We LOVE Santa!!!

Okay, I don't know how many of you know about the Santa at Northpark Mall in Dallas, but he really is the best!!! Just to give you an idea, we got our number to see him yesterday at 11:30 in the morning, and we actually got to see him last night at about 7:00. Now, I know that sounds crazy - well, it is, I guess - but we've seen this Santa every year since we've been in Texas, so it's totally tradition. Plus, Laney is really into spotting "fakes", and she knows if there really is a Santa, this has to be him. I mean, he does story time with the kids (I mean great stories), he looks JUST right, he's so great with the kids... Anyway, yesterday after we got our number, we actually ate lunch at the mall, did a little shopping, drove home (abt. 30 or 40 min.) to Rockwall, rested, drove back to the mall, shopped a little, saw Santa, ate dinner at the mall, and drove home. It was crazy - but totally worth it to see Laney and Miller's faces as they climbed onto Santa's lap. They both had their lists written out for him. Laney wrote hers and Miller dictated his to Laney for her to take down for him. We gave Hadley to Santa to hold after Lane and Mil were situated and they got their picture made. Then he handed Had back to us and visited with Lane and Mil. Laney went first reading her list very carefully to Santa as she wrapped her arm around his neck. So darling. And then big man was up. As you'll see in the last photo, he took his finger and guided it along the page slowly as he "read" his list, too. He stumbled a bit and mixed a few things up, but Santa chimed in to help him read. All the while, Laney is cracking up at how cute her brother is trying to read his list like she did. For a moment, there was brother/sister bliss - no arguing or yelling at one another, no aggravating or patronizing, no pushing or tripping... just peace, there on Santa's lap!

Sweet baby Hadley is 3 months old!!! You can't tell from this photo, but she is the smiliest, happiest baby ever. We are all in love with her. She is such a precious gift from the Lord. She went for a 3 month (really late 2 month) appmt. last week, and she weighs 13.8 pounds now and is 23 1/2 inches long. Now the funny thing about that length is that it is the same length Miller was when he was BORN!!! He was actually 23 1/2 inches when he came into the world. Anyhoo, Hadley Kate is cooing and almost chuckling out loud now. She tries to talk back to you when you talk to her...so precious. Her most favorite songs right now are "Away in a Manger", which Miller LOVES to sing her, and "Santa Baby", which I LOVE to sing her. Both get major giggles and coos and big, big smiles with that crinkled-up nose!!

Our little Picasso

Laney had her first art show last Saturday! It was so cute. The art show actually took place at The Donut Palace here in Rockwall....all of the students' artwork covered the walls, and there were, of course, donuts to munch as you admired the art!! So fun. The first photo is of Laney with her painting "Mountain Sunset", and the one below is her magazine mosaic "Down on the Farm". She was so proud for us all to see her work. She LOVES art. Miller is actually following in her footsteps and is hoping Santa will bring him art lessons like "Naney" has... It was a fun time, and we are so proud of our "Bird"!!

Home sweet home

We just rolled in from the big G tonight, and everyone is asleep except for me! It was a great trip home, and we got to spend some time with lots of loved ones. It was definitely a super long drive, but totally worth the effort to see all those we love so dearly!! I wish that I had pictures of everyone we got to see - I guess I was just enjoying visiting so much that I forgot to get my camera out... I do have pics of our kiddos with some of their favorite friends back home (Reeves, Charlie, Hayden, and Lilly) and some pics of Hadley meeting her great grandmother for the first time (Jay's grandma). Thank you Aunt Libby for letting us stay with you while we were in town and for all you did for the kiddos while we were there!! We are so thankful for a wonderful trip and safe travel back to Rockvegas...

Sweet babies

Laney's new do!!

So long Selfs...

Our precious, precious friends, the Selfs, are moving on... I cannot imagine what seminary life for us would have looked like without their family. They are finishing up here in Dallas this semester (Jeremy has a few more classes that he will fly back for or do online next semester), and moving to Austin where they will plant Free Chapel. We are so excited for them, and so sad for us!!!!!!! I am absolutely certain that our families will always be close, but I will miss them living close by more than words can say. Ashley has been such a part of my life for these past few years - my dear, dear friend. Our kids love each other so much, and I know will miss each other so much. They really are kind of like brothers and sisters. So, Selfs, we love you more than we can express and will miss you like CRAZY!!!!! Guess we'
ll have to drive to Austin the next time one of our kids has a birthday, because the Self boys make up the majority of the guests!!!!