Welcome Baby Henry!

My sister gave birth to my new nephew Henry James Wyatt on December 5th, 2012. He came in at 9lbs 2oz...They grow 'um big in Gilbert! We got to visit him when he was just 3 days old.  We love you sweet Baby Henry. Be nice to your Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sis.

All Aboard! The Polar Express

We (I mean Me, Charlie, and Lilly) have been watching A LOT of The Polar Express Movie featuring Tom Hanks. Charlie is completely enthralled with the entire concept. Trains, Santa, Music, Hot Cocoa...what isn't to like? Nana and Papa Helsel were very generous this year and invited all of us to take a ride on the real life Polar Express which conveniently departs from Williams, Az! Wonderful!

 

I cannot express what the trip meant to me. I cried a handful of times just because of the overflowing of joy as I watched our kids board and partake in all things Polar Express. Charlie's face was glued to the frosty window most of the trip to the North Pole and back. The staff served us hot cocoa, cookies, and a healthy dose of Christmas carols! My goodness, it was a trip to remember. See you again next year Polar Express! I will bring my Kleenex :)

 

About to board the Polar Express

Who's excited???

 

Hot Cocoa for Lilly!

 

Cookies

 

Lilly loves the Polar Express!

 

My Santa Babies

This year will be Lilly's first Christmas! 

Three years ago it was Charlie's first Christmas and I was having flashbacks when I was doing this photo shoot for Lilly. They look so much alike when you put a Santa hat on them. I am one lucky Mommy to have such good looking

Santa Babies each year.

 

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

We spent Thanksgiving with Papa, Nana, and Aunt Bebe Helsel in Flagstaff. This year was particularly precious to me. On T-day morning I was in the living room with my kids, in our pajamas, and watching the parade. I have clear memories of doing this as a child and then I was doing it with my two children. It all gave me the warm fuzzies!

 

Really, the whole day gave me the warm fuzzies. Whether it was Papa and Charlie snuggling on the couch watching Rudolf or Lilly eating her weight in gravy covered goodies -it ALL felt so good.  Thanks to Nana the food was delicious and we all went home with a to-go bag of leftovers. I love the holidays!

 

 

 Lilly's first Thanksgiving feast!