The Carltons!

V-day School Party

Kendall had a fun little school V-day party last week.  

Kendall was really excited to get to hand out her Valentines to everyone!  Plus, she was really excited to get to be silly with her friends.  This is her friend, Danika.

Kendall's Nana surprised her and came to the party too!

Kendall and her sweet friend, Madison....

Clowning around with the boys too!

This is Ethan. He wanted to give Kendall a special sticker.  Isn't he adorable?

Nana had to get back to work.  So, sweet hugs before she had to go!

Kendall with more of her friends.....

Santiago.....

Camryn.....

Lorin.....

Kendall was excited to show off her artwork! 

Kendall's V-day box.  I let her go to town with the stickers.  Can't you tell??

Kendall and her sweet teacher, Mrs. West

She had a great time at her little party! 

Astros Fanfest!

We went to the Astros Fanfest last weekend. 

We were able to go down to the field.....

Home plate....

Kendall was able to run the bases, which she loved! 

We got to sit in the dugout too. 

Kendall loved getting to see all of the mascots!

They had carnival games set up for the kids to play.......

.....clowns too!

Jimmy loaded up on a ton of the current players and  the Alums autographs. 

It was a fun outing!

Random pics.....

Just a few random  pics......

Kendall & I try to hit up the theatre as often as possible.  It's a fun girls outing! 

Kendall wanted to have a slumber party with her friends one day.  This is what it looked like...

This is what my daughter does to a chocolate donut......

How can this be my child?  She only licks the chocolate off and throws the rest away.  Neeldess to say, we rarely buy donuts and it is always followed up with a kolache.  She keeps trying to tell me that her belly is full from the chocolate and she doesn't need to eat anymore breakfast.  But, I'm not buying it! ha!

Nana was reading to Kendall while we were waiting to see the doctor.  Another  sinus/ear infection..... 

My picky eater decided that she wanted to try some cereal one morning.  After one bite, she decided cereal wasn't good! 

Kendall's manicure! Crazy, I know.  But, she insisted on purple and pink...with sparkles! ha!

Kendall LOVES to eat fettucine alfredo.  She calls the Italian food restaurant nearby the "White spaghetti place".  We usually eat there once every few weeks.  It is her favorite family dinner out, for sure!!  Here she is with her Daddy at the White Spaghetti Place!!

My little princess playing in her kitchen one day! 

B-day Party!!

Kendall had a great time at her friend, Asher's, B-day a few weeks ago.  It was at Kids In Action where Kendall has had her parties.  She just LOVES it there! 

This was a first for me.....I forgot my camera!  SHOCKER, I know!!  So, you have to enjoy my blurry, not so fabulous, cell phone pics! SORRY!

Kendall had a great time and enjoyed seeing her little boy friends, Asher & Jude!!

Happy Birthday sweet Asher!

The Rocking Chair......

Since we switched Kendall's room to a BIG GIRL room, we cleared out all of the baby stuff.  So, the rocker had to go.  I'd have to say, this was BY FAR the hardest thing to part with.  I totally cried, for SURE, when we sold it! 

Since it was so sentimental, I had to get a few last pictures.  It was late, we were tired, and not looking our best. 

But, sweet sweet last memories were made with my little cuddle bug, sitting in this special chair!

Why is she growing up so fast??

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day full of hugs & kisses! 

 

Our Valentine's Day has been going on for a few days now.  Jimmy took us out to dinner last night, to avoid the crowds!!  It was a wonderful dinner and a great break from a busy Monday.

He also had these sent to the house.....There's like 4 dozen of them, maybe more!  Beautiful flowers......

......and the most precious card that Kendall made at school!

We have a busy day of opening up gifts and school parties. So, I'll post more pictures later!  Until then........

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Late Christmas!

Nana & Grandy came over last month to celebrate a late Christmas.  We had to cancel our Christmas with them, in December,  since Kendall had bronchitis.  

Kendall got a new Sunset Key hat.......

 

They loaded Kendall up with all kinds of pink kitchen accessories for her new kitchen.

The picture is blurry. But, too cute not to post!

We had a great evening celebrating Christmas with Grandy & Nana!!

 Nana & Grandy, thanks for all of the great gifts!

BIG GIRL ROOM!!

A few weeks ago we decided to change Kendall's bed to a full-sized bed.  We literally decided to do it one morning before she woke up.  So, once she was up, I started cleaning, reorganizing, and rearranging everything.  Jimmy ran off to buy her a new matress and box springs.  Then, we set up everything.  I found some adorable, rediculously expensive bedding from Pottery Barn Kids that she said she liked.  So, it was all coming together quickly. When Kendall got up from her nap, Jimmy started asking Kendall what kind of bedding she wanted (not realizing I had already picked some out from PBK).......like Princess, Tinker Bell, etc.  Kendall kinda mumbled something about, "Well, Mommy said I had to get some pink flowered ones.". Awww, my heart sank. She didn't want the pretty pink flowers once she realized they made Tinker Bell Sheets!!   I quickly realized that I was creating the most precious room that I invisioned and she just wanted some cute, bright-colored, fun bedding!  So, change of plans!!  We all loaded up and went to our LEAST favorite store in the world and let Kendall go to town!!  She picked out the brightest set she could find, I'm sure........HOT PINK and HOT PURPLE!! 

Here's another view of the room.  Her tv/dresser and toys are along the other wall.  So, the mess is contained!

Later in the week we ordered the matching curtains, rug, trash can, pillow toy, etc.  I need to find a cute bed shirt too. 

Anyway, Kendall loves her new Hello Kitty Room!  I do too!  It's so nice to have the extra space and we've enjoyed watching movies in bed!!  Plus, the bright colors are a fun new change and it was all 1/4 of the price of the PBK stuff!

Mani-Pedi

Kendall had so much fun at Savannah's party, she wanted to go back to the salon.  Since I've been in a desperate need of pedicure, I decided that Kendall was old enough to tote to the salon with me.  So, we had our first Mother/Daughter mani-pedi! 

Kendall had to bring her purse and call all of her friends!

Our schedule stays pretty busy now with school, dance, swim lessons, etc.  So, we had to go after swim lessons one day........which is why she has damp hair.

Kendall loved it and so did I!  We're making this a regular outing!!

B-Day Party Fun!!

Kendall was invited to her friend, Savannah's b-day party a few weeks ago.  The girls all met up at the nail salon first.  Kendall is REALLY into getting her nails painted now.  So, she was super excited about this.  

Having fun getting pampered!!

After having their nails done, we all headed to Chick Fil-A to celebrate with the rest of her family & friends!

Kendall & Savannah!

Having fun in the kids play zone....

The adorable cake......

Happy Birthday Sweet Savannah!

First Aggie Game!!

The first of the year, we took Kendall to her very first Aggie game!  The Meineke Bowl.  

The Chick Fil-A cow was there....

We just got some of the cheaper seats up high.  But, it was still so much fun! 

Kendall LOVED saying "Gig 'Em Aggies"......and then she'd throw in "Roll Tide" ha!  Her Father was so proud! 

Kendall loved watching the band.....

I just love this!!  The other day a football game was about to start on tv.  Kendall heard the song and said, "Why aren't we putting our hand on our heart?"  Then, she screamed, "Daddy, Daddy we have to put our hand on our heart.  The song is on!"

The game was a lot of fun!  Kendall was entertained for most of it!  Busy dancing and cheering........

Cute pictures!

My little Aggie!

What a fun game with my sweet, sweet family!!

Disney Shows!! (November and December Shows)

I totally forgot to blog about Disney on Ice in November.  So, here's our pics from the November show.........

Jimmy splurged and got us the fun club seats on the floor.  They have tables.......which was really nice! 

The show had Lion King, Lilo and Stitch, and The Little Mermaid.....

Loving every minute of it!

They had Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, etc.  All of Kendall's favorites!!

A fun day at Disney on Ice......

We also took Kendall to see Phineas & Ferb the end of the year.

We ate lunch before the show started.....

Then, we just grabbed some seats up high, away from the crowds!

Kendall really enjoyed the show.  We weren't really quite sure what to expect!  But, it was cute! 

Eating her M&M's and lovin' it!

Kendall hopped up and started dancing!

The show was cute!  We enjoyed it!

Easy Bake!!

Kendall LOVES her little Easy Bake Oven that she got from Santa!

Having fun cooking!!

She even talked her Daddy into helping her make Red Velvet cupcakes!!

YUM YUM!!

Christmas Day!

Christmas Day finally arrived and Kendall was totally not feeling the best.  She woke up VERY EXCITED to see what Santa had left her.......

But, still not feeling great!  You could tell that she had been up coughing and was really tired.  She opened a few gifts......

..........coughed a bunch and even said that she was tired and wanted to rest for a while.  :(

Santa left her a stocking full of goodies and a nice letter.....

She got a brand new kitchen (which was a big surprise).......

Handy Manny talking tools (Random, I know.  She wanted tools like her Daddy), an Easy Bake Oven, a Leap pad (she calls her Ipad), and every Strawberry Shortcake toy that has been made........ Among a few other things!  Kendall is one LOVED & spoiled little girl, that's for sure!!  Although she wasn't feeling great.  It was still a wonderful Christmas together!

It was REALLY nice to be spending Christmas at home this year too!

Christmas Eve

Kendall was excited to get to make our annual Gingerbread house on Christmas Eve. It's been a Christmas Eve tradition for the past 3 years and a favorite of all of ours. 

Then, we put some cookies in the oven for Santa!

Kendall was excited to show Santa her cookie plate that she made!

Then, we took a cookie break before writing our letter to Santa.

For the most part Kendall told me what to write.  I just love the end,"Don't forget me!"..........

All ready for Santa!

Then, Kendall had to sprinkle the reindeer food all over the front yard! 

It was bed time.  So, Kendall & her Daddy got online to track Santa! Apparently he was near Georgia the last time we looked! 

Kendall was really excited for Christmas Day!!!

The week before Christmas......

Before I get started on our crazy week before Christmas, here's Kendall's adorable school picture!!

The week before Christmas was quite eventful for us.  Kendall started getting the crud.  We were suppose to go to a cookie exchange and visit Santa, but went to the Dr. instead.  Turns out she had bronchitis.  This was a first for her and it was TERRIBLE!!  She got worse the next two days and literly coughed non-stop for days.  She couldn't go a minute without coughing, I timed it! :(.  We even had to cancel our early Christmas with Nana & Grandy because Kendall wasn't up to it at all.  She just cuddled up in our lap and watched Strawberry Shortcake for several days.  So, we went back to the Dr again. Her meds finally started to kick in and she began to feel better after a long week of coughing! Kendall still wasn't a 100% on Christmas day.  But, she still enjoyed every minute of it! 

 

Since she was sick, anything goes......right? Right!  Even wearing her favorite heart dress on Christmas Eve! ha! 

Kendall got a phone call from Santa letting her know that he'd be there soon  since she was on the "Nice List"!

You'd never know from that huge smile that she was sick, would you??

She LOVED getting a special call from Santa!!! 

More of our Christmas Eve coming up........

 

Christmas Pictures.....

Since we were so busy in November, we weren't able to find a free weekend to do family pictures.  So, we opted to just have Kendall on our Christmas card this year!  We figured that's who everyone really wants to see anyway! ha! So, here are some of the pictures........

I always love to get in a few!!  LOVE Mommy & Daughter pics!

More of our little angel!

Painting FUN!!

This was our first year, other than Kendall's First Christmas, that we actually spent it at home.  So, I wanted to get a really cute "Cookies for Santa" plate.  So, Kendall & I went to the Mudpie pottery shop to make a super cute reindeer plate!!

Nana was able to join us for a little while too!  So, we got some cute pictures!! 

Kendall made the reindeer's face with her foot print, and antlers with her hand print! Mommy & Kendall working on the nose.....

Then, the little light bulbs were her finger prints.  Adorable, right??

Kendall loved getting to make her special Santa plate. 

She was really into Christmas & Santa this year.  So, it was the PERFECT year to make this!

Breakfast with Santa- take 2!!

After our Moody Gardens/Festival of Lights outing, we got up the next morning and had another Breakfast with Santa. This time it was at The Rainforest Cafe!

 

When we got there we spotted Santa snorkeling!! 

Cutest thing EVER!!  Kendall loved it! 

Cha-Cha came around to all of the tables.

Kendall was having a great day goofing off with her Daddy!

They went off to the crafts table and came back with this cute little creation!

Santa came around to the tables next!

Mommy & Daughter.... 

This is Kendall's new favorite thing to do.....bunny ears!

Then, there was a magician!  He was juggling.......

Kendall really enjoyed watching the magician. 

He came around with a real rabbit in a hat........

.....and a dove.  He had all kinds of fun little tricks!

Then, Kendall got to go sit on Santa's lap.......

.......she gave him an earfull of things that she wanted.

She just kept talking, and talking, and talking which is really funny since Kendall is so shy. 

He started laughing because Kendall's list was so long! 

He told her that she must have been a really good girl to want so many things! ha! and then gave her a goody bag!

We had a lot of fun at the Rainforest Cafe in Galveston!  I highly recommend it!

Sorry!!

Sorry for not blogging!

 

I keep thinking that I'm going to sit down and blog all of the last month.  But, don't!  So, here are a few cute pictures until I get busy blog, blog, blogging away! 

I had these taken for Jimmy and the Granddads as Christmas gifts this year!  They turned out cuter than I ever imagined!! 

 

 

Moody Gardens 2011

A few weeks ago we went to Moody Gardens for my B-day weekend!  I LOVED it last year.  So, I really wanted to go back again this year.  We had a busy December.  So, we were only able to go for one night.  But, it was still a blast.  

 

Love getting to spend my B-day with these 2!!

Kendall & I were both really excited to see the 4D show of the Polar Express again! I just love how the room smells of hot chocolate as they pour a glass. 

Then, we were off to see Santa!

Kendall told him that she wanted the Strawberry Shortcake Salon, Cafe, Handy Manny Talking Tools, & an Easy Bake Oven.......among a few other things. 

 

After chatting with Santa, we hit up the gift shop before watching a fun 3D Chrismtas movie.

Then, we walked through The Festival of Lights!!

It was such a great B-day.  Jimmy got me an Ipad..... which I LOVE!!  Then, after doing all of the fun festivities at Moody Gardens, we went back to our hotel room and ordered room service and ate dinner in our jammies......another favorite of mine! My Mom even surprised me with tulips......(Thanks Mom!)!  It was a great day!! 

Cookies & Letter from Santa!!

A few weeks ago, Kendall  & I decorated gingerbread cookies.  We didn't eat any of them.  But, they were still fun to decorate! ha!

When Kendall got home from school one day, her letter from Santa was waiting for her!

.......She got a package of reindeer food for Santa's reindeer, some little toys, beach ball snow globe, crayons, etc......and she got a special bell from Santa's sleigh! 

But, She was really excited to get her VERY OWN letter from Santa stating that she was on Santa's NICE list!

 

Breakfast with Santa!

A few weeks ago Kendall's school offered a breakfast with Santa. We got there early and were able to chat with Santa in the parking lot a bit.  Kendall was so excited! 

Once we got inside we grabbed some breakfast and Kendall got to color for a little bit. 

Santa stopped by to say "Hello" to everyone....

Then, we were off to see Santa.  These are BY FAR the best Santa pictures this year!

She was being shy....

Kendall had a nice little chat with Santa......

I loved all of the Santa pictures!  All of them were just TOO CUTE!!

Then, Kendall wanted to see if any of her friends had arrived.  Her friend, Santiago, was there.

It was a really fun morning with Santa!

Christmas Dance in the Park

Kendall's dance studio performed at a local Holiday Market earlier this month.  They had a little dress rehearsal/run thru at the studio first.  So, I snapped a bunch of pictures there! 

Kendall was excited to get to wear "Mommy make-up" and dance on the "Big Stage" again.  The girls all looked so cute together!

Kendall did a great job with their dance run thru!

Our little ballerina......

We quickly grabbed lunch and then went to the park for their big dance!  We had more than enough time to snap a ton of pictures first.

Poor planning on someone's part.  They had numerous performances go before the little ones.  So, this is what they did to stay busy.......pick up sticks and drop them down in the drain! ha!  All of the Mom's were so annoyed by having to stand around in the heat, and try to keep a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds entertained, we all didn't care if they were getting a little dirty!

Finally, the BIG dance!! 

Apparently Kendall was doing a little solo number here!

ADORABLE!! 

One Happy Little Performer!  Kendall clapped for herself when she was done!

Priceless!

Key West Day 9 & 10!

Day 9: Kendall, Nana, and I hit up the Owner's Beach in search of pretty shells!! 

We found a lot of really great ones.

Kendall & Nana LOVE, LOVE, LOVE looking for shells.

Then, we went and hit up the toy store.  Nana had promised to paint crafts there with Kendall.   There was a private b-day party going on.  So, we didn't get to paint.  But, Kendall did get to feed the pretty birds outside of the toy store.

Then, we went to the Key West Pirate Carnival that was going on.  To say the least, it was super shady!  I was scared to let Kendall ride or touch anything other than the carousel and the bumper cars!

We played one game............

Kendall won one big toy banana.......

.......and then we were done with the nasty germ fest/carnival! ha!

Time for some ice cream before catching the boat!

While we were out running around, the guys were busy fishing on Grandy's boat......

We ended up heading back to the toy store that night to paint crafts. Then, we had a fish fry at the house.  We were up early to fly home the next day. 

It was another Fun Key West Vacation!

Key West Day 8!- Happy Birthday Grandy!

Day 8 started off with the beach, playing in the sand......

......then the pool!  Kendall was cracking me up with her goggles!

Then, Kendall & Nana made some cupcakes for a neighbor and a cake for Grandy's B-day!! 

Nana was excited to finally get to use her cute little aprons from her "Granddaughter's Apron collection"

Later that night, they iced everything!! 

More cute aprons from the collection!!

Then, we took Grandy out for a special B-day Dinner!  It was a fun night!!

Happy Birthday Grandy!!!

Key West Day 7

The next day we hit up the beach.  Kendall was having beach withdrawls!!  So Kendall, Nana, and I played on the beach all morning!! 

 

I just love taking beach photos.  I could take a million!!  I think they are all just so precious!!

 

We had a great time making princess castles...........

..........and finding shells! 

........and Splashing around!!

We met up with Daddy for lunch at the pool.  Then, naptime! 

 

Later that evening.........

.......we headed over to Turtle Krawls for the turtle races & dinner!!!

Kendall LOVES the turtle races! 

.....watching closely!

We had the winning number again.  So, Kendall got to pick a key!  Our key didn't win the big jackpot.  But, it's still fun to try!

Then, I had another celebrity spotting....Billy Currington.  I took a picture of him from afar.  He was having dinner with family/friends. So, I was trying to not disturb them.   Apparently he wasn't thrilled with the attention and got up from the table and left.  he he! 

Another fun day in Key West!!

Key West Day 6: Thanksgiving Day!!

Kendall wanted to run around and take more pictures in front of statues again!  So, that's what we did. 

Kendall & Mommy on Turkey Day!!

Then, we grabbed lunch before picking up Nana & Grandy from the airport. 

Getting ready for our Thanksgiving dinner!  My sweet family of three!!

That night we had a really nice dinner at Lattitudes, on the island.

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving with our sweet family!

Key West Day 5

Day 5 was another relaxing, low-key day in Key West.  We got dressed and grabbed lunch at Turtle Crawl. 

Kendall LOVES posing in the front of the restaurant. 

Then, we walked around  a little and hit up the toy store. 

Kendall could stay in there all day if we'd let her! 

We spent that evening on the island just hanging out and relaxing!  Another great day!

Key West Day 4!

Day 4 was much better than Day 3.  We hung out, walked around Key West, and shopped! Kendall had a blast at the Margaritaville gift shop.

Later that day we took the golf cart out for a little spin.

Then, we were back to Key West.  We snapped some cute pics on the boat.

Watching for the pirate ships!! 

Then, we were off to Mallory Square to enjoy the Sunset Celebration.....and the crazy cat man.  Yes, that's a cat jumping through a ring of fire!

Then, we were off to Margaritaville to eat dinner! 

It was a great, relaxing day in Key West!

Key West Day 3

As if our trip hadn't been a load of excitement already, on our third day there Kendall woke up with a nasty cough.   We were really worried that she would get worse and being stuck on an island with a sick kid, didn't sound like a lot of fun.  So,we decided to take her to a local clinic.  (A little side note: For those of you that don't know, you can only leave the island every hr or 1/2 hour.  So, if you miss the boat, you have to wait another 30 minutes to catch the next one. ) So, after searching online we found a local clinic.   I look at the time and I have all of 5 minutes to catch the boat.  So, I grab shoes, goldfish, a video game, and car keys.  Then, I pick up Kendall and run, carrying my little 30 lb. princess.  ha!  I'm sure it was an interesting site for all!! We get there as the boat was about to pull away and they stopped for us!  Thank goodness!!  Here's a picture of just how pathedic we looked!  No make up, hair's not done!  But, we made the boat! ha!

So, we get to the clinic and walk in.......  It was dirty and there were some not-so-nice looking clients there.  It was shady, to say the least!  (Is that awful of me to say?) So, we quickly left and found a good, clean clinic. We waited for almost 2 hours.  Thank goodness for video games and goldfish crackers!  Once we saw a Dr, she was great.  Kendall's ear was red and it looked as if she was beginning to get an ear infection.  So, they prescribed an antibiotic and cough meds.  Needless to say, our morning  in Key West was an interesting one, for sure!

 

After naps, we were ready to get out and do something.  So, we got showered and headed off to Key West.

We got to see the beautiful sunset.......

Kendall sure wasn't acting like she felt bad.  She wanted to pose in front of more statues!

Her and her Daddy were having too much fun!

Miss Priss!

We just grabbed dinner and walked around a little bit.  It was nice to get out and do something fun! :)

Key West Day 2!

Kendall & I both slept in a little, had breakfast, and then were ready to hit up the beach!! It was a nice and breezy out.......great day to be at the beach!

I think Kendall was trying to make a lake, on the beach.  She filled up her pail a million times!

Happy Girl!!

We played in the sand for a good while, looked for shells, and then went to the pool for a while. 

Kendall & I got dressed and grabbed lunch at my favorite place, Sloppy Joes. 

Then, we were back to the island for naptime!!  After naps, we spent 2 hours going from boat, to car, to grocery store, shopped, back to the car, to the boat, and back to the island.  Hauling groceries onto an island is quite the ordeal.  ha!  Maybe It just felt that way since I had Kendall with me. ha! 

 

Then, we were back on the boat to wait for Jimmy!!!  His flight was a little late.  Kendall wanted to take pictures with anything and everything that would stand still.  So, that's what we did while we waited for him!

Kendall was all cuddled up with the statues.   She insisted on taking a picture with all of them.  :). 

My little, sweet, and innocent child had no idea where she was putting her hands. ha! 

Just hanging out........waiting on Daddy! 

Once Jimmy arrived, we grabbed dinner and headed back to Nana's. We were all tired and ready for bed!  But, really glad to have Jimmy with us!  Vacation just isn't the same without Daddy there!!  :)

Key West Advendtures!!

Our Key West trip turned out to be quite the adventure this year!  First off, Kendall started running a 103 fever 2 days before our trip.  So, a quick trip to the Dr. was a must!  Her Dr. seemed to think that it was nothing and that she'd be fine.  Then, Jimmy's Uncle was admitted into the hospital.   So, Jimmy flew out Friday night, to Mississippi, to spend time with his Uncle and family.  So, that meant that Kendall & I were Key West bound alone.  Jimmy was WONDERFUL and hired us a driver.  The driver picked us up at 5:30 Am and took us to the airport. From there, the curbside attendant took my suitcase & carseat.  So, that meant that I only had to tote around the stroller, backpack (with laptop & Dvd player), My big purse, camer bag, and Kendall.  It was still a lot.  But, totally manageable!  Kendall & I wizzed through security (We travel enough that we have it down to a science now!) and were on our way........

When we landed in Tampa, Kendall was more than ready to burn off some steam in the playroom!  We had a 4 hour lay over.  But, were able to get on an earlier flight, luckily!! Woo Hoo!

Once we got to Key West, we got a taxi immediately and headed over to the boat.  From there, I guess I looked totally helpless with a suitcase, stroller, carseat, 3 other bags, and a cranky toddler because everyone was more than willing to offer a hand!  Ha! 

Kendall & I finally got everything to Nana's house. While I was unpacking,   She was entertained with some of Nana's Fantasy Fest beads.........

It was getting late, so we headed over to Key West in search of  Toys &  Pizza......Kendall's request!

After some pizza & ice cream we were both ready to crash!  What a busy day! 

Key West, Day 2 agenda..........

1. Take pictures with something other than my phone

2.  Enjoy the BEACH!!!

Tea Party!!!

Kendall has been eyeing this tea set that's been at the top of her closet for years now.  I was waiting until she was old enough to use it. I think her Grammy bought it for her before she was even born. ha!   Isn't it precious?

So, to earn this special tea party, my picky eater had to eat GOOD for 7 Days!  It took much longer than 7 days to earn.  But, she did it!  She earned 21 stickers and had her VERY FIRST REAL TEA PARTY!!

She was very excited about the tea party.  We bought special Christmas cookies, snacks, and all kinds of fun treats to have.   I don't think she's ever been more excited to fill up her plate full of goodies!

She wanted to wear her special Alice dress to the tea party!

She LOVED getting to pour the tea (water.....her request)....

I think we went through 2 pots of water!

She had so much fun!  I think the tea party went on for close to 1 1/2 hours!  It was a lot of fun! I'm sure we will be having more, in the near future!!

She's already asked for a 2nd sticker chart, to start earning her next tea party!

Walk by Faith 5K Run!!

After Nana & Grandy's visit.......

The next morning was the Walk by Faith 5K Fun Run.  We've done it every year (last year Jimmy ran alone since I was sick).  It's for a great cause and really close to our house.  So, we enjoy doing it each year.  This year Jimmy signed Kendall up to do the 1K run (a little under 1 mile run).   Nana & Grandy were there.  So, they watched Kendall while Jimmy & I ran the 5K. Then, Kendall got to run in her little race with Daddy!

 

Kendall was really excited to get to wear a number like the other big kids! 

Getting all pumped up to run!! 

Jimmy was giving Kendall a little pep talk before the race. 

Most of the kids were much older than her. (Little did I know, You were "suppose" to be 5 years old to enter the race. Ha!)

Kendall is on the far left side, in the back. You can probably see Jimmy in the black shirt.

And they're off..........

........and here they come!!

Kendall heard us cheering for her and she started running straight towards me.  I kept yelling, "keep going, keep going to the finish line!".  It was really so cute!  I've never seen her smile so big!  I could tell that she was REALLy proud of herself!

Kendall did a GREAT job!  She finished in 7 minutes 30 seconds!

She got a special ribbon when she finished the race!

Look at those precious red cheeks!

She was telling us how fast she was running.  She likes to pretend to be reading her running watch, just like Daddy!

We were all so proud of her!

Nana & Grandy came to visit!

Nana & Grandy came over a few weekends ago to watch the big BAMA game & grill out.  

Nana surprised Kendall with some new boots........just like the ones her friend Cady has! 

Funny story..........So, Cady walks into dance class with these adorable leopard print boots.  Kendall notices them and all of a sudden wants some boots.  I had to go to Old Navy to look for some school pants for her anyway, so we check out the boots.  They didn't have the leopard ones (only available online).  But, they had these bright purple ones that said, "LOVE" down the side of them, that Kendall REALLY wanted.  I'm so not the fashion queen or trendy in any way.  But, I wasn't about to let her wear some purple boots, no matter how cool or trendy they may be.  So, we settled for some brown ones that have little flowers down the side.  Ha!  I just thought the entire ordeal was funny.  Is my child really 4 years old and already trying to keep up with her trendy friends?  he he!  What is High School gonna be like? Lord Help me now!!  Luckily Nana jumped to our rescue and ordered Kendall the boots online! She is now part of the cool club again..... he he!  I'm totally joking!  I'm a sucker for animal prints too!  So, I was all for it!

Kendall wanted to show Nana all of her shells that she got in Pensacola.....

Then, we just hung out while Jimmy made dinner on the grill. 

It was a fun, relaxing night!!

Thanks Nana, for the boots, Kendall loves them! 

Halloween NIGHT!!!

Kendall wanted to wear her Alice dress again.  She was super excited to go trick-or-treating on our street!! 

Rylie was our first trick-or-treater!!  

Jimmy decided to stay at the house and hand out candy.....since I bought so much!  So, Kendall & I went trick-or-treating, to a few houses, with Rylie and her Mommy (and baby sister). 

Kendall & I went to a few more houses and then headed home. 

There weren't a lot of people handing out candy this year.  So, we went back home and visited with our neighbors for a while. It was a fun night!!

Halloween Party at School!

Kendall wanted to wear her Alice costume to her school Halloween party.  After months of talking about being a pirate princess, we were a little shocked.  But, she does make an ADORABLE Alice.  So, no complaints here! 

Kendall was excited to go to the Halloween party.  When we got there, they did a little parade out onto the playground.  Then, they had them stand in the heat WAY TOO LONG to try and get pictures of each class.  So, I snapped pictures while we waited!

Then, we all went inside for snacks!

It was a fun little get together!

 

Kendall is still getting adjusted, making new friends, and learning all of the kids names.  So, she's not 100% comfortable there yet.  But, we're getting there!

Dance Class......Halloween!!

Kendall's little friends all dressed up cute for dance class the week of Halloween. They all were being super silly for pictures.....

Then, they did a dance and let the Mommies in to watch.

Me & My little pumpkin!!

Group pictures too!

Fun class!  Kendall really loves her dance class!

Yogi Bear Camping!!

We took Kendall camping at Jellystone Park a few weeks ago.  It was SO MUCH FUN!  I ran to the bathroom for two minutes and came back to find this...........

Apparently Kendall & her Daddy had already hit up the gift shop! ha!

We walked around for a little bit and took some pictures.....

They had a little cafe at the pool.......

.......and this cool water park! (This is only a small part of the water park.  There were some HUGE water slides.)

Then, Kendall got to meet Yogi Bear.

Then, we were off to check out our cabin.

We grabbed dinner and just hung out in our cabin......enjoying our fireplace!!  It was a nice relaxing night!!

 

The next morning we were up and ready to spend the day at Jellystone!  But, first.......some cute pics in front of our cabin!

Kendall talked her Daddy into buying her another toy........Cindy Bear!

We took a few pictures while waiting for the morning ceremony to begin!

They do the morning pledge at the flag pole.......

......then, you get to meet Yogi Bear!!

After that we were off to play Putt-putt!

A little celebration dance going on.......

We went to check out the craft center.  But, it was packed.  So, we decided to come back later!

Then, Kendall got to plant her magical pumpkin seed, in a special pumpkin patch!

Then, we got to ride on a fun hayride!  It was a first for Kendall.  She loved it! 

After the hayride, we went back to the craft center to paint some pottery.  Kendall & her Daddy painted a pumpkin & black cat.  I painted Kendall a Yogi Bear Christmas ornament for her tree. 

I didn't take a lot of pictures because I was too busy painting the front & BACK of the ornament.  I'm a perfectionist when it comes to crafts.  So, it took me forever!!  But, isn't it cute??

Kendall got to meet Cindy Bear........

Off to pick up our Magical Pumpkin that we planted!

Kendall was excited to see that in just a few hours, her pumpkin GREW!! Just like M-A-G-I-C!

She got to paint her pumpkin too....

That evening, we grabbed some food at the little cafe.  Jimmy snapped a few pictures of us.......

That night they had trick-or-treating around the campgrounds.  Kendall wanted to be Princess Aurora! 

The trick-or-treating was so much fun.  EVERYONE went all out with decorating their cabins, rv's, tents, etc.  We all enjoyed it! 

We had to pose with Papa Smurf. He was really the nicest man and was more than happy to let us take a picture with him. 

Kendall had so much fun and got SO MUCH CANDY!!  It was a really fun weekend. 

 

Boo Zoo!

We took Kendall to the Boo Zoo a few weeks ago.  She was super excited to get to wear her pirate princess costume!

How cute is she??

They had little games set up for the kids to play.....

Kendall was having too much fun with her Daddy!

We were able to watch a fun Dora 3D movie there......

Then, we rode the carousel. 

We had a great morning at the Zoo!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

Mark this down as a first, ever!  I only took Kendall to the pumpkin patch one time this year (Her field trip doesn't count.)!  Shocker, I know!!!!  We didn't make it to our neighborhood pumpkin patch and we are staying super busy with school, dance, & swim lessons.  So, our trips to the pumpkin patch were few!  But, the picture are all precious!  So, I'm not upset by missing out on the fun fall festivities this year! 

Kendall & I met some of her friends there.  Cady & Kendall immediately began running around! 

Before Kendall got too hyped up, I made her pose for some cute pictures!

She's a hoot and started getting all posey posey for me!

She's a pro at this now!!

Can these get any cuter?? 

The girls were TOO CUTE together!!

They ran around for a good while and then hit up the maze......

Then, the girls played with the golf  tees and pumpkins.  I'm always so worried that Kendall's gonna hurt herself with the big mallet.  :(

Rylie arrived and the girls got so excited!!  We tried to get some quick group pictures since it was windy and getting cold!!

The girls were really being super silly.....including my little pumpkin!

 

Sweet girls!!

The girls had a blast!

 

More of my cutie pie!!

After the pumpkin patch we headed to Fudruckers to grab lunch and celebrate Rylie's b-day.

Rylie opened her birthday gifts and the girls all plopped down on the floor to check them out. 

Nana met us there.  Now that Kendall's in school, our lunch dates with Nana are few.  So, she wanted to join in on the fun too! 

The pumpkin patch was a lot of fun & we really enjoyed getting to spend time with Nana & our friends! 

First Field Trip!!

Kendall went on her first field trip, her second day of school (10/13/11).  I was able to go with her, which I LOVED!! I took a TON of pictures, as you can imagine.  So, be prepared for a play-by-play of our day!  he he!

 

Walking in a line........(This was new for her!)

 

On a school bus..........another first!!

I even got to ride the school bus with her!  Such fun!!

At the pumpkin patch.....

In this picture......

1.  The little boy in front of her, Santiago, is the sweetest little boy you'll ever meet.  He's super shy.  But, apparently he's befriended Kendall and told his Mommy all about "The new girl" in school.  Kendall said that he was her friend too! 

 

2.  The little boy behind her, Hollis, is the kid that we heard all about her first day of school.  Apparently they played together on the playground and he "likes" her.  Jimmy told her that she wasn't allowed to have a boyfriend until she's 25.  So, she talks about him all the time. But, keeps her distance! ha!

The kids heard a story read first. 

Then, they got to plant pumpkin seeds.

They played some fun bean bag games next!

......and washers.

Then, they all got to pick out a pumpkin.

They gave them snacks and read another story.  Then, we attempted to get a group picture! HA ha HA!  My child would be the one on the front row, pouting!  Yep, she wasn't happy.  The little boy next to her was standing too close to her......and she was just exhausted (still adjusting to getting up 2 hours earlier!).  Ha!

So, after threatening her, we have a smile!  (She's on the second row).

It was a fun, fun little field trip.  I'm so glad that I was able to go with her!

 

 

Preschool!!

Kendall started preschool last month.  I know I already blogged about her first day. But, here are a few more pictures from her first few weeks of school!  BTW- she's loving it there! 

 

Week 1: First Day of Preschool!

Second day of Preschool......on the bus, leaving for a field trip!

 

Week 2:

Week 3: 

Heading to our first Open House!!

Week 4: 

Kendall's really loving school! 

4 year Professional Pics!

Here are just a few of the really cute pictures we had taken last month.  I can't believe our little angel is 4!!  

More Birthday Fun & Playtime with Grammy & Pawpaw

More Birthday Fun......

After Kendall's birthday party & nap, it was time for her to open more gifts from Grammy & Pawpaw.  I think Grammy & Pawpaw purchased every Strawberry shortcake toy that you can find in stores and Santa & Santa's helper (Grammy) has ordered her the rest!  (SPOILED ROTTEN.....is all I have to say!)

Hugs for Grammy & Pawpaw!

Thanks Grammy & Pawpaw for all of the great toys!!

 

More playtime pics....... 

These are just some cute pictures I took the weekend before.

LOVE THESE.....

 

The BIG 4TH BIRTHDAY party!!

Kendall had a wonderful 4th Birthday party.  We had it at the same place that we've had her parties at the last 2 years.  I debated on having it at several other places.  But, she just wanted to run around and play with her friends, it's nearby, and everyone always enjoys it.  Plus, they do all of the work.  So, it was a win-win, again!!

We snapped a few pictures before the guests arrived!  Kendall was really excited that Grammy & Pawpaw came in town for her party. :)

Kendall's friends started arriving.  She was SO EXCITED to see them!

 

The girls were so cute on the beam............so serious!!

Kendall's sweet, sweet family!! 

I had to get one of Mom & I too.....

Kendall was off having too much fun!!

All of the cute kiddos!!

Kendall really had a great time with all of her friends!

 Kendall & Nana were having a lot of fun with the flying lizards and insects!!!

Cheering away.....

 They were busy loading up with treasures!!

Then it was parachute time.........

We all got under the parachute! 

Gotta love the grandparents (& parents) for being good sports about it all! 

 

Then, it was time for presents, pizza, and cake!!!

Kendall loved getting to open up all of her presents with her friends! 

The kids all enjoyed the pizza.....

Then, it was time to sing and eat some cake & ice cream!!  But, a few pictures with THE BIRTHDAY GIRL first!!

The cake......

It was so pretty.  I just loved how it turned out.....and SO YUMMY!!

Singing Happy Birthday to Kendall........

YUM YUM!!

It was time to hand out the goodie bags and head home!  Here are the party favors this year.  Kendall & I had so much fun putting them together!  It's one of our favorite things about the party!  he he!

Sweet Hugs!

A  little last minute playtime before heading home!

It was time to say Good-bye to everyone, including Nana & Grandy....

Kendall was so tired!  I think these pictures are just the sweetest!!

It was such a great birthday party.  Kendall had a great time and we all got to spend a fun morning with family & friends!

 

Happy Halloween!!

Wow, what a great & super busy month October has been.  We've celebrated Kendall's Birthday with friends & family, Kendall started school and attended her first FIELD trip to a pumpkin patch, we visited another pumpkin patch with friends,  have been busy with dance & swim classes, enjoyed Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo, and even spent a weekend trick-or-treating & camping with Yogi Bear.  It's been a great month!  I know with the upcoming holidays, things won't slow down. But, I promise to keep posting pics here.....even if I am a month behind! 

 

I hope you all have a wonderful and Happy Halloween!!

Charoltte's B-day Party

Kendall's friend, Charlotte, had her birthday party the weekend before Kendall's.  Kendall's Grammy & Pawpaw were in town.  So, Grammy came with us, to the party, and the guys went fishing, at Nana & Grandy's house.  They caught a lot.......But, Kendall wasn't about to touch one! :)

Kendall was really excited to see all of her friends.  We had been out of town a lot the past month.  So, it had been a while!!  She had fun playing croquet with Raegan.......

.......and swinging with Owen

She was excited to get to play with Rylie too.......

They all ran around, having so much fun!!

Kendall took a little break, and hung out with Grammy, while her friends ate dinner. 

Then, it was cake time!!   Happy Birthday, Charlotte!!

Birthday HUGS!!

Group Hugs!!  So sweet!

When it was time to go, the girls started acting silly, as always!!  Ring around the Rosey!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Charlotte!  We had a great time!!

The Week of September 28th!!

You know how I like to drag out the celebrations as long as possible.  Well, Kendall feels the exact same way!  Kendall's actual birthday was a lot of fun!  The day before, she had swim lessons.  So, I  made her a special swimsuit to wear........

........and she sure wasn't short on the presents.  I think  she had presents showing up daily! (Thanks to everyone that sent gifts!  We appreciate it so much!!)

She also had her 4 year old, well-check appointment.  She had to get 4 shots, which was no fun! Her stats are: 33 lbs and she's 39.25 inches tall.....about 40% for both.

She also did a vision and hearing screening.  Her vision is perfect.......and she was too weirded out by the big earphones to take the hearing test.  Ha!  They said it's totally normal for the little ones to not be able to complete the hearing test.  So, we decided to skip that one.  :).  I did get a picture of her taking her vision test.  How cute is this?? 

September 28th, the BIG DAY,  she woke up to a big surprise......... lots of presents!  I let her open one that morning! 

Then,  I took her to the movies to see Dolphin Tale.  She's been asking to go see it ever since we saw the previews in July. 

Kendall & I both loved it.  It was a really great family movie!! After the movie, we decided to check out the new cupcake place in town. 

It's not nearly as good as Sprinkles.  THANK GOODNESS!!  It might be dangerous having a REALLY good cupcake place nearby! ha! 

Kendall licked off some of the icing and then we tossed the rest.  It was a fun birthday stop.  But, I doubt we'll be back! :)

After the cupcakes it was nap time.  So, we headed home.  Later that night, Kendall requested birthday brownies for dessert.  So, we made some together.  She LOVES helping in the kitchen.......especially when she gets to lick the spoon!

CHEESE!!!!

After dinner (Johnny Carrino's......her absolute favorite restaurant!) and a bath, it was finally time to open her gifts!  She wanted a LOT of things for her Birthday.  But, her two specific requests were a "Smurfit" doll and "Rapunzel Table".  So, she was excited to see that she got a "Smurfit!".......

She also got a Jessie Costume......

A ton of Strawberry Shortcake toys, lip gloss, fingernail polish, books, movies....

Mimi & Poppi sent her a Barbie & Gift Card.....

 

Grammy also hooked her up with a ton of gifts & gift cards!  Gotta love that!! 

After Kendall was done opening all of her gifts, we asked her if we forgot anything.  She quietly replied, "My Rapunzel Table".  Then, Jimmy snuck around the corner with this huge box.  She was SO EXCITED!!

She was SO EXCITED to get her Rapunzel table. She's been asking for one for MONTHS!!!!

It was a great little birthday celebration!  Her big birthday party was a few weeks after her actual B-day.  So, more Birthday pictures will be coming soon!!