Play Street Museum Play Date

We've been to a Play Street Museum near our house and Joey loves it! I found out there's a second one - that's camping themed. We headed out there today to meet Stella and Sawyer and have a playdate and meet Heath and Emmy.

Playing with his cousin

Joey went to play with Adley today and they were apparently playing some form of house. It looks like Joey was playing SAHM - complete with track suit and stroller. :)

Charlotte: 8 Months

Our little 8 month old is weighing in around 15-16 pounds. That's our best guess until the next doctor's appointment. She continues to enjoy solid foods. New items she's tried in the last month include: avocado, sweet potatoes, refried beans, french fries and Ritz crackers. She loves the independence of being able to feed herself. Those little pinchers are always looking for something to pickup off that tray. When I feed her baby food, I have to distract her with a spoon of her own, otherwise she's going after mine.

Laying down is of absolute no interest to this child. Charlotte is always sitting up, busy, busy, busy. She could play for hours. She's starting to gravitate toward baby dolls and other stuffed animals. She also has an obvious love for animals, especially the cats. The weirdest thing is that Abby loves her too. Abby is usually scared of others, was very scared of Joey. She's always real close to Charlie though. I think these two are going to be buddies. She loves her rings, remote control toy and rattles. Really, anything. She will play with anything.

Her sleep schedule varies. Naps are still hit and miss and some weeks we have a great nighttime schedule, while other weeks she's up constantly. I don't really know what's going on. She cut two teeth earlier this month, but that seems to have slowed down. Who knows?

Charlie is quite the little talker. In addition to saying Dada, she's saying Mama and No no no no. Always in 4's :).

Charlie is becoming more aware of our little age chalkboard. This could start to get more and more interesting.

And Joey wanted to jump in for this month's photo as well. :)

Buddy the Elf

Now that Buddy has returned to the North Pole for the year, we can share some of the mischief he found himself in this year. Joey enjoyed looking for him every morning and he'll miss him.

Buddy got captured by the Army men

Must've been a serious offense, they brought the tank

Buddy meets Jurassic Park - Santa style

Christmas Morning

Santa came! It looks like Joey & Charlie were good kiddos this year. Joey was really into open gifts this year. He helped everyone open their gifts. Charlie enjoyed the excitement of her first Christmas and the day!

Merry Christmas from the Priest's!

Christmas Jammies!

Getting two kids to look at the camera at once is a challenge. And apparently, baby sisters are wiggly.

Chef Joey

Joey joined in on the fun of prepping the dressing for Christmas day. Who doesn't love a little bread crumble action!

Christmas Eve Swinging

I can't believe how beautiful the weather is right now! It's so warm, we're outside swinging. Without a jacket. On Christmas Eve!!!

Santa Visit - Check!

Not sure either of them were too sure about the man in the red suit, but at least there were no tears. Joey didn't speak to him and I'm shocked he got on his lap.

Who doesn't love a Ritz cracker?

This kid cracks me up

The "Fine - here's a picture in my shirt" pose

The sun is in my eyes! But my sunglasses are at home. So, wear mama's spare pair, of course.

He thinks his Hulk hands look like monkey feet. Hulk Feet?

Bananas - YUM!

Shopping in Mineola

We headed out to East Texas again this weekend and were able to pull Joe away from the deer blind long enough for a trip into Mineola for a little lunch and shopping.

A train car near the shops

Christmas setup - rocking with Papa

Our intention was to get a visit with Santa in, how cool would this setup have been? It wasn't there, but poor Charlie got an upset tummy and got sick before we could get there.

Santa Around Town

In addition to the Christmas parade and tree lighting, where Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive on a fire truck, Santa rides around every street in our town. Tonight, he came down our street on a fire truck waving to kids and throwing candy. I love our town!

Another tooth!

Well, that didn't take long! Charlotte's second tooth broke through today, the lower front left tooth.

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

This year we were actually in town to see the Christmas parade and tree lighting at Little Elm Park.

It was really a lot of fun and something I can see us making a point to attend every year. And, on a great note, Charlotte isn't afraid of fireworks! She was completely unphased. Awesome!

Santa - Attempt #1

Who knew the line to visit Santa at Bass Pro Shop would be over 2 hours long. Just to get into the line to see him...

We made the most of our time though and decided to have lunch instead - mmmmmm, Red Robin!

At least Joey got a carousel ride

How cute are their kid's cups!

Charlie, meet Mr. French Fry