Letter from Cinderella

Julia got a special letter in the mail today from Cinderella!

( aka Emily).

Awww! We're working on it, Cinderella!

Windsor and Villa Farotto

We have a bit of a Christmas tradition now of attending Jeff and Amy's amazing church the week of Christmas and then going to dinner afterward. Tonight we dined at Villa Farotto in Chesterfield. Not exactly kid-friendly, but the kids did amazingly well!

Amy, Emily, Me and Jeff.

Fortunately, I had an array of different colored pens in my purse (so there IS a plus of not cleaning that thing out!) which kept Ryan very occupied. (My dad and Mr. Busch in the background).

Although it looks strange, this mixture of balsamic, spices and cheese was AMAZING. (Krista, Brian and Mrs. Busch in the background).

Julia learns a new word tonight--tart. Thank you, Aunt Amy!

Christmas With Granny Re

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Amy enjoy some snuggle time with Cole. Just for the record, Amy now has 7 nieces/nephews and has changed ZERO diapers...I'm just sayin'. =)

My cutie pie and Grandma's kitty.

Grammie slips Lucas an M&M. Shhh!!

Grammie, Amy, Krista and Cole ready to eat the feast Grandma prepared. I know we are a growing family, but she seemed to cook for an army this year!!

Mat presents Grandma Re with a collection of CDs he picked up on the way to the party from the Troy truck stop. Julia got a similiar gift for her birthday-a Tshirt that said, "I love Troy, Illinois"-humm..I wonder what Tyler will get at his party next week. For the record, that shirt will be regifted to the next girl born in the family. That lucky fashionova will get this heirloom!

Thank you, Granny Re. Our home seemed to be missing an air gun. The instructions "Do not aim for anyone!" went right out the window when Daddy picked it up and started a war with Uncle Jeff. Nice.

My turn to snuggle with the little man!

Mat and Beth show off their champagne. Granny Re always surprises us with the array of surprises she chooses for Christmas gifts--a few years ago we were all gifted thong underwear. No--seriously!!! I'm wondering if she's read some book, "How to keep family Christmas parties lively" or something like that!?!

Amy thought this one was photo worthy--Granny Re WHO is my husband again?!?!

Sad Gingerbread House Attempt

Krista and I got the kids together for a playdate and a disasterous attempt at this year's gingerbread house. I think we'd better stick to just playing. The roof keeps falling off, and the kids are shoving sugar into their mouths faster than we can keep up!

Santa

We brought the kids to a sweet little shop down the street for some Christmas shopping and a visit with Santa. (HORRAY for no mall lines!!). Julia ran right up and posed.

She wasted no time describing exactly what she wanted Santa to bring. Lots and lots of BIG presents!

Ry wasn't so sure about the visit, but after observing Julia for a bit he decided to tell the big guy what he was hoping for also: GeoTrax Barn and Bridge. (Note to self: I seriously MUST find that sold-out Barn somewhere!)

Merry Christmas!

No Photos Allowed

We've really been snoozing on the Santa visit this year. Tonight we decided to do some shopping and fit in the obligatory lap time. The Mills wouldn't let me take a photo of the kids on Santa's lap --they just want you to buy their overpriced photo package. No thanks!!

Julia enjoys playing on the indoor playground equipment while daddy watches and mommy shops!

Kid Chatter

This morning, Ry and Julia were playing "school". Ry was helping Julia pack her backpack, and as he was helping her put a doll in, he said: "Julia, this is for ho and tell."

Preschool Christmas Program

Ryan, Julia and Tyler pose for a post-program photo.

Andrew, Jake and Julia play on the risers after the show.

Julia, Uncle Patrick and Aunt Crystal

Tyler, Julia and I hang out and watch the conclusion of the show while they munch on candy treats.

Hello from Chicago!

Thanks, Aunt Stacy for watching the kids so we could have a weekend away! =)

Santa Babies

We put up our Christmas tree this past weekend.

And the kids loved wearing the Santa hats

that were in the decor box.

So much fun!

Happy Cyber Monday to you!!

Thanksgiving, Conway Style

Turkey Day, Harriss Style

Pre-Thanksgiving Feast

Tonight we had our pre-Thanksgiving dinner. We started doing this as a way to celebrate with Krista and Brian - they usually drive to Chicago on Thanksgiving day. Unfortunately, Brian was home sick tonight, but the rest of us attempted to pose for a photo.

I have started wondering if I should enroll him in acting lessons or something to channel all this singing/dancing energy!?!

No bribe was great enough to make Julia smile.

I snag the opportunity to hold my newest little nephew, Cole!

It wouldn't be a family event without some wrestling, right? =)