John's

CHRISTMAS EVE IN TENNESSEE

Uncle John and the kids set up a piece of butterscotch pie for Santa - he needs his extra energy to make it West.

Mimi and the kids - Jana, John and Jeffrey

Fun with cousin Kate in our PJs from Santa

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM IN ELGIN

KADEN'S ADVENTURE BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Kaden picked an adventure party to celebrate with his friends. We had it in our neighborhood park. Fortunately, the rain subsided and it wasn't too cool. The highlight, of course, was a visit from Jungle Jim. As you can see from the pics he brought lots of friends with him. Everything from centipedes, to snakes, to scorpions, to turtles.... you get the picture. And now you see why we were VERY glad the weather cooperated and we didn't have to move the party inside. Dirt cake with worms was in lieu of birthday cake and all the kids went home with a goody pouch that Negin sewed. It was a lot of fun and was dead on for Kaden's interests. Unfortunately I think we'll be dodging those pet requests for awhile. :)

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY, KADEN!

We can't believe our prince is 5 years old! My turkey baby celebrated his birthday on Thanksgiving this year (the same day he was born). Monica & Jeff always appreciate a turkey dinner made at home and not from the hospital cafeteria in Alexandria.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Martha Stewart (aka Monk) and Emeril (aka Jesse) hosted Thanksgiving dinner. What a feast!

More Houston Fun

We love Texas - swimming the week before Thanksgiving! Notice Kennedy is sporting a new do - a budding hair stylist (fellow 3 year old classmate) gave her a haircut last week. She had a pretty good mullet - he actually had it even on both sides. This is after a professional touch-up.

Kennedy & Sam

KENNEDY'S FIRST HORSE SHOW

We had a great weekend in Houston. Kennedy rode in her first horse show. She was so proud - I'm sure her cheeks hurt today after having a perma-grin all weekend. She rode Sam in a lead line class in Katy. Kennedy even had to answer questions from the judge. She did so well, she earned a blue ribbon! (Okay -all two of the riders went blue). Grannie is pretty excited about this budding equestrian - can you tell?

Kaden's New Do

Kaden finally talked us into letting him get a faux hawk. Dad asked if we're going for piercings and tattoos next. He's had fun with it and has been pretty proud about it. Do you think the other parents at school are cussing us yet?