Polar Express

While in Plainview for Thanksgiving we got to ride the Polar Express in Lubbock. There was dancing, singing, hot chocolate, Santa, and a trip to the North Pole (strangely there's no snow and lots of tumbleweed in the North Pole- I always pictured it looking a bit different). Hogan had a grand time riding the Polar Express, except he did NOT like the girls dressed up as elves, and he especially did not like having to dance with them. This really got on his nerves.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Each year as Hogan grows and learns, the holidays become more fun. Decorating the Christmas tree this year was exciting. Hogan knew what a Christmas tree was, could help put on ornaments, and is now anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival. I thought that I would be a little ambivalent about Santa. I mean technically it's telling a big lie to your kids about how Christmas presents get under the tree. I didn't know if I wanted to perpetuate this myth and tell stories to Hogan that weren't true. BUT then, one night, when Hogan was being especially stubborn about going to bed, I played the Santa card.....I actually got out my cellphone and made a personal call to Santa to have a little chat about Hogan's behavior. Can you tell I was desperate???? This was an awful parenting moment, it truly goes against everything I believe about disciplining children, but IT WORKED. Suddenly, it all became very clear why the Santa myth continues, and as much as I hate to admit that I have to resort to using that particular ploy, I guess I'll just humbly say it- I'm not a perfect parent, and since I'm having to admit things about myself, I might as well go ahead and admit that for the next 7 years or as long as Hogan believes, Santa is here to stay! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

These are the only 3 pictures I have from Thanksgiving- I didn't do a very good job of documenting this event. I should have taken pictures of the four of us brave souls (Tami, Carlos, Troy, and I) heading off to Wal-Mart at 5 in the morning on Black Friday. I should have taken pictures of the wonderful feast that Nana prepared. I should have taken pictures of Tami AND Carlos- we were so grateful to get to spend their first married Thanksgiving with them; it was wonderful to see them both so happy. I think I was enjoying myself so much that I just forgot to take pictures- so all that's left are my "should haves" and these 3 pictures. We are thankful for our family. Thank you Nana and Papa for all that you do for us and for hosting such a nice Thanksgiving at your house.

Sea World

Sea World was a blast- and can I just say- November is the time to go. The weather was absolutely perfect. There were no lines. It was such a pleasant experience. Hogan had the greatest time and we were so thankful that Oma and Opa could join us for this adventure. Hands down, feeding the dolphins and taking the plunge on the log ride were Hogan's favorite part. As soon as we went down the first hill on the log ride, Hogan started asking if we could do it again. We rode it twice and Hogan would have gone again. I had to draw the line at two times because my pants were soaking. It pays to be little and stuck in between big people- you don't get as wet!

San Antonio Children's Museum

Thank goodness for Troy who toured the city of San Antonio while I was busy at the convention. He and Hogan spent an afternoon at the children's museum. Troy said the grocery store was the coolest part. It was set up like a real grocery store; the kids could load up their cart with food and then take it to the checkout. Hogan gave this museum two thumbs up, but unfortunately, rated the Alamo as a big BORE- we'll have to keep working on that Texas pride!

San Antonio Zoo

We had the greatest time at the San Antonio Zoo in November (so sorry about the long time no blogging). The very coolest exhibit was the underwater hippo one. Troy and I were just as mesmerized as Hogan by these huge animals slowly lumbering through the water. We stayed in there a long time just watching and watching them.

Dinosaurs

We visited the Dinosaurs Live exhibit at the Heard museum a couple of weeks ago. At first, Hogan didn't know what to think of these dinosaurs. They were more life-like than we had thought they would be. They moved and made noises, so at first he was very cautious. After the first walk through we had a snack, let the idea of the dinosaurs settle, and then he was ready to walk the dinosaur loop again. The second time through he actually would touch them as long as Troy was holding him. His favorite was the "blue dinosaur". That's the one he and Troy are touching in the last picture.

Halloween Party

I know- we're already into November, but I'm just now getting through all our Halloween pictures. Hogan's preschool had a fun Halloween party. Now, when Hogan sees anyone getting out tables and putting food on them, his eyes get big and he says, "Party???" The idea of tables full of cupcakes and snacks greatly appeals to him!

Halloween

Hogan a.k.a. Bob the Builder had such fun trick-or-treating at the mall. We met up with our good friend E. and her mom and trekked the mall seeking out the candy. Hogan could spot the people handing out candy so fast- and then he would make a beeline to them- so sorry to anyone who might have stood between him and the candy bowls!

Pumpkin Carving

Last weekend we carved our pumpkin together. Hogan was totally into it and worked hard helping Troy and I gut and carve the pumpkin (apparently I'm in the top ten of worst pumpkin hollowers- where was Tia when we needed her most?). Hogan was set on giving the pumpkin a sad face- who knows the logic of this, but he could not be talked out of it, and so, our jack-o-lantern wears the saddest face I could draw and Troy could carve!

More Pumpkin Patch