Santa Cookies!!

My wonderful mother-in-law (Babs) gave me a special cookie cutter to use at Christmas time that is a tradition in their family. Her mother-in-law gave her one when she first married. This "Jolly Santa" cookie cutter has been used by Gram Rea (Andy's Dad's mother) since the 50's. They still sell the cookie cutter on line so Holly & I both received one as newly weds. I finally decided to make them myself this year only to discover, after days & nights of searching, that I have misplaced mine somewhere!! I was so sad, but Babs came to my rescue & let me use hers- I only had to sign one release contract (ha!ha!). Anyways, the girls made the cookies on Sunday & I finished the decorating today. WOW! Very tedious work but very worth it! They are so neat!! See for yourself.....

They taste as yummy as they look!! (we had plenty of practice ones that didn't look so cute!)

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas at the Langston's

We celebrated Christmas early with my parents before my Dad left for work. We don't expect him back home until after the new year so Christmas came early for these two stinkers:They could not wait to open presents! Mom's house was decorated beautifully as always. We enjoyed a home-made lasagna dinner- Mmmmmmmmm! Everyone went back for seconds. Then we headed over to the presents & Meagan played "Santa" this year as she has really begun to know her letters & recognize names. They got some great stuff!!

A swimming puppy from Grandma Wanda- Thanks!!

Dad got his turkey fryer!

Grandma Wanda gave Auds a swimming baby- she loves it!

New books that read the story to the girls- LOVE it!

Giving some Christmas love....

Meagan got that leapster she REALLLLLLY wanted!

Some gear for Colorado.....

Nana got a bike!!

A good time was had by all! Well, until both girls began crying & falling to pieces after they came crashing down from their sugar high & it being way past their bedtime!! They were both asleep in about 3 minutes once we got them home & in bed. They gave thank you's the next day to say the least!! We love you Mom & Dad! Merry Christmas!!

Thanksgiving 2008

We celebrated our Thanksgiving at Mom & Dad's new home this year. Holly, Carl & the boys joined us for lots of food & good company. We stuffed ourselves in between chasing the kiddos around the house- they just would not sit still! They did however manage to get some chocolate pie down. After lunch we played outside & then took some pics by the already decorated Christmas tree! Mom- your house looked gorgeous!!

The kiddos table...

Anyone for a nap?

Looking at the tree- touching EVERYTHING!! They look adorable!!

Here is the pic we took for our Christmas card- which I did not have time to print up & put in the cards, so here you go!!

Zoo 2008

We made a trip to the zoo in November- I know! I am so behind on my blog. I will catch up today, hopefully. Anyway, Carl, Holly & the boys met us for a beautiful day at the zoo. The weather was perfect & the cousins had a great time. We finally got a membership- so expect lots of great pics from our awesome zoo year round!!

Audrey & Hutch- little buddies!

The whole gang!

Audrey could not wait to see the giraffes....it was what she was most thankful for at Thanksgiving!!

Audrey going into the underwater tunnel...

The girls in the tunnel....

Meagan made it through...

Can't leave the zoo without a ride on the merry-go-round!

Our little praire dog Auds!

Holly snapped a great family pic on the way out....I LOVE Auds new hat from Aunt Joan- so sweet & adorable! I really want to learn to knit like that! We went to the pond & had lunch followed by a lovely stroll through Hermann park. Just perfect!

Happy Birthday Hutch & Graham!!

My adorable nephews turned 2 last Thursday!! They celebrated a couple of weeks before at this great park in their neighborhood. Holly & Carl threw a big Thomas the Train bash for a slew of kiddos. The weather was gorgeous & these little men had a super time!! We love you Hutch & Graham!!

Graham on the frog...

Hutch cruisin the slide....

Blowing out some candles....

Just had to include these super cute pics Holly took of them in their halloween costumes. I didn't get any shots of them at Auds party before they stripped down, it was really hot at first!!

Here is Hutch the green dragon followed by Graham the green dragon...
Here they are eating some candy.....the best photo op for Holly!
YUUUMMMMMYY!
Loves those sweet boys!!

Happy Birthday Mimi!!

A little belated via the blog but it was a great birthday for our Babs!! We love you & "29" sure looks great one you!! You are such a blessing in all of our lives- thanks for all your love, support & thoughtfulness. Holly baked a yummy cake, all the grandkids helped blow out the candles & the boys made sure it was edible!

Halloween!!

Happy Halloween- yes, it certainly was! We had a great time this year. We headed outside in the afternoon to party on the cul-de-sac with all our neighbors & actually had out-of-town family too! All the kids looked so great & had an awesome time! See for yourself...

Meagan & Audrey infront of our funny pumpkins (the easy way to carve)

Meagan & her scaredy cat


Auds & our porch pet...I think he needs a name next year??











Avery & Kaitlyn (I think) being buds!
















The Walters girls going a little wild even before the candy!!








Me & my sweetie!





Papa & his princess. Very festive colors dad!










Papa & his wild princesses! He can really make them giggle...













Me & mom- my parents put together dinner for everybody- it was delicious!! Thanks for all you do! It was all very festive & yummy!









Meagan just had to get a picture with these cheerleaders that came by! She was tickled pink & thought they were cool!

A few of the glamorous girls on the block!!

My little princesses....Auds was having some technical difficulties.

"Is time to trick-or-treat yet? I'm tired of pictures?"









The whole gang before candy was introduced...

The Walters' girls head out while dad mans the home front!

Who knew? A witch lives at the end of our street!

Papa with goodies for all!! Nice pumpkins!

Audrey was ecstatic at EVERY house when she got candy- she had to show me each time before it went into the bucket. "Look mom, CANDY!"

My new look....













What a party!! Can't wait til next year....