Seeing Santa

Talking with Santa

We took Sofia to see Santa Claus right after Thanksgiving. We went to Bass Pro Shops, since they had such a great display last year. We had a great time.

It's always fun looking through that place. They have so much to see and it's so different. They have huge freshwater tanks and a saltwater tank in their restaurant. Sofia played with the race cars and monster truck in their Winter Wonderland. We even watched the electric train and had some fudge.

Sofia loved seeing Santa! She was kinda shy, but made sure to ask for a "swim to me puppy" for Christmas. We took a few pictures and she did really well. It's been so much fun to see her enjoy Chirstmas this year. We'll definitely go there again next year!

In front of the BIG fireplace

Remote control race cars

Remote control monster truck

Sofia on the 4-wheeler

The Tuttles Visit

Lane, Liene and their children, Eriks and Emilija

Our Air Force friends, The Tuttles, were in San Antonio for Thanksgiving. Lane's parents live here. They made time to come over on Saturday morning before their flight back to Georgia. It had been a long time, since we had seen them. We've all been busy, they now have 2 kids and we have Sofia. They hadn't seen Jessica, since she was little. Liene use to babysit Jessica for Paul when she was 3 and 4.

Lane and Paul flew T-37s together at Columbus Air Force Base. When I moved to Columbus, MS after we got married, we all hung out together. We would do dinner often and go to the bookstore. We even made a trip to see them in Baltimore when Lane was stationed at Andrews AFB and we were living in New Jersey. When they adopted their son, Eriks, we saw him in Dallas when he was a newborn. So sweet!

Liene was one of my two friends that had a blog. She inspired me to start this one. She blogged about their journey to adopt their baby girl, Emilija, from China. So thankful to see they have her home now.

I've only seen the kids through the blog and facebook, so it was wonderful to see them in person. Sofia and Eriks had a blast playing outside. Emilija explored the house and toys. We caught up on everything going on. They are almost done with their Air Force time and looking forward to starting their life in Indiana near Liene's parents. I'm happy that Lane's parents are here, since it will give us a chance to see them over the years. It would be great to visit them, too. Of course, we will always stay in touch and facebook is making that easier.

SO thankful for old friends!

Sofia and Eriks playing outside

Emilija playing with blocks

Paul trying to get Emilija to smile

So nice seeing Emilija in our house!

Old Air Force friends

All of the kids

Liene and me

Trip to Cody's

I made a vow to myself at the beginning of the year that I would try and visit my close friends more. I've been wanting to go to Houston to spend time with my college friend, Cody. We tried last Summer, but her little girl got sick the morning we were leaving.

This time, it was the week of Thanksgiving and Sofia was out of school. The weather was wonderful and Cody said it would be a great time to come. So, Sofia and I rode with Daddy to Houston. We met Cody in town and Paul dropped us off. He headed to work for the next few days, while we spent time with Cody and her family.

It was a great time of friendship and relaxing. I hadn't spent much time with Cody, since we've both been married. She lived in Georgia for 5 years and then moved to Houston, while we were in Dallas. So, now it's nice only being a few hours from one and another.

We talked and talked while the kids played. Sofia and Camille became fast friends. They even wanted to sleep in Camille's room together. The two of them were SO funny. They ran around and had a blast. We went to the park, the mall, and McDonald's. I even had a chance to spend some time with Cody's parents. Of course, Cody made some great homemade meals. We felt right at home.

Paul came after the last night of his trip and spent the night. We all had breakfast together the next morning and talked. So nice. We will definitely do it again soon!

Now....who will I visit next?!

Sofia playing cowgirl on Camille's horse

Cody getting our picnic lunch ready to eat

Sofia on the futuristic playground

Sofia and Camille swinging Barney

Sofia with a real sunflower in her hair

Camille with her sunflower

Both the girls with their "pacies" (funny story--Cody was hoping Sofia would make fun of Camille for using a pacy, but instead Sofia just joined in)

Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner at Luby's

We had a different kind of Thanksgiving this year. Paul signed up to run the annual San Antonio Roadrunners Turkey Trot this year. He's been wanting to enter a race, since we've moved here and he hasn't had a chance with his schedule. So, Sofia and I woke up early on Thanksgiving morning to cheer him on.

It was a brisk morning and we arrived early for Paul to get his number. Sofia decided she wanted to enter the kiddie races, too. She ran the 60 yd dash and the 1/4 mile run. Paul ran with her and she loved it. He is hoping she gets the running bug when she gets older.

I took pictures and watched everyone prepare. A bunch of people were there with their families. Sofia and I sat on a rock waiting for Paul to cross the finish line. There were 2500 runners and Paul did really well. Too bad they didn't have awards for different age groups. I think he was definitely in the top 3 in 40-45 yr old men.

Afterwards, we went home to chill out and then met everyone for a Thanksgiving meal at Luby's. We ate out last year and really enjoyed not having to cook. So, we decided to do it again. This year, we had my stepdad's son, Chris, and his girlfriend, Elena, join us. We had dessert over at our house and ate plenty of pie. We also played the Wii and hung out. Overall, it was a nice and non-stressful day!

Sofia and Daddy getting ready for the kiddie race

Sofia showing her ribbon

Sofia and Daddy with their running numbers on

Paul crossing the finish line

Paul's Surprise Party!!

I decided to throw a 40th surprise birthday party for Paul. I really wanted to celebrate his special day. He had no idea I had been planning the party. We had neighbors and close friends at our house.

I tried to think of different ways to surprise him. I had my parents come over to "watch" Sofia while we went to dinner for his birthday. Instead, all of our friends showed up one after the other at our door. Needless to say, he was shocked. It was a great night hanging out with the people close to us. SO much fun! My husband definitely deserved it!

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Paul blowing out the candles

Martina and Gerry (our neighbors)

Cecilia and Rex (friends from church)








Having fun!

Sofia and Hannah eating cake

Paul with his Glenn Beck book from Megan








Me and Megan (our neighbor/friend)

Thanksgiving Feast

Sofia's school had their annual Thanksgiving Feast last week. The kids decorated place mats and tea-dyed shirts to dress as Native Americans. Sofia's Native American name was "Excited Elephant".

They had chicken strips, green beans and oranges for the kids to eat. I had fun talking with the teachers and taking pictures. It's always fun to see Sofia dressed up and she enjoys having Mommy there.

Sofia as "Excited Elephant"

Ready to eat!

Miss Rebecca (her teacher) and Sofia

Pumpkin Carving and Halloween

After getting our pumpkin, it was time to carve it. We hadn't carved a pumpkin, since Jessica was Sofia's age. Paul and Sofia worked on it together. But, I drew the face on it. It was so much fun watching Sofia's excitement while Paul was carving. We also saved the seeds to roast them with salt. Yummy! We put the candle in it and lit our jack o'lantern every night leading up to Halloween.

Halloween night was fun in our neighborhood. Paul had to work that night, but my parents came over to see Sofia and pass out candy. Sofia dressed up as an elephant and everyone loved her costume. We went down our street and stopped by our friends' houses. Her bucket got full pretty fast. She had fun running up to the houses with the other kids. It was a nice night and we are thankful to live in a great sudivision.

Getting ready to carve

It has a happy face!

Ready to be lit on the porch

Sofia the Elephant!!

Character Parade and Pumpkin Patch

Sofia the Elephant

Sofia's school had their annual Character Parade. The kids get to dress up in their Halloween costumes and bring a book to match their character.

One day while we were at Costco, Sofia spotted the Halloween costumes and grabbed the elephant. I made sure to ask her, if she wanted to be a princess or something else. She said "No, just an elephant!". If you know Sofia, you know elephants are one of her favorite animals. So, it was perfect.

The teacher got a big kick out of seeing Sofia. She looks like a big stuffed animal. She also took her Dumbo book. She was so proud going around the gym and was happy to see us there. Paul was even able to go. So cute!

Afterwards, we headed to the pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin. We haven't had a chance to get one. So, there is a place just north of Sofia's school. Paul helped her pick the pumpkin and they got a nice one. Of course, I had to take pictures to capture the fun.

Sofia the Turkey!

Waiting to pick the pumpkin

"This one, Daddy!"

Family Fun