Party Time For The Littles

Fulton had his "school" Christmas party yesterday afternoon. Last year I quickly found out that they make a really big deal out of this.

The little ones each give out their gifts one at a time. Fulton and Laylee stuck close together while opening. He got a cool Veggie Tales DVD and book from sweet Wyatt and Maysen. He is sort of eyeing Laylee's present here. I don't know that his daddy would want him being interested in a Dora DVD.

He was more than thrilled about the socks, puffs, and fire truck that Madelyn and Thomas gave him. Can you tell?

One of his best buddies and possible future wives (not to be confused with Sister Wives people), sweet Laylee.

Pucker up baby. He loved his Christmas PJ's from Laylee... maybe he was trying to give her a little smooch right here?!

Wyatt, Thomas, and Madelyn waiting patiently for the next round of gift opening.

Fulton had to give Mrs. Vin a big hug. She got him a cool tricycle. He is so excited about it. She has one at her house that he plays on all the time, so I know he will enjoy it. She is too good to him.

And we got home and had one more sweet gift to open from my precious friend, Laylee's mother, Ryan Lee. This was a picture of the 2 of them when she came over to play one day. Priceless!

An Oldie But A Goodie

We were at my parents the other night and they are doing some serious cleaning out and came across a few of our old toys.

This piano is just Fulton's size. I don't know about Keri, but I loved this thing. Fulton tried it out for us and it still works. I am hoping we can keep this (loud) toy at KK and Pops. They will enjoy being serenaded by Fulton. Also, see that tent in the background. That was another little gem that I loved playing with.

Then there was ole rocking horse. His legs are still a little short, but he knew what to do. They just don't make toys like this anymore.

Then we came across this Kristen Street sign. I loved this thing. I always thought I was really cool and had a bulletin board hanging in my room and this little puppy proudly hung on it for many years. I was sitting there telling Fulton how much his mommy loved this sign and then this happened....

Guess he didn't love it as much as I did. Boo.

The Decor

Today is all about Christmas decorations. I am linking up with Kelly's Korner . Our decorations are simple and not that exciting, but let me share. It's crazy because we have tubs full of Christmas decorations in our attic, I just always pick a few and put them out. I always think about the fact that I have to take them  back down and it discourages me from putting more up. I really should get over this. Here are a few of the highlights. 

We do some garland with lights around the front door and some wreaths on each of the windows. One year I really want Matt to go all out like Clark Griswald and put lights all over the house. He doesn't seem too thrilled about the idea.

I just changed the door hanger out today because Fulton's babysitter made this burlap H for us for Christmas. She is always sharing her talents with us and I love all things burlap, so this warmed my heart.

Our massive tree. We are so not cool and have a fake tree. Every year Matt wants so badly to have a real tree. Maybe one year...for now he just drools as we drive by the Boy Scout Christmas tree sales and I am trying to find some pine air freshener to help him get his fix.

This is new this year. It's our Little People Nativity Scene that Aunt Keri gave Fulton. You may notice the little guy with the blue hat, otherwise known as the cop from the Little People school bus set. No less than 24 hours after Aunt Keri brought this to buddy we misplaced one of the wisemen. Matt replaced it with the cop and he is keeping watch over the manager. Fulton loves this Nativity Scene and I think it's a great way to start talking about the true Christmas story with him.

And the stockings were hung by the chimney. Speaking of chimney, we love a good wood burning fire, but our little guy would love to stick his hands in it too, so no fires this year.  I ordered us these new stockings last year and love them... Harley really needs a matching one too, poor guy.

Last, our Christmas cards. We have always had this Christmas card holder that had pockets and you had to pull the cards out to see them. I wanted something where we could see all of them displayed better. Saw this on Pinterest and tried to recreate. Doesn't look as cute as the original on there, but I have all of 10 dollars invested in it, so it will do for now. On a random side note. I love Christmas cards. Love them so much and love opening them so much that if Matt gets the mail he leaves them all for me to open because he knows how giddy I get. Fulton is enjoying them too and we point to the people and talk about who they are. Here's the confessional part... we have had our Christmas decorations up for nearly a month now. Love it!

Festivities

We weren't sure that we were going to do pictures with Santa this year....but Walgreens was doing them for free. So, why not, right?!

Well, this is why not. Look who ended up having to be in the picture. You ought to see the others. He was fine the whole time we stood in line (of which Matt and I kept thinking, should we do this? Should have went with our gut feeling) Anyways... he was fine and then as we started to walk towards Santa he began gripping the back of my arm and tightening his leg around my hip... I knew it wasn't going to be successful. He screamed.... and screamed... and it wasn't pretty. Until finally I tried to sit beside Santa too and that just wasn't good enough. All I can say is thankfully it was free.

It was a busy Saturday and on to the next stop was the Christmas open house at my dad's work. They moved into a new office recently and so it was a free for all viewing of anything you wanted to see. We snuck down to the boss's office and Matt thought they made this door just for him.

 Until someone else walked up and she swore the door was for her. I let them fight it out.

We left there with a few minutes to spare and made it to our small group Christmas party. The sweet Blackburns hosted and we had a fun night of fellowship. I didn't take too many photos, 2 to be exact, because this little guy in the green was simply everywhere. Here he is with his buddy Chloe. She put her arm around Fulton right before the picture. Precious!

We were missing quite a few couples because of sickness and other obligations, but the girls did their annual ornament swap and I went home with a cute one! This was our third Christmas party of the weekend because we started Friday night with Matt's work party and I was simply worn out. Busy, but fun weekend!

Getting In The Spirit

Saturday we got out and enjoyed the perfect weather. We walked down to the Helena Christmas parade and enjoyed the festivities. 

 Our sweet friends, Claire, Daniel and Avery, joined us. We have lived in Helena several years and never been to this.

 Fulton enjoyed showing some love to his best bud.

 This was the calm before the storm. Or should I say the calm before they started throwing candy. This is where it started getting crazy. And I nearly had to shove this 10 year old kid out of the way because he kept getting all up in our area and stealing our candy. Since Claire is with child, I told her to let me run into the traffic and risk my life for the Snickers.

 They even threw beads. A little early for Mardi Gras, but whatever. It kept Fulton entertained. Those and the Rolo that he got his hands on when we weren't looking. He had already sucked the chocolate through the paper by the time we saw it. Good parents we are.

 From there we decided to make a quick run to the park and continue enjoying this 70+ degree weather in December.

 I think Matt had more fun than Fulton.

 This boy loves to swing.

 In other weekend fun, Friday night KK and Pops came by for a visit and a quick run for dinner. So much for sitting still for pictures these days.

 And someone finally decided they will like ravioli. Food is a touch and go thing. One day he likes something, the next day he refuses.

And Sunday we started sporting our Christmas attire to church. To my surprise, Fulton hasn't messed with the Christmas tree much at all. Thankful for this!

Thankfulness

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday celebrating with family. We are so blessed and have so much to be thankful for. We have had such a wonderful week and it has made my heart full to spend so much time with the man I love and the little man I love. 

We went to my parents yesterday to spend the day celebrating. I could list so much that we have to be thankful for. Let me try to name a few. Thankful for these two loves of my life and the beautiful creation that God has allowed us to enjoy every day.

Thankful for smiles and laughs. This guy keeps us on our toes for sure, but he keeps us laughing too. He has brought much joy to our lives.

Thankful for an amazing Aunt Keri and Uncle Pete that we love spending time with. They love him to pieces. Please don't let Fulton's serious look make you think otherwise.

Thankful for delicious foods to fill our bellies. We have never been or gone hungry compared to others in this world. Everyone came together to put on a heafty spread for dinner and KK even had a special plate for this little guy.

Thankful for things to keep us entertained. It's the little things that get him excited. He completely re-organized (or maybe mom would say unorganized) the tupperware cabinet after dinner.

Thankful for family. Simply great family. We were blessed to spend time with Matt's precious family this week too and see his grandparents. Missed seeing my other Grandma, but we are so blessed to still have our grandparents in our lives.

More family. My Aunt Ann and Uncle Greg made the drive to visit too. We were thankful to catch up with them. And our little Harley too. He was our first child and has given us many hours of love and kisses.

Thankful for wrestling matches on the floor and we aren't worried about what might get broken (KK might not say that one day when Fulton wails one of her porcelain dolls across the house). Fulton had a blast playing.

Thankful for clothes on our backs and shoes on our feet. We will  never go cold because the Lord has provided for us in abundance.

Thankful for two awesome sets of grandparents that love us and this little man to the moon and back and would do anything for us. This was Fulton by the end of the night. Pretty pooped out, but full. Full of food, love, family, fun, and memories. It was a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Happy Early Turkey Day

Happy Early Turkey Day!! We started celebrating today with Matt's family. 

Fulton made this incredibly cute craft at school this week. He was super proud. That's his wee little footprint in the middle. I simply love crafts that he brings home. I need a good system for storing these things. 

Back to today. We met up with Matt's fam at the ole Cracker Barrel where we were by far the youngest in attendance there today, but that's ok. This is Matt's pawpaw who will turn 86 next month. He is sharp as a tack too.

 Thankful for the outdoor area here to keep this wildman entertained. He loved the rocking chairs and I thought we may have to either pry him out or purchase one. Finally he pulled himself away. As a side note can I just mention that Fulton was called a girl 3 times today. 3 times. This has never happened. Is it the hair, does he really need a haircut that bad? Matt said it was the shirt. Aunt Keri gave him this cute shirt and I love it. I don't think it's girlie, but Matt pointed out the one pink feather on it. Please.

And Matt's Nanny and his mom. We enjoyed a yummy hearty lunch with family and then decided to make a quick last minute trip by the outlets on the way home. Fulton crashed on the way home and I think we were all due for a nap, too bad Matt had to drive. We will continue the Thanksgiving celebrations tomorrow. But for now, Happy Early Turkey Day!

He Is Still Capable

Matt thought these days were over. It's funny (or maybe not funny to Matt) but just a few hours earlier Matt had been playing with Fulton on the changing table and I made the comment that he better finish putting his diaper on before he gets an unexpected shower. Matt's response... I think he is over that stage. 

He is clearly NOT over that stage. This happened after Matt took off his diaper and was heading to the tub. He said oh I feel a little warm on my shirt. This was the result. Wow that's a lot of tinkle.

In other news, someone got some new shoes this week. Our sweet neighbors went to Guatemala this week and brought Fulton back some handmade cowboy boots. Love Love. He still has a little time to grow into them, but these suckers are too cute.

He thinks he is hot stuff and he loved playing in them. These boots definitely are made for walking, now if someone will just start walking.

Finally Got In

Are you sick of seeing Alabama football yet? Nah, one can never get sick of that. 

Well, after a few weeks of tailgating and then having to go home, boo, Fulton finally got to go in the game. Yes, call us crazy... I may have called myself that at one point today. It was another early morning with a nearly 11:00 am game Sheesh.

This was a little scaled back form of tailgating from weeks past. We grabbed some chicken at Publix and made a quick picnic before heading in. From this whole experience I was most nervous about him having a dirty diaper inside the stadium. There are clearly no changing stations in the restroom and ugh even if there were. Please keep that chicken in son.

We had been practicing Roll Tide all week so he would be ready for the game. Our best word to date, cracker. Can't wait to write that in his baby book.

 We tried to let him get the squirminess, if that's even a word, out of his system before we went in.

We spent some time down by the field and he loved doing some people watching, looking for Big Al, and of course watching the cheerleaders.

We waited for Big Al to come on our side, but no luck. Maybe we'll just stop at the zoo on the way home and take a picture with an elephant there. Not quite the same.

Mom and I spent a good bit of the first quarter down closer to the field and Fulton quickly made friends with some sorority girls who just happened to be ZTAs. That's my boy. Anywho, they gave him a shaker and he thought he was big stuff. We came up for the second quarter and settled in with a snack.

By half time he was done. Simply pooped out. I think he did pretty good for the first half of the game. So I would say it was a success for his very first trip to an Alabama game. And yes, this little 14 month old had to have his own tickets... crazy huh?!