Zoo Light Safari

I have heard mixed reviews on the Birmingham Zoo's annual Zoo Light Safari, but I knew that I wanted to take the girls this year because you have free admission if you are a zoo member.  I knew it would be crowded so we tried to get there when it opened but we didn't account for the amount of Birmingham area traffic, so we were a little late for rope drop (a little disney joke).  It was chick fil a night so their were cows everywhere.  They were also giving out lots of coupons and little toys. 

Bailey was scared at first of the cows and wouldn't go near the first one we saw.  She got a little more brave with her sister between she and the cow.  She also acted scared to see Santa.  She wouldn't sit on his lap but at least she would stand near him.

It was definitely a very cold night and the train ride line was rather long but overall, we had a good time seeing the lights and barn animals and we will go back next year. 

We never miss an Auburn photo op!

Ballet Christmas Parties

Both girls had Christmas parties at ballet last week.  They allowed the parents to come in the room to watch them warm up and the girls showed us some dances they have been learning.  After that they had a small party with treats.

 

Merry Christmas (christmas card outtakes)

Usually we try to take our own Christmas card picture each year by using the self timer.  This always ends up giving us a good laugh, so I thought I would share some outtakes.

Believe it or not I could have added many more, but this is the one we chose. 

New York

Every year the first week in December my generous grandpa takes us to New York.  Even though we go every year, it never gets old to me.  I love seeing the sights, being with family, going to plays, shopping and laughing a ton.  To be quite honest, it is also nice to not be a mom for a few days to and to be able to not be on a schedule.  Once again, Ryan was awesome and watched the girls so I could go. 

Thanksgiving

We always spend Thanksgiving in Prattville with Ryan's family.  The girls love playing on their property and being outside while we are there.  They ride the tractor, 4-wheelers, pick vegtables in the garden, swing, and find rocks. 

More Family in Town

The weekend after my mom came, my aunt and grandpa came to visit us.  My aunt has been to visit us in Birmingham before, but this was the first time my grandpa has gotten to come.  They helped me do errands, bake for an event at church, shop for a few things for our house, visit Emma Catherine's school, and decorate our porch for fall.  It was a fun trip with lots of laughs. 

My Mom's Visit

In early November my mom came to visit for a few days.  Unfortunately it was a quick trip, but we made the most of it.  We took the girls to see Disney on Ice and my mom and I spent all day Saturday at the Christmas Village craft and gift show. 

Halloween Night

For Halloween this year we went trick or treating with our neighbors again.  There is a section in our neighborhood that is great for trick or treating and our neighbor's parents live in that section.  We went around our street first and then headed to Lake Point.  We walked around Lake Point until we thought the girls had had enough and then Lark's mom fixed us a yummy dinner!  It is a fun tradition we have started and I hope we continue it.

Happy Birthday, Dale

Over Halloween weekend, we went to Daphne to celebrate Ryan's brother, Dale's 40th birthday.  Ryan's oldest brother and his family and also his parents were to celebrate also.  We also went to the fall festival at Amy and Dale's church and they had a "funeral" for Dale to say goodbye to his youth.  The weekend went by quickly but it was fun to be with Ryan's family.

Valleydale Fall Festival

The weekend before Halloween we went our church's fall festival.  It is an annual event and we always have a great time.  Ryan and I also took turns working the game that our life connection class was in charge of.  The girls chose their own costumes.  Bailey was Tiana from Princess and the Frog, and Emma Catherine was Jessie from Toy Story.