A Joy School Wish

1st Dentist Visit

Samantha had her 1st visit to the dentist today. She did so great! There were 2 assistants working on her at a time, but she didn't seem to mind all the commotion. She opened her mouth soooo wide! Dr Phillips counted all her teeth...thank goodness they are all there. As promised, ice cream as a treat afterward for being such a big girl! As you can see, it was a very exciting day.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving, we decided to do things a little different. It all began when we decided to go to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The easiest, laziest way to do that is to stay downtown!Thanks to Papa's endless traveling, he had a gazillion points with Hilton. He booked 2 rooms for 2 nights at the Hilton Americas next to Discovery Green. Perfect location!

We checked in early on Wednesday and spent the remaining daylight hours having "ventures" (adventures) in and around the hotel. We checked out all the globes, ice rink and play area. Samantha walked past this railing and said it was just like Angelina Ballerina's ballet bar. We couldn't get her to stop dancing!
I think she's ready for lessons.

We found the pool, gym and spent lots of time at the Executive Lounge eating everything in sight!

We walked across the street to the Toyota Center to watch the Rockets vs Mavericks.The next morning was the parade. We woke up, grabbed our breakfast and wandered out the door for our curbside seats.Sam loved everything! Well, except for things that made loud noises (firetrucks and motorcycles). Marching bands, dancers and cheerleaders were the most fun.This was our favorite float...with real snow!After the parade we went swimming and took pre-dinner naps. We ate at the Hilton Cafe for our Thanksgiving meal. We played a heated game of Battle of the Sexes and went to go see New Moon. It was a great break from the typical Thanksgiving at home...but we were sure missing leftover turkey!

A Joy School Thanksgiving

Today at Joy School we learned all about Thanksgiving. We invited two special visitors to join us (McKenna and Jaxson - Avery's cousins). We met the Pilgrims and Indians and made cornbread for our feast. We decorated turkeys with apples, marshmallows & fruit snacks and sang the "gobble- gobble, gobble-gobble, gobble" song.

We are thankful for our friends and joy school!

Tree Lighting at La Centerra

Can you believe this was scheduled BEFORE Thanksgiving! It seems Christmas keeps starting sooner and sooner each year. We met up with Avery and Lauren for cookie decorating, crafts and music.Samantha was very excited to see Santa. She wasn't scared at all to sit on his lap! She asked for a red bicycle helmet.

Kristin's Baby Shower

Machalagh Comes to Houston

My Dad's cousin Machalagh is now traveling to Houston for work. We had the whole gang over for a tried and true Texan meal - BBQ!