Trains!

We thought we would make Kai's year by bringing him to see a couple of real trains. He has been obsessed with Thomas, The Polar Express, his toy trains, and any commercial or magazine ad that has a train in it. We pulled up and the girls were so excited and Kai didn't say a peep. As we walked closer to the trains, Kai started yelling, "GO GO GO GO". He wanted nothing to do with the trains and was holding on to Andy with a death grip. We couldn't believe it and still can't. Our train loving son only loves fake trains! How can that be? He remained in a foul mood for the rest of the day. Unbelievable!

what a cute little caboose

two cuties on the cute caboose

This was as close as we could get Kai to the train.  As you can see, he wanted to get

down and run as far away as possible.

Kai hated every minute of being here and really 

pitched a fit when it was picture time.

stubborn little boy

Chasing his big sisters.

Everyone enjoyed illegally walking on the tracks.

only in Texas
This was a wall at our restaurant where we had lunch.

Christmas Card Shrishmishcard. Why Bother? Bah Humbug!

 Sit up Kai

 Close your legs Eliza

 Quit whining Kai

Screw it!

I would like to thank my sweet P for holding her beautiful smile through the torture.

Devilish 2 Year Old

 I'm going to be naughty today!

Tree

Searching for the family Christmas tree is always a serious job. This year we went to three places, before we found our tree at Home Depot. They had the best trees!

Follow me! I found one I found one!

He found a pen with adorable animals, but no tree.

Peyton found a little cutie named Charlotte. I almost carried her off in my vest!

Someday she will be mine!

Totally lost in a hay maze.

The Smiths are totally meant to live on a farm on the coast of New England or the South East.

I can dream, right?

The tree was not cooperating, so Andy had to break out the power drill.

ummm, wtf? The tree is totally leaning!

Good thing we have these books to help us out!

Andy knew just what to do!

Under the tree stand the books went and voila! The tree still leans, but don't tell Andy.

The tree also has a flat top, but Eliza managed to get the topper on.

Andy, the nerd, got all dressed up for his mothers birthday dinner. Such a good son.

Happy Birthday to Granny!

It is a real beauty, even though the trunk is"S" shaped and that is why it will always lean.

Andy ended up tying it off to the banister. A little tree scoliosis perhaps. We love it anyway! The little imperfections in life make things special and unique.
The girls did an awesome job decorating!

Hey! What is Reggie doing on top of the tree? Silly little elf.

Porn Anyone?

 This is what a happens when a 2 yr old gets a hold of the remote.

Music Man

I thought a fun family activity would be to have all the kids stay up a little late and watch the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Eliza said no right away, she had other things to do. Peyton watched the beginning and then left when Boyz to Men sang. Then it was Kai and me. He LOVED the show. He watched the entire thing with me and tried to sing along, awwohhhahhhoooooooo. His arms would raise up and he would dance around. Hmmmm, good thing Andy wasn't home to see this. 

 Dancing

 Entranced by Susan Boyle. Really??

 Now dancing in slow motion with arms raising. Good lord!

 Someone is happy.

 Trying to sing like the freaky opera child. OOOOOOOOOO

There is no way that voice comes out of that little girl. Crazy!

 Finally acting tough by pushing over my lighted deer

 and growling at me like a bear!

Kai, you are awesome and so very talented!!

The girls missed out on a great show. The Kai show that is!

Little Monkeys

What is it with kids and trees?

 Hmmm, which tree to climb?

 She chose the perfect one.

 Take my picture Mommy!

 So, we tried for a Christmas card. And failed. Hair is messy and Kai looks super pale.