Its a Wonderful Life

Dylan is probably the most creative kid I've ever known. He could sing along to Pearl Jam and Coheed and Cambria (thanks to his dad) before he could form full sentences. When we would pick him up from preschool his teachers use to tell us about concerts he put on for the class. Around the time he turned four, he developed a love of all things super hero. This lead to a whole world of imaginary play, which he would use to fill almost any spare moment he had. He began "writing" scripts for movies before he could actually read. This is why when he tell us that he's going to be a famous movie director and actor when he grows up, we kind of believe him. Even if that's not what he does, I don't doubt that he'll be in a creative field of some sort.

So, when he said he was ready to "really start acting" I did a little research and found a local theater. I asked Daniel if he would try out also, hoping that this would calm any nerves Dylan had. When they got back from the auditions, I couldn't wait to hear all about it. I was so tickled to hear that Dylan asked to read for the biggest roll the had for a kid. Daniel also read for the lead. My boys have high ambitions (and self esteem).
A couple of days later we found out that they were both cast in the play, It's a Wonderful Life, Daniel as Hairy Bailey and Dylan as Tommy Bailey.

This was such a fun experience for the two of them. Sadly Daniel's work went into crazy over drive and he had to pull out of the show. Dylan was the main reason for this whole thing though, so we were just excited for him to have this opportunity. He was pretty nervous the opening night, but once he had one night under his belt, stage fright was not a problem for our little star.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He did a great job and had so much fun. He says he can't wait until the next play..

London's Christmas Program

London had her very first preschool program this year.
Everytime I type London had her first _____ at PRESCHOOL I want to follow it with she just doesn't seem old enough. But here we are half way through her first year of preschool. School has been excellent for her. She has just bloomed in every way.
 My sweet baby is becoming a little girl, a precious, funny, sassy little girl.

Back to her program. I couldn't wait to see how she would react to being on stage. It wasn't her first time to be on stage in front of people, but it was her first time to stand up there and sing. When Dylan was this age, he was such a ham on stage. London is a little more serious. She did all the little hand motions and sang loud, but did not "ham it up" at all. This is a perfect example of the contrast between their personalities. Dylan is care free and king of spontaneous, London is fun-loving but pretty serious and an absolute rule follower.
Ahh. I keep getting off track...

Back to the program (agian)..

Here's our little star:
 

 

 

After the show, London had a surprise waiting for her from the teachers. This almost life sized elf was a HUGE hit. She named it "London Elf". London Elf has been hanging out in the playroom and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to laminate it so that we can keep it forever. 

Great Job, Princess! We are so proud of you. 

 

Happy 70th Birthday, Daddy

My Daddy turned 70 years old last month.
I got together with my  brothers and sisters and decided this was something we should defiantly celebrate together. We are all spread out across the country and rarely does it work out for us to ALL be together.
It was so nice to have everyone together at once. I know it meant the world to my dad.

 

Dylan made this sweet "card" for Paw Paw at school. He made sure it got to Mississippi all on his own!
 

London Lou and her Paw Paw.
 

The birthday boy and his Tiger cake. 

I have a picture of Dylan and his two grandpas in the hospital when he was born that I love. I was so excited to get another one... eight years later.  

I will always, always be a daddy's girl. 

 

And here's our whole clan. 

Grandma and Grandpa

We split our time in Mississippi between Daniel's Grandparents house and his parents.
We spent the first half with the grandparents.
The kids had the very best time.

A staple for any trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house is ice cream with Grandpa on his swing.


This tree swing is London's favorite thing at G&G's house.
She and Dylan took turns on it most of the day, everyday. 

 

On Monday, we took a roadtrip back over to the Jackson area to see my siblings and spend the day with them. When I saw Krispy Kreme on the way, I about had a heart attack. They are few and far between (as far as I know) in TX. I new my kids had never had a "hot and ready" donut, but I couldn't believe it when Daniel said he had never had one either.My dad use to take me to Krispy Kreme on Saturdays and we would watch them being made and eat them right off the conveyor belt. I have a lot of sweet memories oft hat. 

 

That night we came back to G&G's house and spent the next couple of days with them.

The days were spent playing outside and just relaxing on the porch.

The kids love riding on Grandpa's mule. 

 

Look how pretty my girl is.

 

Yard darts. I had never heard of them, but they were lots of fun.

 

 

My boy is getting so big, and so handsome.
 

 

The kids say the G&G live on a farm. They do have chickens and goats... so I guess they kind of do!




We had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows. 

 

I'd say they were worn out.


We have a skate board at home that the kids never play with. But when they found this one, they played it none stop. 

 

 

We had the best time getting fresh air and recharging our batteries while getting to spend time Grandma and Grandpa.