Christmas Tree

We were reminded by Aunt Jane that we hadn't posted any picture of our tree after we decorated it. So here it is:

Purple Party

Last Saturday we had Callie's birthday party. The theme was "purple" so all the girls dressed in purple, we had purple flowers, balloons, grape kool-aid, etc. Callie loves the color purple so we felt that it was appropriate. We played games with all her friends (pin the tail on the donkey, bean bag toss, and drop a clothes pin in a glass jar). After that we ate some food and Callie opened her presents. It was a fun party. Callie, before her party.

The Spread

Callie with her cupcakes (they were made into butterflies with m&ms and pretzels).
Callie and her friends eating
Maddux, Annie, Sophie, Callie, Evey, and Lucy
Video of us singing happy birthday: Pin the tail on the donkey:

A few of the latest of Coleman

Holidazzle Parade

Every year in Minneapolis they have a parade that runs every night throughout the Christmas season. Lots of Minneapolis residents participate in the parade. They had lots of cool floats: Wizard of Oz, Hansel and Gretel, Peter Pan (Callie's favorite), and of course Santa Claus. All 4 of us bundled up and braved the 20 degree weather to watch this parade. Callie enjoyed herself while we watched the floats, but she was miserable for the two block walk back to the car.

First Real Snow

We had our first snow of the season a week ago. Callie got real excited to go out and play in it. We built snowmen: And I taught her how to make a snow angel: Coleman didn't make a trip out into the snow yet. We'll probably wait until next year.

Thanksgiving and 1 month photo

I think this first picture of Coleman is before Thanksgiving. I can't remember. I just like it because I think his outfit is cute!

Aunt Laura came to visit us for Thanksgiving. It was fun to have her here and see her meet Coleman and play with Callie. Wish she could have stayed even longer.


This is the most recent picture of Coleman and Callie. I took it yesterday on his one month birthday. Can't believe he's one month already!

Similarities?

So, do you all think these two look at all alike? Can you tell which one is Callie and which is Coleman? Sorry that one of these pictures is grainy looking. Scroll down for the answer.



The first picture is Coleman the second is Callie. Callie and Coleman both are about 2 weeks in these pictures.

Christmas Tree

It has become our family tradition to get our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. There is a tree farm that we love to go to about 30 minutes from our house. They provide saws and let you cut down your own. It was especially fun this year. We had Charlie's parents here to help and it was a balmy 50 degrees!



Here are a few shots of the kids. So funny to me that we now say "the kids"!

Family pic

Here we are. We're a family of four!

Callie Singing to Coleman

"i love you Coleman, oh yes I do..."

Some of the first days with Coleman

Callie checking out her little brother

Getting ready to leave the hospital - sporting his Braves hat.

First picture of Coleman and his mama.

His first outfit at home

First family outing to McDonald's

Coleman Matthew Brooks

Coleman was born yesterday morning at 10:38am. He weighs 8 pounds and is 20.5" long. So many prayers were answered through the labor and delivery. He has done well in his first day outside of the womb. Callie got to meet him and hold him yesterday and it was a lot of fun for the whole family. We know these days ahead will be full of challenges, but we're praying that God will use it to grow us closer to him. Here are a few pictures from yesterday. Right after he's born

The whole family

Callie holding her brother for the first time

sleeping

Coleman meeting Gami and Papa Phil

Falling asleep watching his first football game

Princess Party

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Annie and Maddux's birthdays, and we did it princess style! Annie and Maddux were born six days apart, so it's been fun for them to have a couple of birthday parties together. This party was really fun. The girls had matching princess dresses and there were extra princess dresses for party attenders to put on when they arrived. We even had a couple of princes in attendance.

Here they are slaying the dragon! Matt was a trooper.

Here are all the party attenders (minus Evey who was napping and came late and Owen who didn't make the picture). Note Callie's expression, she should have napped like Evey. She was a "crankster" the whole party...no fun. From left to right on the couch: Lily (church friend), Callie, Josiah, Maddux, Annie. Left to right on the floor is: Sophie, Carson, Coleman (the Mathis twins), and Lucy.


We even had some grown up "princesses" make an appearance.

Apple Orchard

A few weeks ago we visited an apple orchard. This is probably my favorite thing we do as a family each fall. This was our third year going to an orchard. We've been to different ones each year. This particular one was really geared towards kids.



They had goats

and chickens

a little train the kids could play on

and, Callie's favorite thing...a big pile of hay to climb on. I seriously think we stood there for 30 minutes while she climbed up and down. The weather was gorgeous. It was a great, family outing.
Here is a video of her climbing:

Callie

Callie, I wanted to write this post about you right before your baby brother gets here. You are over 2 1/2 now, and I wanted to remember the things that are uniquely you. Here goes...
-you sure have personality, you are dramatic with high "highs" and low "lows"
-you are so excited to be a big sister and you talk to the baby in my tummy all the time
-you want to do EVERYTHING yourself and unfortunately you tend to whine if every detail doesn't go your way
-you are, and have been since you were little, such a clear talker. you have a big vocabulary and say surprising things all the time
-you love playing w/ your friends
-as of late you love babysitters. the past couple of times, you've basically pushed us out the door
-you can initially be shy in unfamiliar settings
-we know you are comfortable when you start talking a mile a minute
-you are basically either whining (which is no fun) or talking non-stop. I'll take the talking!
-you love being a helper and I think you'll be a great one w/ your brother
-really good at remembering names and faces
-oddly enough you're really good at recognizing mini-vans (or any car for that matter). You can tell the difference between a toyota sienna and a honda oddessy from a long way off and you point out every single one we see on the road!
-you love dancing w/ daddy to christian rap
-you always remind me to pray for daddy and other people
-you are not a tough girl
-you are detail oriented and particular
-you still don't sleep in a predictable way
-you still love to sleep w/ your lovey

I could go on and on. I just wanted to jot these things down to help us remember what you are like right now. We love you so so much and are thankful to God for the gift you are to us.