Love Shack

Grandmama had planned to make a gingerbread house with Caroline and Jackson this past Christmas, but with all the wonderful business of Liam being born, they ran out of time. Last weekend, she very kindly gave us her supplies. We decided to buy red, white, and pink candy and make a Valentine-themed house. I think the kids did a great job decorating it, and, yes, I do affectionately refer to it as the Love Shack.

Snow and Sleep

We got almost 4 inches of snow in McKinney yesterday, which meant the return of our snowgal, Crystal Icicle! Brian and the kids had a blast playing in the powdery flakes, while Mommy kept Liam toasty and snug inside the house and whipped up hot chocolate to warm fingers, noses, and toesies when they came back inside.

Caroline: "Mommy, is this a blizzard?"

Me: "Well, for Texas, yes."

Two sections done... time for a hot chocolate break

Crystal Icicle is here once again! Time for some more hot chocolate...

And because Liam deserves to be seen in this post, here are a few photos of him doing something he loves: sleeping!

All snuggled up on Aunt Becca's quilt!



I love that he's worked his arm out of his swaddle...so cute


Look at those lips!

Liam is here!!

Our favorite gift this year arrived on Christmas Eve! William Dale Peacock was born on 12/24/2010 at 5:57 p.m. He weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. He is a beautiful baby, and Caroline and Jackson adore him! Brian and I feel greatly blessed.

Here's Liam getting the once-over by Dr. Ely.

He's such a handsome boy!

Liam has one proud Daddy

There are just no words to describe holding your new baby in your arms...

Here's Liam in the arms of the world's best big sister ever!

And here's Jackson not quite sure what it's all about (that changed as soon as we made it home...he now thinks that Liam is the funniest thing he's ever seen)

Getting cozy with Granddad...

Showing Grandmama just how big he can yawn.

Liam evened the gender score of PaPa's great grandchildren...the count is now 2 girls and 2 boys

Lollipops

How should a 4-year-old girl, who is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new baby brother, make the time pass a little more quickly? By making marshmallow lollipops, of course!

Not only are they delicious, I think they turned out very pretty... Caroline did a wonderful job.

Fall Fun Day

Fall Fun Day is one of Caroline's favorite days of the school year. Jackson and I headed to class with her this morning where we were served donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate. Yum-yum.

Caroline made quite an adorable Alice in Wonderland.

Jackson's a smart boy...he headed to the kitchen to see what the girls were cooking up.

On Monday, Caroline's class carved a jack-o-lantern. They picked the seeds out of the pumpkin and "planted" them in the grass behind the school. This morning the seeds had "grown" into a pumpkin patch. Caroline picked a huge one to decorate.

Her class - dressed up and decked out!

Here is Caroline in art class drawing a cat. They worked with pastels this morning.

Their assignment was to replicate the witch and cat faces (which were 3 dimensional) on paper. So, here is Caroline showing off her witch drawing. I think she did a fantastic job!

While Caroline was in art class, Jackson got to play at the train table.

He even got to play at recess... I think he's hooked on school :o)

Spidey Cakes

Many thanks to Diane for giving the kids these super cute spider leg cupcake holders. She very sweetly gave us three, so that Mini-We #3 won't be left out in the future. We made a batch of fudge cupcakes this morning and then had a fabulous time turning them into spidey friends! Sorry that the pics aren't as high-quality as usual...Brian has the "good" camera in London right now, and I have yet to perfect my photo taking skills with our other one. :o)

Yesterday

I snapped a ton of photos yesterday between Jackson getting his toddler bed and the bridal shower we threw at Mom's house, but here are two of my favorites...

Brian and Jackson assembled the bed. Caroline helped me dress it. As soon as it was ready, Jackson snuggled in, and we thought he'd never get out!

Caroline rode in a mini-van full of balloons to Brittany's shower.