Goodbye R-O-S-S

Ross absolutely loves our elf, R-O-S-S. We can hear him talking to him from time to time. He will tell him if he's been good, or went to the potty, picked up toys, or sometimes Ross reports that Daddy or I haven't been very nice to him.

On Christmas Eve morning he showed up with a letter from Santa. Santa lifted R-O-S-S's magic for a few minutes so we could tell him goodbye. Ross was beyond happy. He absolutely never touches our elf for fear he'll lose his magic. It was the sweetest thing ever to see his excitement and dare I say love for his elf as he told him goodbye.

He even let Avery tell him goodbye.  

Final hug and farewell.

He absolutely melts my heart on a daily basis.

Mommy's Dress

My mom brought me a wonderful surprise before Christmas! It was the dress I wore for Christmas when I was a baby. It fit Avery perfectly and I loved it! I've got to find my baby pictures to post of us both wearing it. Such a great memory for me as a Mom and a wonderful surprise!

Razorback Game

We went to the Razorback basketball game on Dec. 22 which also happened to be my little brother's 21st birthday. We had a great time!

The first order of business was getting pictures taken with the mascot.

The next order of business was getting food. We all had dinner at David's Burgers before the game but Ross was set on a hot dog and wouldn't eat until we got to the game. He does not get his love of hot dogs from his mother!

While waiting 25 minutes in line for the hot dog Ross saw the Dippin' Dots and tried to jump ship on the hot dog but we compromised at got them after he ate the dog.

Alex got in on the food action too and got cotton candy. Such a delicious, messy treat!

He had it stuck all over him. I love the age when kids figure out if they don't get their fingers wet it doesn't stick. Of course they dont care that they have it stuck on every available area on their body.

He said the Dippin Dots were too cold to eat with a spoon so he picked them up with his finger.

Of coure we had to take our picture together.

We called the Hogs a lot!

After a while of eating and watching the game Ross decided he needed to play a game on my phone.

I took it out of the case and he said the case was his hat. He wore the hat for a while.

Razorbacks won! It was a fun game and a fun time with the family! Daddy didn't get to go b/c he had to go to a wedding. I'm sure he'll make the next one.

Grace Christmas program and party

Grace had their annual program the Friday before Christmas. This year Ross actually had a part and was a shepherd. Of course we sat on the wrong side so I didn't get good pictures of him.

Some of his friends were Wise Men.

Pastor gave a quick devotion on the manger that I'd never heard before. If you would turn it on it's side and look at it from the end it looks like a cross.

Sweet shepherd.

After the program we had pizza for lunch with the school in his room so I got to take some pictures. His favorite Ms. Lois and Ms. Shannon.

We love Ms. Christine too!

Crazy buddy Barrett. Ross gets to have play dates with him sometime.

The red heads, Anna Beth and Josh. They have been buds since they were wee Freshman.



A picture with Mommy! A rarity.

 

It was a fun day! More posts to come. I'm behind on the Christmas ones since we didn't have power for so long. 

Christmas Card Outtakes

We took the kids outside when it was a fairly warm day to get some pictures for Christmas cards. Avery was a pro and held her letters. Ross wasn't much in the mood so gave me funny poses. I think it makes them all the better.

Christmas cards were mailed Saturday so everyone should get theirs very soon.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

Avery has been home sick so since I had some time without Ross home I thought I'd get some wrapping done and not have much help. Was I ever wrong! I had to leave room for a second and I came back to what you see below.

 A few minutes later I had to leave again thinking she'd just stay in her spot and I found her by the tree. She's been such a good girl though and hasn't tried to get any ornaments.

A new tradition was started where Daddy is going to take the kids and let them pick out an ornament for me. This will be fun to watch over the years and see how their choices change. This year Ross thought Mickey farming was good. Of course he decided it was a toy for him to play with and the only reason it found its way to the tree was b/c he was at school yesterday and I was home.

This one is from Avery. Daddy picked it out.

R-O-S-S has also made his appearance for the month of December. You can see him hanging out under the tree.

(Don't judge the mantel as I'm aware I need to do better for the holidays and remove the non-Christmas things.) However, Ross doesn't really care. He's just glad to have stockings and his advent calendar hung.

It is so much fun to see and hear the excitement from Ross over Christmas being so close. Daily he asks if he can open his presents. Also every night during prayer time he tells Jesus "Happy Birthday" and "Merry Christmas".