Thanksgiving 2010

This was our first Thanksgiving in Florida, and I was so glad to have my mom here to cook (just to see her too, of course)!! I did help out and cook the turkey and Lolli's fabulous monkey bread. Both turned out well, if I do say so myself.

Neither were as tasty as mom's sweet potatoes though.

My first attempt at bread baking.

We got the Christmas tree up too. I

love having the house decorated this time of year.

The kids wanted a tree in their living room since I put the big one in the family room. (Houses here are very different. Most have a formal living room and a family room. I'd prefer one bigger room, but you take what you get. We really weren't into the whole "formal" thing, so the kids have their own living room to play in.) They chose a white tree with blue, green, and red ornaments. I think it turned out very cute!

On another note -

What Cameron and Carson do when they're bored...

water bottle bowling @ the Arnold house - crazy boys!

Notice Carson's attire. He was not made to live in FL. It was 80 degrees outside and this is how he was dressed. He always wants jeans, a long sleeved shirt, and a jacket on.

Whatever floats his boat.

We are so thankful for many blessings in our lives.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!!

Mimi's Visit

We counted down the days for almost 2 months until Mimi came to visit!! Carson would ask every few days, "Are we going to the airport to get my grandma today?" I finally told him last Friday night that he only had to sleep one more time and his grandma would be here. He got up on Saturday morning, ran into our room, and said, "I took one more sleep, I didn't have a bad dream, and my grandma's coming today!" It was precious. When we saw her at the airport, he and Sydney were so excited!! We decided to spend the afternoon at Disney and had a great time. Mimi and the kids rode the tea cups, we saw all the Christmas decorations at the Magic Kingdom, and the kids got to meet Pluto...fun day!!

I can't believe how tall this girl has gotten!!

When they walked up to meet Pluto, Carson said, "Hey little guy!" I don't guess he noticed that Pluto was twice his size. You never know what that little booger will say. ;)

During Mom's visit, we also went to Ikea, Mazzaro's Italian Market (fabulous!!), and the outlet mall for a little Christmas shopping. Can't to see her and everyone else in Arkansas soon!!

Thanksgiving Pie @ Preschool

Carson's preschool invited the parents to have pie the week before Thanksgiving. The kids sang songs and gave out turkeys they had made. Carson's turkey says he is thankful for his Mommy, Daddy, Sister, and Grandma. I have no idea why he insists on calling my mom (Mimi to everyone else) Grandma, but it's just so funny. He says it in a really deep voice and makes us laugh every time. I'm very thankful for this little guy, too!!

Smarty Pants

Sydney got an award for making Principal's Honor Roll for the first grading period - All A's.

Way to go Syd!!

A Trip to the Oldest City...

Deer Park's 4th graders took a field trip to St. Augustine, FL yesterday. St. Augustine was founded forty-two years before the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts - making it the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent.

We left the school at 7:00 Friday morning on four charter buses. It was a 3 and a 1/2 hour trip which was actually much quieter than I expected. The fact that there were probably as many parents as kids and that movies were playing helped I'm sure.

First, we visited the oldest wooden school house in the USA.

I loved the kids faces as the tour guide told them about dunce caps and paddling.

We also visited Castillo de San Marcos Fort. The fort was started in 1672 and took 23 years to build. The Spanish built it to protect themselves from future attacks after an English pirate attacked in 1668.

Sydney's 4th grade class

I just liked this picture from the top of the
fort looking over to the lighthouse, so I threw it in.

Sydney and her friend Emma posing inside the fort.

We got to drink from the Fountain of Youth. ;)

At least that's what Ponce de León thought he had found.

I was only able to manage a sip with my nose held.

The sulphur smell and taste was very strong.

While we were listening the Timucua Indians

tell us about trading, this pirate was doing what you see above.

Below is his work of art...

Sydney and her teacher, Mrs. Linden,

showing off with the wood the pirate had burned.

This "Spaniard" fired the cannon for us.

This is the Love Tree. Its very strange looking

because it's a palm tree growing inside an oak tree.

The legends say that couples that kiss beneath this tree

will seal their love for eternity. Awww...

Sydney and I had a great time learning some Florida history today.

We finally got back to Deer Park around 10:30. After no sleep on the bus,

this was Sydney 5 minutes after we walked in the house. I think she enjoyed her day!!

Handsome Devil

I thought I'd share this picture just because I love this little guy so much!!


There are lots of new posts, so scroll on down...

Fabulous Find

Our neighborhood had a community garage sale a couple weekends ago. While Cam and Carson manned our stuff, Syd and I drove around looking for any bargains. I found some iron patio furniture for $20.00. It was pretty chipped but was well made so I snatched it up. Cameron sanded it and sprayed it with a couple coats of paint and...

it turned out great! I love garage sales!!