Kiddy Updates

Once again, I have been absent in the blogging world for the past week.  I promise to get back into more of a routine after the first of the year and share more money saving tips with you.  Until then, I have a few random pictures of the kids to share with you.  I am loving my new camera, by the way.  It takes great pictures and has little to no delay between picture taking.  I am almost happy that my old one decided to quit on me!

My little Brynley is 11 months old today!  I have said this a million times, but I really don't know where the past 11 months has gone.  She is such a tender hearted little girl.  She is always smiling and laughing at her brother.  She is starting to pull up and walk around things.  I know that it will be a whole new world for us when she starts getting into things...especially for Landry!

Landry is talking my ear off and is so inquisitive about everything.  He is constantly asking me "what you doing mommy?" and "who was that?" as soon as I get off the phone.  It is so much fun to see him learn something new every day.  The second picture of him is his "mean guy" face.  I don't know where he comes up with these things!  He loves to read and play drums and ball. 

This will probably be my last post before Christmas, so I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  I hope you all are able to enjoy time spent with family and take the time to reflect on the amazing miracle of our Savior's birth!  Merry Christmas!!!

Gingerbread House & Striking Similarities

I decided that Landry was old enough this year to make a gingerbread house.  I have been looking for different ways to create fun traditions for each holiday and this is one that I had never experienced myself...I know I'm deprived :).  I quickly learned that it's not as easy as it looks, but Landry and I conquered it and he proudly placed each piece of candy with a little direction.  As I sat Brynley down by it to take a picture, she quickly scooped up a tree and popped it in her mouth.  She wasn't going to miss out on the fun either!

Last night, Brandon and I were looking through old pictures on our computer and we realized how much Landry and Brynley looked alike at 9 months.  The second picture is of Landry, but looks a lot like Brynley without a bow.

 

Looking through all the pictures made me realize how fast the kids have already grown up on me.  I am trying to remember to take time and cherish each and every moment.  Landry has been telling me randomly throughout the day "I wove you mommy."  It makes everything I do as a mother seem so worthwhile! 

I should be receiving my new camera today, so be looking forward to more pictures of the kids as I try to make up for lost time.  I decided to go with a Fuji Finepix camera after researching and finding a great deal on Amazon.  I hope I am pleased.  Have a terrific Tuesday!

Camera Questions

In my previous post I promised to post pictures of the kids from our stay at Big Cedar, however, my camera has decided to quit working properly on me.  Imagine my frustration as I have missed out on several great photo opportunities.  And what better timing than Christmas to have a faulty camera.  I sure don't want to miss capturing all the Christmas excitement. 

I currently have a Sony camera that I purchased 3 years ago.  I have definitely gotten a lot of use out of it but have never been 100% satisfied with the results.  I didn't take into consideration the delayed flash and how quickly a photo opportunity passes with children.  It takes forever for the camera to focus and actually take the picture.  I have just begun researching cameras and wondered if any of you out there have any suggestions for a small digital camera that is good quality and great for quick picture taking.  I would love to hear your suggestions!

The kids and I have had so much fun at Big Cedar and I hope to come back sometime when Brandon isn't busy with meetings and can enjoy it with us.  Landry and Brynley have both enjoyed the big indoor pool.  Landry has become quite the little fish and has about worn out the big slide.  I have a feeling he will catch onto swimming pretty fast because he is not afraid of anything and he has more than conquered swimming with just the floaties.  In honor of my silly camera, here is a picture of a boy standing in the big fish's mouth...you can just imagine what Landry would look like standing there!!!  And just imagine the priceless pictures I missed out on as Landry was sharing his snack with Brynley by the "big time" waterfalls (as Landry called them)...I'm not bitter or anything! 

 Needless to say, a new camera purchase is in my near future and I would love to hear your suggestions!  I hope everyone is having a blessed week.

Where have I been???

Wow...it's crazy how time flies in the blogging world.  It has almost been 2 weeks since my last post.  The kids and I currently enjoying Big Cedar while Brandon is busy with meetings here.  It is such a beautiful resort with great views and beautiful Christmas decorations.  I will try to take a lot of pictures to share with you when we return.  In the meantime, I will recount a few fun things that we have done over the past few weeks.

Many of you have asked me about my Black Friday experience.  Brandon and I ventured out to Tanger Outlet at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night.  Most of the stores opened at 10 and we wanted a chance at a couple of the free $10 gift cards to the first 250 guests at the guest service office.  We were already armed with $100 in gift cards that we received for $50 by "liking" Tanger Outlets on  Facebook.  Much to our surprise, there wasn't even a line for the gift cards and we both easily received one...kind of easy...the lady carded me because you had to be 18 or older to receive a gift card...that made me feel great!  We also had 2 vouchers for free $10 gift cards through 417 magazine that we were able to redeem.  So we started out with $140 in gift cards for $50 plus all the great sales...not too bad huh?  We were able to find some great deals at Gymboree for the kids and a little bit for ourselves as well.  We hit up several "door buster" sales at various stores around Springfield and were home and in bed by 7 a.m. on Friday. 

The most notable purchase we made on Black Friday was Landry's drum set.  Yes, that means he is potty trained!!!  Let me just say that I couldn't have imagined the process going any smoother.  We were accident free after just 3 days and he seems like such a big boy now.  I don't have my camera cord with me right now, but I will be sure to post pictures of my professional drummer soon.  We gave Landry the drums on a Sunday afternoon at 4 and we had to make him come downstairs at 9 to go to bed.  It amazes me how much rhythm he has and how intense his little face is when he is playing.  I know Brynley's ears are happy that we have an upstairs room to shut our little noisemaker up in!

Brandon was on vacation last week and we enjoyed a "stay-cation."  It is sometimes nice just to sleep in (as long as Landry will allow) and enjoy time spent as a family.  We were able to go to Silver Dollar City on Thursday afternoon and we couldn't have asked for better weather or a less crowded day.  We were able to enjoy a few shows and see all the beautiful lights.  Landry was able to experience his first go-kart ride at Incredible Pizza and Brynley loved the train ride. (Once again, pictures to come).

I will try to not drop off the face of the earth again anytime soon.  Happy Monday everyone!