Polar Express

Tonight was filled with excitement and holiday cheer. We all met at the Smiths for a quick supper and Brodie exchanged gifts with his cousins. After a few quick pics and a little play time we all made our way to the train station. The children boarded the Polar Express with rosy cheeks and Christmas jammies. Finally, after a story and a few rounds of jingle bells, Santa arrived on our train car. Brodie had no problem telling the elves and even Mrs. Claus what he wished for, but when St. Nick asked.....nothing. Oh well, I'm sure the circled toys in the Toys R Us ad will be very helpful:)

Baking with Bea

We started the afternoon by meeting Brodie's Bea and his cousins for lunch. After more playing than eating, we finally went to my in laws home. The kids were busy little elves baking and decorating Christmas goodies and painting wooden ornaments. This was an afternoon planned by my mother in law to create special Christmas memories with her grandchildren. And any time these 3 get together it is sure to be quite an event!!!

Christmas Card

We thought we would venture out to Botanical Gardens and attempt our Christmas card photo. It seemed like an easy task, but then I forgot my child doesn't like to look and smile at the camera at the same time. After taking over 80 snaps (thank goodness for digital cameras) and getting a few possibles, we let Brodie have some fun.

Beginning our Christmas

We began our Christmas holidays with a visit from Brodie's Gran.
It had been a while since Gran's last visit and Brodie enjoyed showing off and introducing his new toys. We also enjoyed a little holiday shopping. Brodie had his second dentist visit and actually let them clean his teeth this time. Good news - no cavities. Bad news - braces. His little teeth are perfect for now, but will need help to make room for the big teeth. Ugh!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year Emma and Brodie caught a glimpse of the turkey before it was cooked. Needless to say they had to investigate...with a flash light! Of course after their examination they both decided they were not eating that turkey. The two stuck with their decision while the turkey was cooking, but my how things change when the noses start sniffing. Brodie was the first to cave:)

Princess & Pirate Party

No, we aren't running away to become Disney World castmembers. We were invited to a 6 year olds birthday party, and to accommodate her girl and boy guests she had a princess & pirate party. The beginning of the party was just for the princesses and they were "crowned" by Snow White(me!) and Cinderella. Then the pirates arrived in time for play, cake, and presents. It was a great party theme for all and lots of fun.

Trick or Treat

This year for Halloween Brodie dressed up as Buzz Lightyear. It was a tough decision between Buzz and Woody, but the flashing wings on the Buzz costume were pretty convincing. As you notice in the picture, a little princess joins him. "Butterball" was a rescued stray that quickly found her way to Brodie's heart. Unfortunately, after owning her for four days Roger and I realized we are not pet people. We happily placed the nine year old, mini poodle with a new owner. Brodie's heart mended quickly, and of course a trip to Toys R Us always helps.

A Day on the Farm

Today we ventured down to the Burnette Farm in Thorsby. We met my in laws, niece and nephew for a fun fall outing. The farm had several animals, a tractor ride, a sunflower maze and a pumpkin patch. It wasn't as crowded as a previous pumpkin patch, in fact we were 1 of 3 families at the place. The kids did have fun and it was nice to visit somewhere new.

Quick Trip

Brodie & I enjoyed a short stay at my parents this weekend. We went specifically to watch my sister complete a belt test in taekwondo. Who knew this tiny, soft spoken little girl could break a board with her foot! Needless to say, Brodie has been demonstrating his own moves since we've been home.

Montgomery Zoo

Sunday afternoon we went to visit the Montgomery Zoo. It was nice and quiet with a few rowdy animals to entertain us. Brodie led the way to each exhibit with the map in one hand and popcorn in the other. He insisted that we take a picture of each animal, even a chicken.

Pumpkin Patch

We spent the first weekend of October visiting the Grande Ole Pumpkin Patch. We have been to the patch every year since Brodie could walk. I guess it has become a family tradition that we all look forward to each year. Brodie and Roger enjoyed a tractor ride and pony ride. We all enjoyed sliding down the inflatables and a hayride to the patch to choose the "perfect" pumpkin. A first for Brodie this year was the roasted corn. He ate all of it by himself and still wanted more!

My 30th!

September- We took a family trip to Gulf Shores to celebrate my 3-0! I can't believe I'm not twenty something anymore. But I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be than the beach. My parents and sister were also able to join us for the weekend. We did all the usuals; relaxing under the beach umbrella, shopping, going out to eat, and racing at the track. Our first this year was to ride the ferris wheel at the Wharf. Brodie loved it and kept rocking the cart much to my dismay. It was a happy trip and a great way to celebrate any age.

Georgia Aquarium

One boring saturday morning we decided to head to Atlanta. We were on our way to the Georgia acquarium for something new to see and do. Our dare devil child quickly spotted the tops of the Six Flags roller coasters from the interstate. Apparently we chose the wrong attraction for the day. The acquarium was interesting but, not the best we've seen. One of those places we can say, been there done that.

First Day of School

August 13, this years first day of mother's day out. I know he looks very excited (ha!), more like trouble. Brodie began his first week in a younger class mostly of boys, unfortunately that didn't last long. He moved up to a new class, K3 ,with me. It's so funny because he usually calls me Ms. Danielle like his friends. Oddly enough the new arrangement works out very well, he actually behaves better at school with his "teacher" than at home with his mom.

Gulf Shores

We went for a quick weekend beach trip with my in laws and the Robersons. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate much. But we managed to make the best of the few hours of sunshine. Brodie enjoyed the beach as usual and discovered many fish, seagulls and jellyfish. Thankfully he was never stung but his daddy wasn't so lucky. Thanks to Bea (Roger's mom) Brodie had a jet ski to ride the waves in, until he crashed. And that was the end of his wave riding career. According to the Smith boys, it's not an official beach trip without stopping at the track for a little racing and arcade games. We enjoyed time at the pool as well between storm clouds. Brodie's new favorite trick is going under water with his "ski" goggles. He thinks he is so grown up now!

Memphis, TN

After celebrating the fourth of July at home with friends & family we decided to take a little weekend trip to Memphis. Soon after arriving we went to the Peabody Hotel to visit the infamous ducks and then enjoyed a delicious dinner at our favorite rib place, Rendezvous. Most of Saturday was spent at the Memphis Zoo ,which was fabulous. We quickly realized how much better the B'ham could and should be. Anyway, the animals were easy to see, awake and playing together. Our favorite exhibit were the polar bears. It was great to watch them swim by and see how large they really are. After a fun and exhausting day at the zoo we enjoyed more ribs for dinner this time @ Corky's. (Being in Memphis, we had to have our own rib taste test.) On Sunday we went for a scenic downtown tour on the Memphis Duck. It is an interesting ride on a half vehicle half boat that showed us historic parts of the city and then splashed into the river for more interesting facts and then drove back out to the street. To end our Memphis weekend we had a yummy lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Beach Bound

We had a brief trip to Gulf Shores this weekend. Roger had a conference to attend Friday for work, so Brodie and I tagged along. The water was clear, the waves were just right, and there was a slight breeze all day. But best of all, my child is a beach bum! We played in the sand literally all day. He loved jumping in the waves, hiding toys in the sand, and snacking in the beach chair.

Cake Time

We celebrated Roger's 29th birthday on Monday. His favorite gift I'm sure, was a transformer Mr. Potato head from Brodie. After going out for dinner we came home for dessert. Roger couldn't blow the candles out fast enough for "Taz" to get the first piece of cake. After his little feast, he was the only one to get a piece of cake.

BoBo!

My Mom (Gran) & I took Brodie to Build a Bear today at the Galleria. He has been wanting to build a monkey just like his Aunt Emma since our last visit to her house. He has a blast whenever we go to Build a Bear and this has quickly become his favorite store! So now to add to his frog, bear and turtle we now have the long awaited BoBo the monkey.