Horsin' Around!

Colin and Tatum are really loving their horseback riding lessons. Colin has been learning the brushes and how to groom Buttercup. He has been working on his commands and just started doin the poles and the cones. Miss Julie has him throwing bean bags through hoops, grabbing clothespins off of Buttercup's mane for stretches and pointing to parts of his body while Buttercup is walking. Colin rides with reins and just learned the correct way to hold them. Tatum has switched horses and now rides Sparkle. Sparkle is the new pony of the bunch and is very gentle. Tatum is practicing her commands as well. She is doing Simon Says on Sparkle. She must touch her hat, her knees and hold her arms out like an airplane. Tatum rides with a horn on the saddle...it's the cutest little saddle! They are both loving this new experience and I'm loving watching them!

Colin and Buttercup

Colin had his first horse back riding lesson. I was pretty nervous about it even though Colin said he was excited. It took a few tries to get that helmet on him! When we told him that he couldn't ride without it, the helmet went on. He wasn't thrilled about it, but it stayed on. You should have seen the smile when Buttercup was brought in! Colin worked with Julie to brush Buttercup. He did such a good job! He had to use many different brushes and even pick the hooves. Then, we walked into the indoor ring. Julie helped Colin onto Buttercup and got his feet into the stirrups. They walked around the ring, did the cones and walked over the beams. Colin had the count, name colors, sing the alphabet and ride while holding a die. At the end of the lesson, Colin had to brush down Buttercup again. He can't wait to do it again next week!

Tatum's 3rd Birthday

We had a small gathering at the house for Tatum's Birthday. We had some cake and ice cream. The Mickey cake just as tasty as it was cute!
On the actual day, we gave her a new "big girl" bike. She was so excited, she did the happy dance! Then we headed out to the children's museum. We spent about 2 1/2 hours there. The water room was first...always a favorite! We built a marble run and used the giant light brite. Upstairs, the kids took part in a cool beading activity. Then, it was up the ladder and down the slide quite a few times! We built with blocks and read some books. Colin and Tatum climbed up the ladder to the construction site and drove the truck together. How cute! On the way out, we had a quick stop at the gift shop. After getting some new bath toys, it was lunch time.
I can't believe our baby is already 3 years old!

Christmas

We had a wonderful time on Christmas! The kids got up a little early and we enjoyed breakfast together with some nice Christmas tunes playing in the background. Dennis made some coffee at home and it was actually pretty good! We opened our stockings first. Colin really liked his new crayons and his car that is number 95. Tatum loved her new swim goggles!

I was spoiled with new lotion and bath stuff. Dennis really liked his new top coat. Den and the kids got me a new watch. I love it!

Tatum's favorite gift was her stuffed Mickey Mouse doll. She has slept with it every night! Colin has been playing with his new games multiple times a day. He got Boggle Jr., Candy land, and his favorite...5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.

My Mom, Uncle Bob and Auntie Moira came over around noon. The kids very really glad to see them! Dinner was delicious! We had beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, broccoli and asparagus. It was so nice to be all together.

Tatum kept telling Uncle Bob that he couldn't have her new kitties and was offering him other toys instead. It was too cute! Colin enjoyed doing Moira's hair and singing songs.

First Snow and Christmas Eve

We had our first big snow storm last weekend. The kids were excited! We got about 16 inches of the white stuff. Unfortunately, poor Colin was feeling under the weather. Both he and Daddy stayed warm and dry inside, while Tatum and I braved the outdoors.

We went sledding down the driveway and made a pretty funny snowman! After we were quite cold and wet, we headed in to the warmth of the house.

On Christmas Eve, Nana came over for our gift exchange. Both kids enjoyed opening their gifts and also liked passing out presents to Nana. I think that their favorite thing (besides Nana) was their new sock monkey jack-in-the-boxes!

Dennis and the guys put the luminaries out throughout the neighbor hood. They were beautiful again this year! It is such a beautiful sight to look out and see the neighborhood lit up all along the sides of the streets.

Everyone came over for Chinese food after and we had a great time! The kids played and ate and the adults got to catch up a little. When we were all stuffed, we journeyed outside to put out the reindeer food. Before bed, we put Santa's cookie plate together and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.