Horsey

Babe and Pops got into town tonight! The kids were so excited they were here when we got in from school/work. After dinner – they were pretty fired up. So what does my mom do best before bed time – she fires them up more! Hence – a “game” of horsey.

Yes – this is my dad who’s not in the best health. Good thing she only weighs 21 pounds. But, wait…he’s not supposed to lift anything over 5 pounds. Well – the smiles on everyone's faces made it worth it. I think we are all just so thankful that this Thanksgiving he’s here with us and is able/capable of playing “rough and tumble.” A year ago – I wouldn’t have dreamed this was possible. Never doubt the power of God’s healing!

Babe and Pops finally got tired – so call in the backups!

Tomorrow is the day I’ve been looking forward to. Mom and I are going to cook, cook, cook! I missed her so much last year. Just not the same doing it without her. Hope not to have to do that again for many, many years to come!

Sunday Brunch

Before church, the kids had to get their color on!

Crawford drew another heaven (yes – may be time to stop the obsession).  But, the dude in the middle of the pic really does look like Jesus with his arms spread!

Conlee is Crawford’s parrot – so since he showed me his…

 

After church, Bo treated us to Common Grounds for brunch.  Remind me if I do a top 10 things I love about Fayetteville – this has to be on it!  It’s such a fun, relaxed, Funky Fayetteville vibe.  The kids of course were a hit all decked out in their “dress” clothes.  There was even a woman playing guitar and singing.  Conlee and Crawford would scream “yea!” and clap at the end of each song.

What could make Conlee smile so big…

      

…hot chocolate of course!

 

They each got some in their sippys.  The best part – spooning the whipped cream.

Trimming the Tree

I still can’t believe I’m doing/did this.  But, I’ve already got all of the trees up (yes there are 4 of them) and it’s not even Thanksgiving!  Last year my dad was in the hospital – so I decorated in advanced so it would be done.  Well, apparently the idea stuck – because I just wanted it up and done.  I want to relax over the holiday and not have the chore hanging over my head.

So, while there are poinsettias to buy and a few other last minute touches.  As I type this – the Garmon Gang is decked out in Christmas cheer.

After Con went to bed, Crawford got to help put a few ornaments on the “cheap” tree in den (aka – no Waterford on this baby)!  He loved it and it really got me excited for the holidays.  As the kids get older each year – it’s so much fun to experience through their eyes.

Doctor Will

Conlee was so excited to get to go to the dentist for the very first time.  Of course, if my dentist office looked like this – I might like to go too!  Conlee is one of those kids where at home – she might cry, pitch a fit, be a brat…but in public – she’s a star!  When they called her name, she jumped up and said, “Go brush teeth – yeeeaaahhh!”

Her favorite part – the shades!

 

Bo and I went to school with Doctor Will.  He is SOOO good with the kids.  He even was kind enough to give Conlee a Diego toothbrush (they had given her the pink Dora!).  That might be her favorite birthday gift by far.

Heaven

Crawford brought home a piece of artwork from school today.  Like many of his pictures – I assumed this was yet another baseball field and I almost threw it away.  Then, I decided to ask him what it was.  “It’s heaven.  See, there’s Lu-Lu and Wrigley.”  I could definitely tell there were 2 “people” at the top.  I asked who they were, “Mom, that’s God and that’s Santa.”  LOVE it!  Definitely laminating and framing.

Another version of heaven – my sweet little girl covered in chocolate thanks to a birthday treat from one of her teachers!

Conlee is pretty excited that tomorrow she gets to go to the dentist for the first time.  This is Crawford showing her how you lie down and say, “aaaahhhh!!!!”

Butterfly Party – the people

The party started at 2:30 – so I had to cut Con’s nap a bit short. Let’s just say – she was not in a good mood!

That is, until she got her a butterfly PB&J.

The McCain clan. It’s hard to put into words just how special today is. 1 year ago today, my mom and I noticed dad’s eyes were yellow. Fast forward through liver cancer, two major surgeries – and he’s here! So blessed and thankful to start this holiday season.

My entire family. So blessed.

The birthday girl.

Kylee making a butterfly.

Conlee sat forever coloring hers.

I loved that all of the moms jumped in to help with the butterflies.

Cole was the first up for face painting. If you live in NWA and need a face painter – message me. Aubrey was so good. In less than two minutes – the kids had masterpieces on their faces.

This is really all I wanted from the party – cute kids with butterfly eyes. I more than got my wish!

Oh how I love this one of her looking in the mirror.

She immediately ran to the mirror in Crawford’s room to check herself out!

Conlee and Cade - love it!

It was so funny that the boys drug out every car in Crawford’s room.

And the girls pulled out every baby doll.

Love Elle Bell playing the piano. With her eyes and boots – she looks like a true rocker.

Conlee put on her wings. How cute?

Mr. Jon and Bo enjoying some of the grub.

Cake time! I need to put the video on here. Conlee sang Happy Birthday at the top of her lungs!

“My candles.”

Love the pic below. My little girl.

And here it is – the Diego hat wins over the pretty homemade hat!

I desperately wanted a group photo and the parents did their best to help.

Girls vs. Boys.

Uncle Matt got her a new tricycle!

One detail from the previous post – the cups had her pics on them!

I still can’t believe how blessed we were to get such a gorgeous day. The kids had a blast playing out back.

The boys were in a full on tackle football game – supervised by Bo and Jon. They reported that at one time all 5 boys cried!

Cade checked out the work bench.

I tried to drag them in to open presents – but Conlee got a My Little Pony from Garon and wasn’t interested in opening another present.

So back outside we went!

Taylor got to come after her basketball practice.

One of my favorite pics.

Check out Tay’s glam butterfly!

Barrett, Bo and Crawford in an intense baseball game.

After everyone finally left at almost 6:00 – we got serious about opening presents.

She got AMAZING gifts. Thank you to everyone.

A few favorites. Amanda got her a Belle and G-Uggs (Gap Uggs). You know the way to this kids heart is shoes! Megan got her silk leopard pj’s. Is it bad that I want a pair?

All I can hope for is that our guests had 1/2 as much fun as we did! After all of the work, the party was literally fun!!!

Happy 2nd birthday Conlee! Your mom, dad and brother love you to pieces. You really do complete our family.