Christmas Traditions

We didn't get in all our Christmas traditions this year because I was trying to get ready for my hip surgery, but we did get some fun traditions in.  This year we went to the gingerbread festival with Hayden's friend Lexie and her family.  We went to Panera Bread for dinner first and then saw the gingerbread houses and went upstairs to the visitors center where the kids got to dress up as pioneers and reenact the manger scene.  

 We also went to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa.  The wait is always a little ridiculous, but at least they had some fun things to keep the kids busy.  Reid was obsessed with scooping up the balls and Beckett had a great time just sitting in them!

Waiting in line to see Santa Clause

None of our children have ever been afraid to see Santa.  Beckett looked a little nervous at first and then when I set him down on Santa's lap he just melted into him.  It was so cute, he closed his eyes and he seriously looked like he was ready to fall asleep. Santa was so kind to take his time with each of my children and didn't make them feel rushed at all.

After visiting with Santa we went to Dixie Quicks for breakfast and it was AMAZING!  This will definitely be added to our trip to see Santa each year.  

 We usually do gingerbread houses on our own, but this year the Alldredge family invited us over and it was a lot of fun!  

Reid's 3rd Birthday

With Hayden's birthday in September and Beckett's in November, Reid was pretty excited that his big day was coming up soon.  When we would ask him how old he was he would respond with "turning 3."  We had a Dory/Nemo themed birthday party and he was so excited about everything.  That morning we made him one of his favorite breakfasts: Ebilskevers followed by lunch at Chic-fil-a and pizza for dinner!  Not our healthiest day but he sure felt special.  Then we had the Housers over for cake and ice cream and presents.  

Breakfast on the "You Are Special" plate

I think his favorite gifts this year were his mini Thomas the Train engines, his garbage truck, and his Finding Dory characters.  Anything with wheels continues to be a favorite of Reid's as well as any ocean animal! 

Thank goodness for Pinterest, this cupcake/cake was so easy!

Octopus on the ceiling 

Reid with his birthday cake! He was so excited to blow out his candles.

 Me and the Birthday Boy! 

Reid at 3 years old:

Height: 40 inches (95%)
Weight: 36 lbs (87%)

Like I said before Reid is obsessed with anything with wheels: trains, construction vehicles, cars, etc
When playing with these toys he likes to lay flat on his stomach and head on the ground to get a better angle
Reid loves putting his ocean animals in the sink and swimming them back and forth
Loves sleepovers in Hayden's room
Still takes about a 2 1/2 hour nap each afternoon and wants us to sing "Cowboy" (James Taylor, Sweet Baby James)
Loves to dance to "daddy's music" "not mommy's music"
Loves to sing songs but doesn't like when anyone else tries to sing them: Ba Ba Black Sheep, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old McDonald
He has very expressive facial expressions, loves to open his eyes wide and bring his eyebrows up and shake his head "yes"
Likes to call himself "Reido"
When we talk to Reid he turns our statement into a question with a puzzled look on his face
This kid likes to be as independent as possible and get upset when I do something for him that he can do on his own (i.e. shut the car door)

First Snow of the Year

December 3rd was our first snow fall of the season and Beckett's first time out in the snow.  He didn't quite know what to think but he sure wanted to stay out in it and was angry when I brought him in to hang out by the fire instead.  

Paul kept insisting that there wasn't enough snow and then I look out the window and Hayden has built a snowman!  She is one tough girl!

Our backyard even has a little hill that is perfect for sledding.  Beckett loved going with his big sister!

Christmas Tree

We actually got our tree up before December this year!  We waited for Beckett to go to sleep and then we decorated the tree.  Reid had so much fun decorating the tree this year.  Each time we pulled out an ornament he would "gasp" and was so excited to see each one.  I think you can tell which section of the tree Reid decorated.  Hayden has several of her own ornaments now and it's fun to relive the memories through the years.