Tacky Sweater Party!

I decided this year that we would start a new tradition in Hope, thanks to an idea from my sweet sister. We had a Tacky Christmas sweater party at our house for several couples. Since it was the first year I didn't know what to expect but everyone played along well and it was definitely a great starting point for next year. I had even gotten the idea from the Internet to set up a cheesy background for pictures of the couples like an old junior high backdrop, so I think everyone worked it pretty well! I wasn't as sure though about how everyone would feel about being posted on the blog so I am just including some of the highlights of the evening and a few of those who I figured wouldn't kill me for posting their pics!

The host and hostess for the evening. I am disappointed in the picture it doesn't show the full picture on the sweater of the Santa driving the taxi. I also had on two of Addie's huge bows, a necklace and earrings that flashed and awesome red booties so the photos don't do it justice.

Jodie said this was the most comfortable she had been coming to a party and I would have to agree that it was a great feeling to "not get ready for a party"

Mitch's button read "official mistletoe tester" and the singing golfing Santa on his tie was pretty cool too. The best though was the pants he and Ronnie were sporting, they both had Santa etched all over them, sweeeet!

Tonja and John definitely get an honorable mention the sweater was very festive and the big collar on her shirt underneath brings back some great memories for me, I unfortunately remember wearing those myself back in the day.

Amy really took it to heart and worked it well in the tutu and apron, not to mention John's sweater.

These guys won the big grand prize! Well it wasn't that big, but an honor they will never forget I'm sure. (Sorry guys I hope you don't care I posted this but the winners had to be given there 15 seconds of fame!)

Jodi and Trevor rocking the v neck.

Most of the girls from the party.

Christmas at the Zoo!

Mitch and I decided to take Addie Blaire to the zoo for a Christmas program I had heard about from a friend. It worked out great because I was already in Little Rock that Friday night hanging out with friends so Mitch brought her up on Saturday for the zoo and we all spent the night with Aunt T and Uncle B at their house. The program was great! I have told everyone about it, so I am really glad we went. They started of the afternoon with Santa in this beautiful lodge room. The kids got to eat cookies and milk with Santa. This worked out great for us because Santa even sat at our table with Addie Blaire and she got to talk to him one on one. I think this is what really made the difference this year for her, last year she was kicking and screaming literally in the picture and this year she said in his lap for several minutes telling him all about the necklaces she wanted for Christmas!! (news to me.) I was so glad she had time to get to know him without just trying to throw on his lap, which apparently doesn't work for her. After that the kids got to pet several animals as you will see in the pictures. They brought in a big bird (not familiar with my types of birds sorry), a ferret, a possum, and a turtle that all the kids got to pet and play with inside. She really thought that was cool. After we finished our cookies Santa got on a golf cart and the kids chased him all over the zoo delivering presents to all the animals. It was so cute to see them all chasing after him. The gorillas were my favorite, but the elephants were pretty neat to see too!! Christmastime is here again, I just love it!

Hanging out with the big jolly guy!!

She wasn't too sure about this little critter at first but she warmed up to him quickly.

No need to worry the bird was actually resting on the caretaker's arm, but it made for a great picture!

Eating some cookies and milk with Santa.

Warming up in front of the fireplace, it was so cold that day.

I just love to catch a good profile picture of her next to each of us because we still can't figure out who she looks more like. Feel free to cast your votes!!! Can you also see the excitement in her eyes, that is what it is all about much better than any presents this year!

The elephants held up there feet and then stomped on their presents. They got some hay which didn't take the long to handle.

The best way to travel through the zoo.

This was the momma gorilla chomping down on her present. I loved watching the gorillas the most because they are so human like when opening theirs. The baby grabbed his and took off with it, the mom carefully unwrapped hers, while the dad just ripped into his. (kinda like at our house!)

We stayed the night with my sister and it turned out to be a great night because they were having their luminaries that night and it was gorgeous out there around the lake in their neighborhood. Although Mitch might beg to differ because he got suckered in by Bracy into helping light them. All work and no play, poor guy!

Aunt T has some pretty cool stuff laying around!

Aunt T bought Addie Blaire a gingerbread house kit, pretty nicely decorated for a 2 yr. old.

The group of friends that got together (minus Jill) at Cantina Laredo for dinner and then we spent the night at Jess's house. It was alot of fun reliving the old times, how can that still be so much fun after all this year's, but somehow each time we get together new stores are told and old ones seem even more funny then before.

Posing in front of our Christmas tree.

Waiting for the Christmas parade to begin.

The Portable North Pole!!

My sister in law told me about this website where santa can speak to Addie blaire so I gave it a try. I have posted the link to the site. I think I did something wrong or because she has a double name it doesn't say her name at the beginning like it is supposed to, but it is still pretty cool!! Check it out.


http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/3573c4d83775a57d3d0b101c0ad5c610

It wouldn't be Christmas without the annual Bobo "elf Yourself " video. This year we stepped it up a bit and included a little song and dance number for your viewing pleasure!!

Thanksgiving!

We had a great Thanksgiving this year! We spent the majority of the week in Hope. It was our holiday here this year. We got to hang out with Brandee, Mark, and Mason and they even got to spend the night with us in the new house. It was fun to have company stay with us and we even had enough room for everyone a bed this time!! Big plus! We went to Mitch's aunt Becky's house for the day. It is always fun to get together with his big family and lots of talking and laughing always takes place. The kids all had a great time too, there are actually 6 of them under the age of six so they really like getting together to play! We left Thursday night and went to Arkadelphia to see my parents and grandmother. We were able to eat dinner with them and spend some time hanging out the next day also. Well, actually I take that back a little bit, I had to run Addie Blaire into the doctor because she had another ear infection and cough!! We actually did make it several months though without an ear infection this time!! Then I had to take Zoe into the vet, she had an infection also, so a few rounds of antibiotics for my girls later, we headed home. My friend Renee and her little girl Sallie stopped by for a visit and it was great to see how much she has grown since I saw her last. Addie Blaire loved getting to be the big girl for once also. On the way home, we stopped in Prescott and I got to see my friend, Melinda and meet her very sweet fiance also. We spent Saturday with G's family because she had to work on Thanksgiving day. So lots of food and a few pounds later, we went home happy!!

Mason and Addie Blaire showing the love!

These two really love each other, sometimes more of a tough love, but still love.

She loves her new boots that Nana got her. She likes the fact that I don't make her wear socks with them the most though!

Renee, Sallie, Addie and me (well the part of me that was awake for the picture, terrible, but the only one I had so I'm posting it!) Can you tell the kids had a few Cheetos before the picture??

On a side note, the plant in the picture is one at my mom's and every time we go to her house it is on another table where my mom keeps it, but for some reason it is the first thing that Addie goes to and she takes it and moves it to the coffee table and says "It's perfect!" It is so funny and so strange at the same time, I guess she just likes to decorate like her mom.

This was my grandmother's first Thanksgiving without my grandpa. I know this was a tough holiday for her as it was the rest of us, but I was so glad to have her spend it with us. I know Addie loves to see her and Joy of course (the little puppy in the picture.)

This is a major sucker from the doctor, I guess the louder you scream when they are checking you the bigger the sucker you get!!!

We tried rolling Addie's hair that day on my sister's old Caruso (?) curlers. She actually didn't mind it because my mom told her she would look like Curly Top so she was all for it. By the way, Curly top is Shirley Temple, my mom got her all those old movies and she loves them!!!

Thanksgiving day at the Bobo's.

Addie with Grandma Bobo

She did a little dance for everyone, always the performer. I wonder where she gets that from can we say D-A-D!!!

The horsey Grandma Bobo bought for the kids.

Hanging out with her cousins

I was trying to get her to pose for a picture with dear old mom, but for some reason that just wasn't her idea of fun...

nor did she want a family picture.....

.....or even one with the kiddos and Grandma. I think she was fed up with the camera by this point.

I guess I didn't get as many pictures with Nicki and Pop on Saturday, so wait til Christmas it will be your turn.

Giving Daddy a big kiss!




Mitch and Addie Blaire decorating the Christmas tree at church on Sunday.