From our crazy bunch to yours...........

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

The Polar Express

On our trip to Branson we got to go for a ride on the Polar Express!  This is an event that we bought tickets for months in advance.  It is an adventure that was taken right from the pages of the Caldacott winning book The Polar Express as well as the movie.  We had an amazing time.  

The kids were so excited to board the train that we could hardly keep up with them.

Camden kept checking to make sure he still had his ticket.  He was worried that he would lose it and be kicked off the train.

During our ride we were read the book, The Polar Express! 

They brought around hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.  While the hot chocolate out was being passed out they played the song from the movie.  So Fun!

This isn't a very good picture, but that guy walking by was the hobo from the movie!

Caleb loved the hot chocolate.

The conductor arrived to punch the tickets.  He was ready to kick anyone without a ticket off the train.  It's a good thing Camden didn't lose his ticket!

About the same time the conductor arrived Santa Claus arrived.  Santa offered a bell to everyone, but only those that could hear the bell ring got to keep it!  All our kids got to keep their bells.  

Santa was ringing the bell for Catie Beth!  

And Camden too!

The Conductor punched a "C" for Catie Beth on her ticket.

Actually all our kids got a "C" punched on their tickets.  That's what we get for being so original when we named all our kids with "C' names. 

I love this picture of Catie Beth holding her bell.  Can you see her face in the bell?

Camden kept checking to see if he could still hear his bell.  

This trip was a great experience for our family and I am so glad we went.  Steve and I have finally realized that our kids are growing up so fast.  It is our desire to create good memories for our kids as they grow up.  I hope they are cherishing these special blessings as much as we are!  We are so very blessed! 

December Getaway

A few weeks ago we took our family on a little weekend getaway and headed on down to Branson MO.  We had such a good time relaxing and having fun with the kiddos! We arrived at our condo Thursday afternoon, unloaded all our luggage then went on down to Branson Landings to find some dinner while we waited for my Brother and his family to arrive.  

On Friday we found our way to Silver Dollar City.  

  This was a huge wreath at the entrance of Silver Dollar City.  I wish we had stopped on  the way out and gotten a picture of the wreath all lit up.  But, it wasn't meant to be.  Maybe next year!  (hint, hint, Steve!)

 Cousins all together.  

 Catie Beth trying to choose which elephant to ride.

Camden and Catie Beth on the ladybug ride.  I think this was her very first ride without Mom or Dad!  Such a big girl!

My niece Kaylee!  Isn't she beautiful?!

My brother Chad and his son Jared.

 Steve took Catie Beth on the tea pots!  Ever since we went to Disney World earlier this year Catie Beth has been talking about the big tea party.  She loved "The big tea party" ride.  She went crazy when she saw this ride.  I think she rode it three times!  

 We tried to tell the boys that "in the old days" this is what grounding was all about.  They didn't get it!  LOL!!  

 Our ginger bread kids!

Being a military family I couldn't resist the opportunity to take a picture of our kids in front of an American flag all lit up with Christmas lights. 

 After dark we went to the front of the park to watch the tree lighting event. It was a very emotional moment for me.  I am not sure what happened but when they started playing those beautiful Christmas carols and telling the Christmas story I got all choked up and started crying.  It was beautiful, and I pray that we all take time out of the hustle and bustle to remember the true meaning of Christmas.  Jesus came to this earth in the form of a tiny babe to grow up and pay the ultimate price for our sins and make a way so that we can spend eternity with our Heavenly Father.   

On Saturday, we went back down to Branson Landing to do a little shopping.  

 This is my brother Chad and his wife Stacy and their adorable kids.  We had a great time hanging out with them for the weekend.  We hope to get together again soon!

 Catie Beth hadn't picked out a souvenir yet so she begged her daddy for a reindeer at Build a Bear.  

 Daddy is such a push over!

Here she is showing off what her daddy bought her!  

Saturday evening we went on a very special train ride that I will tell you all about in my next post.  

But, before I close this post I must tell you about Cody's favorite part of our trip.  On the way home we stopped in Ozark MO and ate at the famous Lambert's Cafe "home of the throwed roll."  They are famous for their homemade rolls that they will toss to you across the entire restaurant!  Let's just say the boys thought it was AWESOME!!!!

  

It was finally time to hit the road!  We were all tired from our fun trip and we knew that this was waiting for us when we got home!  It was a little dicey on the last stretch of road.  But, we made it home safe and sound and got to enjoy a snow day from school the very next day!  

The USO event at Union Station

The USO of Missouri does an awesome job of supporting our military families.  Recently all military families in the St Louis area had the opportunity to go down to Union Station and meet Santa.    This USO sponsored event included a ride down to Union Station via the Metro link.  Upon arrival at Union Station each child was handed a red Macy's bag to fill with goodies.  The kids got to pick a dvd from a huge selection of titles, and they each received a ticket to select a toy from Santa's Toy shop.  The kids were thrilled beyond words.  Caleb picked an Air Hog Helicopter, Cody picked a Mustang 2011 Calendar for his room, Camden chose a lego kit, and little miss Catie Beth chose a hot pink purse!

We met Santa and got to tell him what we would like to have for Christmas.

The USO took a picture of each family and gave us a copy!  Our picture turned out pretty good!

Catie Beth with her friend Riley!

 Catie Beth got her face painted.

The kids made snowman stir sticks for their hot chocolate.

 Our Neighbors joined us on our trip to Union Station.  They too are a military family.  We have really enjoyed getting to know them.  Sadly, they are moving this week.   As a military family we often say goodbye to good friends and it never gets any easier.  

 After our trip to Union Station we headed out to Fitz's on the Delmar loop.  We had some great food and rootbeer!  Fitz's is know for brewing it's own rootbeer.

This is Jamie and I!  Catie Beth decided she didn't want to have her picture taken.  

 I got some cuddle time with little Ellie!

 Chris and Camden at Fitz's

Jamie, Chris, Riley, and baby Ellie