Decorating

Since we will be driving to Texas for the first time this year, we decided to put up our Christmas decorations a week before Thanksgiving.  Yes, I know some of you are sighing, but hey, we didn't have Thanksgiving at our house anyway!  Decorating for Christmas is one of my favorite things to do and my whole family enjoys immensely, especially Karis!  She and Noah remember where everything goes, and if I want to put something in a different spot, they will have none of it!  

Karis and Noah get to decorate their own tree every year that sits in the living room. 

Proud tree decorators!

Noah posing by his favorite Cars ornament!

The kids also like to help with the BIG tree, and thankfully, they do a good job listening to where Mommy wants the ornaments placed.

I love that Karis is making sure Noah doesn't fall. They are both standing on the arm of the couch.

Karis got to put the star on top this year. I love Noah's expression, is that a laugh or what?

Yes, the Little People nativity set still gets played with at our house every Christmas!  

Zoo Field Trip 2012

A few weeks ago, we took a family field trip to the North Carolina Zoo!  It was our third time to go, and we were not disappointed.  This time Noah really enjoyed himself and kept saying it was the best day ever!  We had just finished our study of the human body for science, so we decided to go see some of the animals we would be studying for the rest of our science year.  The kids were very disappointed that the polar bear exhibit was closed due to repairs, but I think the baby gorillas made up for it.

The first picture on the bridge again!

Letting sleeping bears lie!

Daddy and  his munchkins!

How many frogs do you see in this picture?

Family pic

Reenactment of Noah in the ostrich egg

Giraffes always fascinate me.

The kids are making their own lion face!

Two baby gorillas with their mommies and daddy.  Watching them interact was so exciting and fascinating.  We spent a good hour just sitting and laughing at them.

Last of all, the lone chimpanzee.  He looks so much like I act like when I don't get what I want.  Oh how embarrassing is that. If I could only think about how I would look if I did this in public. Oh Lord, please convict my heart when it looks like this!

We had a fun filled day with many new memories.  Seeing God's creation is one of my favorite things. It always reminds me of His vastness and that He is too lofty for us to comprehend.

A Little of Everything ...

Yes, it is after Thanksgiving, and I am now getting caught up on what we have been up to.  Karis an Noah both played soccer again this fall. It was a much different season for both of them.

Team Red Sox: 4 year Champions!

Justin coached Noah's team again this season.  The Red Sox were undefeated except for one game that they tied, ( I happened to coach that game for Justin because he was out of town, and I haven't lived it down yet!).  It was a fun season for Noah and his team. He scored a lot of goals and learned the value of team work.  He also got to get some passing practice in.  His defense improved immensely!  This was Noah's last year in 4's.  He will move up to the big 5-6 league next season, a much bigger field, and a goalie!

Coach Dad and Noah with his first trophy!  He was so excited to have one just like his sister!

Karis was on team Purplicious.  She had a fun time making new friends and learning some lessons about playing hard no matter the score.  Her team struggled to score this year, they only scored three goals the entire season.  Karis scored one of those goals!  It was her first time to score in a long time.  

Team Purplicious

We also enjoyed a fun Halloween Party at some of our dear friends house.  The kids like dressing up.

Iron Man and Princess Karis