Decorating

The high in Austin is supposed to be 38 today but so far we haven't gotten above 31. Girls are inside because I don't want anyone sick for Santa. Luckily we had "activities" to keep us busy.

First a gingerbread house(much of the candy did not make it on the house!!)

Then to RRather's Pumpkin Muffins-where the girls added their own special touch at the end...

Sprinkle, sprinkle....

December

I think as the girls get more into Santa and Christmas, December becomes more wild(add to that illness, selling a house and building another one). I have not been the best at taking pictures this month but here are some updates/fun pics:

Lauren is potty trained!! Did it all by herself-three days and now she even wears panties to sleep...We are still doing a tour of every bathroom we pass but we are a diaper free house for the first time in almost 5 years!


We sold our house! We close on Dec 30th and will stay(lease back) until Jan 30...keep your fingers crossed that everything continues to go smoothly. The exterior of the house is pretty much done and they SHOULD start working on the inside this week...today's high temp of 38 might stall that a bit. We are supposed to close on the new house Jan 22nd.


Loved decorating gingerbread houses at the Walkers. Kate loved being with her friends(especially her boyfriend Brayden...should we be separating these two??)

The preschool had their Christmas show. Lauren practiced the old favorites all week. On the day of the performance, Lauren warmed up as we drove to school(over and over I heard Away in a Manger and Santa got stuck in the chimney). So funny how different the girls are! Kate did not even get through the doors of the sanctuary before she started crying and moving towards her dad. Lauren, however, sang her little heart out-loving every minute of the spotlight.

Santa

The developmental changes that happen between 1-3 years old are numerous. Take, for example, our visit with Santa. Last year there were tears-lots and lots of them. Lauren screamed and fought me with every breath as big, fat tears rolled down Kate's cheeks.

Last year:

This year:

Both girls were all smiles the entire time. As it came to be our turn, Lauren walks right up to Santa and says "Hi Santa, I want a puppy". Ho Ho Ho!

Thanksgiving Performance

For us, the songs began about a week before the performance. Lauren calling out to me "put your turkey wings on mom" and proceeding to sing about Tom Turkey(in typical Lauren fashion, whenever I would try to join in the song she would either scream"no don't sing" or put her hand over my mouth).

Despite the early singing, we had no idea what to expect from the girls on the day of the show. Last year, Kate did not sing one word and we were hopeful a year later she would.

Sadly, she does not like crowd scenes.

But her sister is ready to go on tour.........

Meeting her adoring fans

Windows and Roof

Do they seem to be moving REALLY quickly or is it just me?

Happy Halloween!!

Finally a year when the girls aren't sick for Halloween!! They made it to the school party(a first) and then trick or treating last night. Here are pics of the costumes. (and yes Kate really did want to be Dale Earnhardt Junior).

Kate before school with some friends...she is a BIT taller than the rest

Ready to go Trick or Treating with Dad and Grandad!

Inspecting the candy(Junior is already in her post-race uniform)

Her Grandad and chocolate-Lauren's two favorite things

House Update

Not Tired

Today Miss Priss told me over and over that she was "not tired". She fought me getting into bed and insisted "no naps". Maybe it was the getting into bed that was the real problem...

They love their dad

Every night, Dad reads books to the girls. If he is gone, they get mom(but protest loudly because mom refuses to read dictionary or UT 101-go figure). I think it is their favorite time of day(and mom's too!).

Off to read!

Genetics

I know we have not figured out who she looks like, but she seems to have at least one female Dobbs trait...

Day two of framing...

our house-first floor

We are being framed!!

Day with Dinosaurs

The Botanical Gardens has an exhibit with life sized dinosaurs. Last thursday we met the McDaniels for a cool walk into the past.

I worried that the big dinosaurs might scare the girls-no worries-they loved looking at their teeth.

Never misses a chance to climb...

the small ones looking at the really small ones

posing

good friends

The whole gang

TX-OU Weekend

I have to mention the game on Saturday...totally turned this town burnt orange and made Dan's day. We were lucky to watch it with some good friends and the girls had SO MUCH FUN. They were so distracted by each other that we were able to watch the game undisturbed! Fair food was on tap including corn dogs, frito pie, and candy apples...

The fun table

LOVED the candy apples!

Paris and Nikki-sorry the pic isn't closer (always hard for the paparazzi to get close)


We also have another BIG development at our house...a new big girl bed!

I think she likes it!!

Pumpkin Patch

Today we made it to a local pumpkin patch with friends. It was a gorgeous day and the girls had a ball. Went to Phil's after for burgers and more play....

Pumpkin Patch 2008