Fall Festivities -- State Fair of Texas

In Texas, the State Fair is a BIG deal.

In preschool, they spent a few days learning about the State Fair of Texas and even had off one day for Fair Day. Tanner made a poster of the mascot, Big Tex, just as big as himself and he couldn't wait to see Big Tex in person. However, he immediately got scared when Big Tex started to talk. And I don't think he had any idea of how big "Big Tex" really was.

Down on the Farm

They have a cute exhibit where kids get to go through the motions of working on the farm -- planting seeds, watering the crops, feeding the animals, gathering the eggs, harvesting the fruits/veggies, and then delivering the goods to the market -- in exchange for money they use to buy a treat.

All these activities are right up Tanner's alley. He LOVED it!

Planting a seed in the dirt

Can what Tanner's favorite part was??? Riding on a tracker!



Petting Zoo

It's not every day you get to feed and pet a giraffe, zebra, you name it! Or see baby piglets just a few days old.

We also went to the horticulture building to see llamas and other sheep-like animals (can't even remember the names) getting their hair trimmed for upcoming competition. After they were sheered, they wore specials jackets to keep their coat soft and masks so they don't eat shavings -- they're on a strict diet. Never knew how intense these competitions can be...

We saw the fattest, biggest pig too. If I had to guess, it was over 10 feet long.

Lil Rodeo

Tanner got to be a real 'cowboy' and participate in his first rodeo.

Tanner had to rope a "cow" and be the first to knock it down. He didn't really know what was going on and gave me that look "why the heck did you make me do this" beforehand. Can't help it, it's what moms do best.
But he made a new friend. And enjoyed riding on a "horse."

Car Show

We also watched the Ultimate Dog Show and Mother Goose Story time.

On a whim, I decided to let Tanner have a peak at the car show. And honestly, this was his favorite part. Who needs rides or deep fried food anyways?

He could have stayed here the entire day. He was so enthralled. And for once, they don't mind if you pretend to take a test drive the real-deal.

Fall Festivities -- Dallas Arboretum

At the beginning of Fall, I felt like summer had gone by way too fast and before I knew, it was already over.

But in Texas, Fall is really where it's at. It's too hot in the summer to do anything outdoors that doesn't involve water and swimming pool. So we definitely make the most of our beautiful fall weather.

My favorite place to celebrate fall is the Dallas Arboretum -- we love the pumpkin village, hay maze, petting zoo, Kindermusik, and yes, even face painting.

And this is where the obsession with Spider Man ALL began.

(Laughing after getting a peak in the mirror)

Watch out for those spidey webs!

Petting the soft pony. Tanner thought he had made a new friend until he looked away and the pony almost knocked him over.

And there's nothing better than hanging out and playing with friends!!

Blessings

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon the many blessings we have in our life. And this year, our hearts have been especially full of gratitude for our answered prayers, blessing us with a new baby arriving April 2012.

And in case the picture doesn't give it away, it's a GIRL!!!

We've been trying everything in our power to get pregnant ever since last summer after the loss of our other sweet baby girl, Aubrey. We came so so close, yet so far away.

We even began the initial stages of fertility treatment. But then we decided before relying upon science, we should see if the Lord could help influence this decision any. And we prayed like never before.

Even Tanner joined us. All summer long, he had been telling us, "I want a baby I can take to home!" After seeing newborn cousins and friends, we concluded he didn't like sharing :) We gently reminded him that is this is what he wanted, he needed to ask Heavenly Father when he prayed. And he did.

One morning, when Anthony and I were still asleep, Tanner came running into our room. "Mommy, mommy, there's a baby in your tummy!" Being half awake, I had to ask him again. "What did you just say?" But there was no mistaking, "There's a baby in your tummy!" He pulled away the blankets and wanted to take a look. I asked him. "Tanner, how do you know this?" His simple reply, "Jesus told me when I prayed."

Honestly, I was shocked he even understood the whole logistics of this pregnancy and that first the baby has to grow inside my belly before it's ready to be born. I never had to explain any of this -- he just seemed to know. And he was ready to tell the whole world, "There's a baby in my mommy's tummy!!

I had found out a few days earlier by taking a pregnancy test, but had decided to wait until my first appointment. On one side, I was completely ecstatic and excited that we were officially pregnant, but on the other, completely worried that something could go wrong -- again. I felt like I couldn't "really" be happy and celebrate until I was holding a newborn baby in my arms.

Tanner's reassurance was all I needed to calm my fears and bring me to tears. This little baby girl was conceived exactly one year from our loss -- and was no coincidence! I know she'll have a special place in our family -- and knew it was a girl before the doctors told me.

And she was definitely trying to keep that part a secret! She wanted no part of having them look at her bottom. [2 sonos later, laying on different sides, using the bathroom -- trying everything -- she finally let us have a peak!!]

Unfortunately, Tanner is the only one not excited about that part. He's still in denial. At first, he would say it was a girl, but eventually, he got dead set on the baby being a boy -- just like him!! Trying to explain gender to a 3 year old isn't really easy, either. Then I tried to explain maybe we could have another baby boy later, but he started telling people, "There's 2 babies -- a girl and a boy!" But I'm pretty sure when he meets this little girl for the first time, his heart will be completely won over.

Fall Festivities - Sea World

If you're wondering why I haven't posted, it's cause there hasn't been time!!

Every other weekend we've been backing up our bags and heading out for some new adventure. It's been awesome having year-your 3 day weekend since Anthony and I are both off of work in Fridays...

During the week and when I'm not working, I pretty much sleep. Thank heavens Tanner still takes a nap -- cause nap time is now an essential part of my day too. Being pregnant sucks all the energy out of me. But overall, no complaints!

Sea World -- AGAIN!

Originally, we were going to head to San Antonio for a dental conference. Anthony decided it would be better use of his time to hang out with us, and who can complain about that??

Feeding the Seals

Yup, that's a real fish. Yum, Yum!
Loved the tiny little baby seals lying in the sun.
These seals definitely aren't shy or quit!

Feeding the Dolphins
Dolphins are so much to watch. These dolphins are not shy either, but can definitely tell when you have food and when you do not!

Inside the shark tank

Deep Sea Diver

Seeing Elmo's 4D movie. Not sure I was ready for the realistic effects -- like wind, water, vibrations, holograms -- you almost feel like you're actually in the movie.

And of course, rides!


And oh yes, even the parents can join along.

Tanner loves to pretend he's a cookie monster (who doesn't!). But seeing him in person, he was super shy!

The Preschool Years

Tanner started his first official year of preschool.

On the first day, Tanner was jumping up and down, ready to go! So folks, this is the best picture I could get. He never cried once, never looked back, just ran into the classroom with all the excitement of a 3-year old.

He's honestly never been more excited to start. He got to meet his new teacher, Mrs Kennedy, when she visited our home. His classmates are 3 of his favorite friends from church, and I'm pretty sure the teacher doesn't know what she's getting in for.

On the way to school, he reassured me: "Mommy, don't worry. I'm not going to poop in my pants!"

I couldn't help but laugh. While he's mastered potty training, #2 can still be a challenge. I kept threatening him he wouldn't be able to go to his new school if he had an accident. And it worked cause he remembered, and so far, so good.

On Saturday, Tanner told us, "I want to go to school today!" When we told him it was a Saturday and it wasn't a school day, he got totally bummed. We reminded him BOTH Mommy & Daddy would be home. It worked some, but what he really wanted was to go to school.

Tanner goes to school M-W-F and I'm switching to a new schedule where I'm home the other 2 days.

So far, we just love the new school. I love the small class size of only 6 kids, the personalized emails from the teacher telling me about the week, his backpack is full of fun projects , and more than anything, it's a positive, happy experience for him.

This is definitely a nice change of pace for us. Over the summer, Tanner went to a montessori preschool and he dreaded every day. While I loved the Montessori philosoohy, this school was definitely not up to par. Even before we left the house, he would throw a tantrum. It got better as the summer progressed, but he would usually cry or whine every single day.

When I picked him up one afternoon, these were the first words out of his mouth: "I was crying today at school and was sad, but I thought of you and it made be happy!" I learned this trick from reading the book, "The Kissing Hand." When I dropped him off, I reminded him that mom loves him so much and that if he ever got sad, he could just think of me and how much I loved him, and then would be happy! Apparently, our little secret worked, and it just melted my heart having him tell me so.

I'm a Lion, Hear me Roar!

As Lance backed his bags (all worldly possessions fit into 2 suitcases) and headed for the unknown in Chicago, I wanted to let him know how much he'll be missed in the Big D!

Not sure if it's going to be "Uncle Panther's" super gift giving skills, arriving with a Lion costume for Tanner.

Who does it fit's better?

He's Tanner debuting the Lion Costume in front of the crowd.

As you can see, it was quit a hit!

My favorite part, "You can't roar, you're not a Lion!"

One day, he put it on for his friend Stockton, but he quickly had to take it off cause the little guy got scared.

Or when we went to the zoo last week, Tanner was bummed that he left his lion costume at home. Apparently, he wanted to show it off to the lions.

We'll miss Lance's surprise visits when he drops by with a moment's notice,

Nighttime bedtime stories were always a hit with Lance narrating,

Or roadtrips to KC where he'd tag along in the backseat with Tanner.

Only Lance can match Tanner's enthusiasm. He'd make up stories and songs as he went, such as the White man who built his house in Louisiana [to the tune of "Wise Man Built his House upon Rock"].

But as much as Tanner loves Uncle Panther, he wasn't willing to share his blanket, just his hoodie. So this, folks, it what you get.

Or Lance's witty personality and charm.

Goodbye and Goodluck!

Lance's Graduation

A month ago we got to go to the much anticipated graduation ceremony for Lance.

He graduated cum laude from University of North Texas with a degree in History. Lance has turned into quite the the philosopher and academic. He put in long hours of studying to get scholarships and straight As.

This isn't the end of big things for Lance, so Chicago better watch out!

During his graduation speech, he talked about how grateful he was for growing up surrounded by love. In college, he's seen how many people don't have it in their life and how devastating it can be. Amen brother.

The whole sha-bang!

I don't all remember the words Wes talked about, but it was very well scripted and can see why he wants to be a politician.

Lance & Megan

The brothers

Less Collin (there is spirit, away at sea in the Navy)

The Sisters

The Ceremony

And yeah, we were yelling at the called his name, even Tanner.

But he loved the clapping and yelling so much, he did it for everyone!

This is the point in my life where I realized maybe my little brother really isn't "little" anymore.

Congrats Lance, we're ALL proud of you!!

Road Trip

Heading back from San Antonio, every conversation was starting to sound like this:

Avery: My pillow pet needs to sleep -- so be quiet!
Tanner: Signing at the top of his lungs, purposely making as much noise as possible.
(Repeat 5 times)
Avery: Well, I'm plugging me pillow pet ears to they can't hear you!

The kids were definitely getting bored. We switched things up and decided to start singing some songs. Technically it was Sunday, and felt guilty for missing church, so we started primary church songs.

Here's Tanner's first take, it makes me laugh all the time :)

One more time, aftter a little practice...


Avery liked to call when he made a mistake, but she's his little teacher :)

Avery's solo, "I am a Child of God"




Tanner finally had enough...and was just being silly.




Of course, the kids both conked out and were asleep...10 minutes before we got home. Just our luck!