The VG Express

THE POLAR EXPRESS!!

2011-12-28T21:23:00.001-06:00

While at Poppy and Grandma's house for Thanksgiving, they had a special treat planned for all of us...they had reserved seats on the POLAR EXPRESS!! Just thinking of going on that magical train made Tyler and Brooklyn happy!

We were so excited that we left extra early to make sure we were first in line....

...Poppy and Grandma took good care of us...we were the very first ones there. It was so cold and rainy that the conductor told us to wait in the car. Thank goodness for the iPhone!

When the rain finally stopped, we got out and waited in line...we anxiously awaited the arrival of the Polar Express!

After we got on board, Santa's Elves came over to greet us and give us name tags! Later on they sang Christmas carols with us and served us cookies and hot chocolate. YUM!

Tyler and Brooklyn took good care of their golden tickets. They didn't want them to blow away!

Once the train left the station, we decided to take a tour. We heard a rumor that there was a gift store at the back of the train...first we went down the long hallway...

....then through the candy cane door...

...brief pause for a photo in between cars...

...and then we finally found it!

Poppy was pretty happy with our choice of popcorn!

Soon the conductor came by to punch our tickets. He was very friendly and even stopped to sit with us for awhile!

Yummy hot chocolate!

We were getting close to the North Pole. Brooklyn was watching intently for polar bears and penguins...

Those elves think of everything! The squeegee was very handy to keep the glass clear!

We made it to the North Pole!

Hi Rudolf!

Did you hear the announcement? The Head Elf said that Santa had had just boarded our train and that they would be coming around to find out what everyone wanted for Christmas!!

After Daddy and Poppy said a big "HO HO HO!" into the microphone, Brooklyn and Tyler got to announce their Christmas list to everyone on the train! Can anyone guess what Tyler wanted?

SANTA!! He brought bells for Tyler and Brooklyn...just like in the movie! Tyler checked to make sure he didn't have a hole in his pocket!

After more than 2 hours, the Polar Express finally returned to the station. What a magical trip!

Christmas!

2011-12-25T23:56:00.001-06:00

It all started the moment that Tyler and Brooklyn could see the least bit of sunshine coming in through their window!!

The very first gift that Tyler opened was a Green Bay Packer train from Poppy and Grandma! How appropriate on a day that the Packers would ultimately clinch home field advantage vs. the Bears!

After that first gift it was controlled chaos at best...

I think that these stockings are bigger than the kids!

Apparently Santa wanted everyone to feel a little like Rudolf...

What a fun day!

Of course everyone knows that playing in a box is better than any present!

Talking with Poppy and Grandma...

Like our Christmas outfits?

See what happens when you use your toes as brakes when you're wearing your brand new shoes?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T22:43:00.001-06:00

Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house....

Horseback riding!

iPading!

making some cookies for Santa!

Are they done yet?

Time for a break. Let's make hot chocolate!

...while visions of Gingerbread houses danced through their heads...

...with me in my T-shirt and B in her jeans....

..it was time for matching PJ's...

...and a warm winters bath...

...then all of a sudden there arose such a clatter...it was Tyler and Brooklyn...carrying the platter!

.....and what to my wondering eyes did I see? It was two little children who were ready to sleep....

Jefferson Christmas Train

2011-12-24T14:36:00.001-06:00

The engineer let us up on the engine. It was a REAL steam engine!

Look who else was there!

He let us each blow the real steam whistle! Even Nana got to do it!

The whistle was a little too loud for Brooklyn!

Brookyn's 2nd Birthday

2011-02-21T20:41:00.000-06:00

The day started with waffles and scrambled eggs...two of B's faves.

"Favorite Baby" was waitng for her at her special birthday plate! It was a "Favorite Baby" party--that's what she calls this doll that she always sleeps with.

She got used to all the attention pretty quickly!

Opening her new dress for the day

Later that morning we went to one of her favorite places to play--The Wonder Place.

There's never a dull moment at The Wonder Place...a new surprise at every turn.

Her friend Lydia came to celebrate too.

And her brother Samuel came to hang out with me. Thank goodness!

Presents with friends

Now back home for family presents

A new backpack like my train one. Now Mommy doesn't have to carry a diaper bag anymore. She's going to make us carry our own things!

She got down to business with the presents!

She even looked at the cards more than I do!

There was even a present in the pile for ME!

It was so nice that we had to play outside. Last year on this day, we were playing in the snow. See that I'm wearing shorts this year?!

Being silly with Nana

Later we were off to the park to try out her new scooter.

She's a natural!

Break time. I think I like it now that B is older and can hang with me!

We worked up an appetite and went out for Mexican food.

Perhaps the most exciting part of her birthday was the next morning when she was able to have one of MY Flinstone vitamins. Now she doesn't have to take the yucky brown liquidy vitamins!!! Yay for her!

Brooklyn's Baptism

2011-02-21T20:00:00.000-06:00

All dressed up and ready for the big day. Sorry for all the photos...it's just rare that we look this nice!

Brooklyn's Skype Birthday Party

2011-02-21T19:50:00.000-06:00

Poppy & Grandma sent Brooklyn a box of presents.

The box itself was of course just as much fun!

Grandma said she could open the littlest present first...

...it was a special birthday shirt!

After she put it on, we Skyped them to open the rest with them. Love that technology!

First was a Dora and Dora blanket. She loved them of course.

Can you tell what my favorite gift of hers was????

A THOMAS Little Engineers Train Set!! It's made for toddlers, but works with my big boy trains!! We BOTH loved it!

We played a little hopscotch for them.

After saying goodbye, we had B's official "Favorite Baby" birthday cake.

She loved it of course.

I had to help a little, but I didn't mind. Hmmm....does my wish come true too?

She's a much more sophisticated eater this year.

Only slightly messy! What a great weekend we had!!

Snow #4 - Snowmageddon!!

2011-02-12T14:54:00.005-06:00

What does 7" of Snow look like in Arkansas?

I better plow the driveway to find out!

Wow...this is a lot deepper than I thought!

Brooklyn..I need your help!

Better get the sidewalk too!

I think Brooklyn likes the snow!

We both liked eating it!!

I'm tired...maybe I'll lay down and make a snow angel!

Brooklyn found a giant Lolipop!

Even Maverick loves the snow!

After a couple of days, it finally started to melt...

Which means...time to play in the MUD!

For some reason Brooklyn thought she better copy me.

Here I come....

Into the puddle...

...and SPLASH!!!

I LOVE THE MUD!!!

SUPER BOWL!

2011-02-06T20:16:00.001-06:00

First we had to make a good luck video for Poppy. Click below to see it!

Ready for the big night. Daddy said we get to stay up extra late!

Here they come!!!

Snuggled up. Even "Favorite Baby" was there to support the Packers!

My buddy Matthew brought his cheesehead over.

I'm even adorable from the back.

Then everyone took a turn.

B thought everyone looked pretty silly with cheese on their head.

But she figured out how important it was for team spirit! Check out the OFFICIAL Super Bowl program Great Aunt Sue sent us!! Thank you!!

And the winner is...

Daddy went CRA-ZY!!!!!!!!

I was a little nervous being thrown into the air, but I loved it!!!

Glad we had the bean bags to crash into!

Phew...time to take a breather! It's almost too much for a three-year-old to handle!! But I looooove seeing my daddy so happy!!! Go Pack Go!!!!!

Snow #3

2011-02-05T20:39:00.000-06:00

Since I wasn't interested in building a snowman again, Daddy built us a snow FORT!

Brooklyn and I got the rocket launcher and prepared to defend ourselves.

But I guess we were the only ones playing outside today.

Brooklyn's 2 Year Bear Photos

2011-01-31T21:02:00.004-06:00

What a difference a year makes!!

January Odds & Ends

2011-01-31T20:56:00.000-06:00

A moment of peace and harmony while train-watching

Don't get used to it, guys.

Brooklyn, we're being too nice to each other...we better start acting up!!

Hmmm...I know how I can get him...

...a little wake up music!!!

We're Going to the Super Bowl!!!!

2011-01-23T17:51:00.005-06:00

We updated Mommy's shirt so we could all have our green and gold. And more importantly we got our snacks ready.

Then it was time to get serious...STOP THE BEARS!!

Looking good, looking good. We were only a little bit nervous.

Not Brooklyn though...she knew all would be ok.

Don't worry, we didn't have any "Excessive Celebration" calls this week.

INTERCEPTION!!!!! Game Over!!!!!

Go Pack Go!!!!!!

We have the happiest Daddy in the world...and the happiest Poppy...and the happiest Uncle...and the happiest Great Aunt!!

Snow in Maumelle #2

2011-01-20T18:09:00.015-06:00

Not too much, but we managed to have some fun!

Daddy and B made a snowman...

...with a REAL carrot nose.

The next day we sprayed the snow leftovers with water and food coloring...but yellow and red were the only colors Mommy had. Kinda gross if you think about it!

Only Daddy would let B play outside in her jammies and boots. She had a blast!

We are definitely happiest outside!

Tyler's Train Room

2011-01-16T20:30:00.000-06:00

Snow in Arkansas!! (plus a little dress-up)

2011-01-16T20:28:00.000-06:00

Excessive Celebration

2011-01-09T20:40:00.001-06:00

May Odds & Ends

2010-05-31T21:36:00.000-06:00

Brooklyn has started sleeping on her belly. Cute!

This is what happens when Mommy is on the phone and not paying attention to us and Daddy comes home from work and finds us. Not good.

Brooklyn thinks she is a comedian!

I don't know where she got it from.

Sretching

Relay for Life

2010-05-22T20:44:00.002-06:00

First team fundraiser: Garage Sale!

I had a blast hanging with all the friends that came by!

We played with chalk.

We played with the price stickers. We were silly but didn't cause too much trouble!

Second team fundraiser: Gumbo Dinner and Silent Auction. Mommy and Ms. Heather had to do a TON of chopping and corn muffin baking!!

Mommy and her friends transformed the church Family Life Center into a New Orleans cafe.

Drew's family (our neighbors) came.

A huge stash of Huggies was up for bidding!

Finally, it was Relay day!! Mommy and Ms. Heather (the co-captains)

The Mommy & Me team ready to start Lap 1.

With "The Princess and the Frog"

B's first snowcone...perfect on a scorching day!

Checking out my Mardi Gras beads

Daddy anchoring the tug-o-war

We went home to bed, but Mommy and Daddy carried on...

The Luminary Cermony

Daddy "resting his eyes"--he claims he didn't sleep the whole 18 hours. What do you think?!

Mommy didn't sleep a wink!

She was in contests allll night long!

Daddy really didn't sleep! He walked and walked and walked! And then Mommy entered him in the chocolate milk in a baby bottle drinking contest...

...he was the grand champion!!

The team won the Best Decorated tent!!

We had tons of stuff in our house afterward to play with!! It was great all around!

Women Can Run Arkansas 5K

2010-05-08T20:38:00.000-06:00

On the way to support Mommy and her Hawaiian-themed team!

The Maumelle team

Drew's Mommy was there too

Hanging with Samuel and Lydia

Mommy had a new PR. It was a realllllly cold day, but fun!

April Odds & Ends

2010-04-30T20:24:00.001-06:00

We're having more and more fun playing together!

I'm taking the summer off...B has taken over as Daddy's assistant!

Goofy grin

Weirdest day ever. I was so sick that I fell asleep on the couch. That's never happened in my whole life. Mommy knew there was something really wrong!

Brooklyn in her little lady dress.

Skyping Poppy and Grandma!

Can you find B??

Cute outfit #2!

Didn't last long!

Easter

2010-04-04T19:41:00.002-06:00

Awwwww...

Nobody saw that, did they?!

The day before, we made Easter eggs.

Then that morning, we were eager to get going. Brooklyn saw a hidden egg, but I told her she had to wait until we found our baskets to put them in!

She realized it was worth the wait!!!! The Easter Bunny left us some great things!

We got dressed and ready...someone found an egg outside! Maybe there were more!

Grandpa D, can we go out and check, pleeeeeease?!

B found one right away, and Nana showed her what was inside.

"Now you know what this is all about...CANDY...so...

...you take the low road...

...and I'll take the high road. We'll get 'em all!"

Time to check our loot

B and Grandpa D made one last search!

Later we put on our fancy clothes for photos. It didn't stop Brooklyn!

We had a wonderful day!!!

First Trip to the Dentist

2010-04-01T19:37:00.001-06:00

You're going to do WHAT??

Oh, just a cleaning...ok! I was so good they gave me a Certificate of Bravery and a free kid's meal at Chick-Fil-A. We went there right afterwards!!

Poppy & Grandma Visit for Spring Break!

2010-03-18T20:53:00.001-06:00

Instant hugs from me in the driveway!

Brooklyn pretended to be shy!

But Grandma had her reading stories within minutes!

They brought us some REALLY BIG books!

The next day, we celebrated my birthday!

And played with my new toys

Brooklyn loved my new Thomas lamp from Aunt Jessica the best! (I love it too!)

We're so glad Poppy and Grandma are here to play with us!

Wye Mountain Daffodil Fesitval

2010-03-18T18:06:00.001-06:00

Mommy insisted I bore you with a TON of photos of us in the daffodils! Sorry in advance!

Out & About in Maumelle

2010-03-18T17:24:00.001-06:00

We had some other fun times out and about while they were here, like at our park.

I might have gotten a little wet at the Veteran's Memorial.

We went out to dinner. Love snuggling with Grandma!

Poppy likes to teach me big kid things!

5 VanGompels

Who are those monkeys in that tree???

Brooklyn isn't a baby anymore. She keeps up will all of us!

Cuuuu-ute! She's looking in the fish pond.

We're checking out the turtles.

Whoa, Daddy...not right after dinner!

Good Times at Home Too

2010-03-18T16:31:00.000-06:00

There's always time for a new track layout. Poppy is REALLY good at this!

I got some new curtains in my room. Bye-bye cardboard!

I caught Poppy stretching in the hallway!

I was a big help this week.

Check out Brooklyn's new ladybug quilt that Grandma made her!

We played my new Thomas game a zillion times.

I practiced cycling

We wore Brooklyn out playing, playing, and playing some more.

We relaxed and read too.

And played even more.

Daddy has a new helper this spring!

Scary project of the week--rerouting the dryer vent through the garage wall. It amazingly went quickly and smoothly.

Silly times

More pedaling practice

Color-coded train circles

Fun with mulch...I think we do this every visit!

B and I were a ton of help.

But we took some breaks here and there

Mulch done...time for planting

B getting into the middle of it all

Dirty and tired

A hard-earned meal while enjoying the beautiful weather together

Love those steps!

We played a little bit more that night, and then went to bed. Poppy and Grandma left before we woke up the next morning, but it was ok. We had soooo many fun memories to talk about for weeks!! We had a great visit as always!!!

Tyler's 3rd Birthday Party!!! On a Train!!!!

2010-03-14T10:42:00.000-06:00

Here we are!! Ready for a birthday train ride!!

B and I hung out while everyone decorated.

I helped a little!

The whole family was dressed in train attire!

Finally my friends arrived and we were off!

We played Train Bingo along the way.

We stopped half-way to open presents.

And pose for pictures.

We boarded again, and it was time for birthday cupcakes!! Everyone is singing to me right now, and I'm not sure what to do!!

Then I got to ring the bell by stomping on the button on the floor!

Jax and I were reunited after he was gone for 2 whole weeks! It was nice to be back with my best buddy!

Brooklyn hung out with Nana and Grandpa D the whole time!

Today was the best birthday I could have ever imagined!!!

Back home and back to business!!!

St. Jude's Trike-a-Thon

2010-03-13T15:45:00.000-06:00

Making sure the helmet still fits...ugh, too tight!

Brooklyn needs to wear this ALL the time!

Look who was at the Trike-a-Thon!!! DORA!!

Getting all set up

Photo break

The whole family...WAIT, WHERE'S DADDY?!

Daaaaadddy? Where aaaaaarrrrreee you?!

Hmmm...I wonder where he is. Do you know? : )

Nana & Grandpa D's Birthday Visit

2010-03-12T10:30:00.000-06:00

They came just to see little ol' me on my big day!

It was like my birthday all over again!

Chocolate Percy...the engine I MOST wanted!!

Brooklyn loved the wrapping as usual!

They gave me a scooter!!! I can't wait to scoot around with my friends!

I took to it right away!

Brooklyn did too! She was on it before anyone noticed!!!

While I played with my new toys, the girls opened my new clothes!

More box time!

We had a yummy dinner at a Japanese restaurant!

Pretty in pink

We had to wait for a while, so they gave us lemons for entertainment.

I think it was for their entertainment though. We weren't impressed!

But we WERE impressed with the cool tricks!! It was a neat birthday! Especially the fried cheesecake for dessert!!

Tyler's 3rd Birthday

2010-03-11T13:08:00.001-06:00

I woke up to Birthday Thomas surprises!

Birthday pancakes on my new special plate

We played outside most of the day.

Trains, trains, everywhere

Dinner at McDonald's

Presents or cake...where to start?

CAKE!!

I helped Mommy make my cake...I might have done more eating than helping though!

It was the first year I knew what to do with the candles!!

Yummmmmm

On to the presents...

Can you tell I was excited to get some new engines?!

And I got Tidmouth Sheds!!! For the engines to sleep in!!! What a great day!!

A Princess Party?!?

2010-02-20T15:41:00.000-06:00

All prettied up for our friend's princess birthday party

I had to go a different route though...

Every princess needs a dragon to protect her!!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T15:31:00.002-06:00

Like my 80's Valentine's Jazzercise look?

Here we are waiting between our 2 Valentine's parties.

We were too focused on the crunchy leaves to both look at the camera!

But there was a little time for Valentine's sibling love!!

You mean I can't even get away with this on a holiday?!

Our Valentine's puppet show

Brooklyn just HAD to join the show!! She doesn't quite get the concept of the people hiding!

She just loooooves getting into boxes!

Snow Again!!

2010-02-08T15:25:00.000-06:00

We built my first snowman! (Or snow blob--don't make fun of it! We did it quickly during Daddy's lunch break!)

Brooklyn tasted the snow...

...she didn't seem impressed!

The power went out at 1:00pm! And was still out at dinner. We had PBJ's and leftover Super Bowl dip! Yummy!

We had big plans to camp out in the family room by the fire, but the power came back with a few minutes to spare. We were actually a wee bit disappointed!! That would have been fun!

Super Bowl Party At Our House!

2010-02-07T15:12:00.000-06:00

OK guys, I'm ready for the game!!

What?! You mean the Packers aren't in the Super Bowl?

Brooklyn, I need a hug!

It's OK, Big Bro! You can still wear Packers gear with pride!!

The adult side of the house...

The crazy side of the house...

January Odds & Ends

2010-01-31T21:49:00.000-06:00

Like my new BIG BOY UNDERWEAR?!?!

I even let Thomas try on my underwear!

And I get to wear Pull-ups too!!

Daddy dressed her today...'nuf said.

Just a cute church morning

Another Sunday

Getting into trouble!

And getting on top of things

And getting under things

And looking for more trouble

But she's gotten really snuggly, which makes up for all her stinkerness. Mommy and Daddy are loving it!

Our playroom has now pushed the office out. We get the WHOLE room!

We have tea parties in it!

We have tantrums in it. (I'm having one too, you just can't see!)

And of course, we play trains in it.

Brooklyn's One-Year Bear Photo

2010-01-30T23:59:00.002-06:00

I'm bigger than he is now!

You have to work fast to catch a picture of me!

T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

Brooklyn's First Birthday!!!

2010-01-30T21:21:00.001-06:00

Off to a great start with birthday pancakes!!

My parents sure think Brooklyn is pretty great!

Lunch at Mr. Pancho's

Lovin' that Mexican food

We were all surprised by a serenade!! Not all of us were happy about it though!

Singing? Dessert? What's not to love?

Hmmm...if she doesn't want her special dessert...

Back home for present time!!

I tihnk she liked being the center of attention.

She had a good ol' time...

On the box from Poppy and Grandma! When will everyone learn that all she needs is paper and a box?!

Time for cake

She wasn't so sure at first.

Daddy gave her a little encouragement.

Then she got going!

With her birthday candle from GG and Poppy Duke

I've got to admit, I have a pretty cool sister. Happy Birthday, Brooklyn!

Snow!!!! On Brooklyn's Birthday!!!!

2010-01-30T21:00:00.000-06:00

Brooklyn is sooooo lucky!!! What a birthday present!!

Let's go!!

Check out our house!!

See the snowball I threw at Grandpa D?? I caught on to this game really quickly!!

This is GREAT!!

Brooklyn chillin' in the wagon (literally)

Looking at the water flowing under the ice...cool!!

I FINALLY got to make a snow angel!!! I've been wanting to for months!!

Snow angels quickly turned into wrestling...and giggling!!

Redneck sledding

I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

The Rest of Our Time in Florida

2010-01-03T15:56:00.001-06:00

We were so busy the first half of the week, that we stayed in and just hung out the rest.

There were a zillion bowl games to watch...

...and football munchies to eat.

Brooklyn's first official steps were at Poppy Duke and GG's house!!! She HAD to walk to keep up with everyone everywhere!

Here is my "sleeping nook".

Brooklyn's officially a VanGompel now!!

We wore her out everyday!!!

We love our GG!

Walking, walking, and more walking!

A very important phone call right before we left!

And we sure didn't want to leave!!!!

We had an uneventful trip home (thank goodness). The highlight was driving through the city of Ty Ty!!

We left sunny Florida only to arrive in snow as soon as we crossed the Arkansas border. Very strange, but cool!!! We had so much fun. I was talking about it for weeks!!! We love you, GG and Poppy Duke!!

New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T15:47:00.001-06:00

I had been looking forward to New Year's Eve since waaay before Christmas. I saw an episode of "Max & Ruby" where they taught me about it. I went around yelling, "HAPPY NEW YEAR" all the time. So, we had a big to-do on the real day...at 7:15 pm. I don't think I'm ready for midnight yet!! Grandma made us some silly hats, and we had beads, blowers, and noise makers. The best part was the cupcakes, of course!! Check out some of our silly photos!

Bradenton Beach!!!

2009-12-30T15:28:00.002-06:00

We finally made it to the beach! We were all prepped and ready to go.

For some reason I thought you had to take all your clothes off at the beach, but they assured me you don't have to.

Brooklyn loooooved the sand.

I looooved the water!!

And I really loved throwing the mud!!! Until I tried a bite. I misunderstood when they told me to taste the WATER. They should be more clear next time.

Brooklyn's first step into the ocean...she was NOT impressed!

Heading off for a walk

Grandma enjoying some rays while on video duty!

Yuck! But a good kind of yuck!

Another attempt at the water. It wasn't happening.

And then disaster hit with sand in the eyes and mouth.

Mommy took her for a walk for a change of pace.

Cookie break with two of my favorite people!

Then another disaster hit. I got some kind of needles in my feet. I did a pretty good job while they pulled them out.

Even with the crises, we had a blast at the beach.

And I finally got to get naked...all the way home!

Brooklyn ran in when we got back to tell GG all about our super fun day!!!

Children's Garden in Sarasota

2009-12-30T13:57:00.000-06:00

Heading into the garden with Grandma, wondering what we would find.

I knew I would like it here when one of the first things I saw was a choo choo with a face!!

Ahoy, Matey!!

I found lots of things to climb!

And lots of trails to explore!

Brookyn even found things to do!

Silly Daddy on top of the octopus

I wasn't fearful at all.

Hanging out with Poppy in the tiki hut

More hanging out

Man, I have to work hard to keep up with Grandma!

But we found time to relax and enjoy too!

I think I like it here.

Ready to set sail...

the maiden of the Black Pearl.

She needs to be a tad bit taller for a shoulder ride!!

Daddy snuck Brooklyn into the costume area while no one was looking. We have a ton of pictures of her in some odd outfits!!

Poppy found a great place to rest.

This was one of the coolest places we've ever been!!!!

The Mote Aquarium in Sarasota

2009-12-29T17:24:00.000-06:00

Right away, we saw an eel...my favorite on Diego!!

But I liked the eel behind the glass better. This was as close as I would get to this one!!!

Brooklyn enjoyed her first aquarium. She hasn't even seen the fish at Walmart like I got to see when I was a baby. Our store in AR doesn't have them!!

She really kept her eyes on the fish!

Being silly with Mommy

Daddy helped me touch the things in the tidal pool.

I'm not sure I liked it though.

Are you sure I'm safe from that shark??

This bench might have been Brooklyn's favorite part, just because she got to walk around!

She also liked looking at the giant sea turtles.

Trying to get a palm tree photo...family photos never seem to work out though!

The Park in Bradenton

2009-12-28T17:18:00.002-06:00

We went on some outings during our week in Florida. The first was to a local park. Brooklyn tried out our new trike.

Let's have a race, have a race, have a race...as the Thomas song goes.

As always, the swings were our favorite part of the park.

It was a wee bit chilly for Florida!

My first golf lesson

They said I have a little bit of work to do!!! But I'll get there!!

Hanging Out at Poppy Duke and GG's House

2009-12-27T16:15:00.001-06:00

We played and played and did our usual things...

...and we loooved having an audience!

We tried to be as cute as possible!!

Playing "night night" with Grandma

Building with my new old-school Lincoln Logs

GG helped Brooklyn get around!

In choo choo heaven!

Poppy and Grandma brought Thomas for me to ride!!

It was hard, but I let Brooklyn have a turn too!

We got to Skype some of our aunts, uncles and cousins. Aren't our great-grandparents hip and cool?

Bedtime meant lots of hugs...

One morning GG gave Brooklyn and I each a very special gift.

She gave me a puppy I can walk myself! (GG--all my friends love this puppy when they come over!! I make sure they take good care of it, of course!)

She gave Brooklyn a little doll.

We loved our special gifts!

GG got me hooked on reading the comics each morning!

After we went to bed, there was some Guys vs. Gals Euchre going on! I heard the Gals were the Grand Champions of the week!!

Big Guy, Little Guy

Poppy and Grandma gave me my first set of golf clubs and a few lessons!

I sure look the part, huh?!

Can you believe my parents hid my trains for over half of the week before they told me they brought them?? I was really missing them, so they brought them out!!

Cute, cute, cute!

We Made It!! And It's Still Christmas!!!

2009-12-27T16:12:00.000-06:00

We finally made it to Poppy Duke and GG's house. Brooklyn got to meet them for the first time!! They had a lot of catching up to do.

I said "hi" to all and got right to business! Poppy Duke had a special train set up just for me...with a remote control. And guess what?!? He let me take it home with me!!

After a little playtime, we discovered the present room!!!

We brought special gifts too...

...with pictures of us on them. Who wouldn't want that?!?!

My new Purdue Boilermaker shirt

Brooklyn loving the chaos of it all!

My Favre shirt had to be replaced. New matching jerzees! Donald Driver is the new MAN!

I "helped" Poppy carve the ham for dinner...or maybe I was just the taste-tester! Something yummy besides fast food on the road! We were so glad to be there!

The Driving to Florida Adventure

2009-12-26T15:40:00.001-06:00

Arrre weee theeeeerrrrreee yet??

We finally gave up, and realized we would be spending the night in the car, so we went to bed hoping it would help us get there faster....

...but Mommy's stomach had other plans. Daddy drove as far as he could while Mommy had her episodes, and then we had to stop at a hotel in Georgia in the wee hours of the morning.

But since we had been sleeping for hours, we were WIDE AWAKE at the hotel when all Mommy and Daddy wanted to do was sleep. So, Mommy, Brooklyn and I hung out in the bathroom, playing and eating snacks, while Daddy tried to sleep.

After a while we passed out too! We all got a few hours of snoozing before we headed to Florida. Luckily, there were no more surprises the rest of the trip!!

Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-25T22:56:00.001-06:00

I ran out of my room, and the first thing I saw was my new railroad crossing sign bank from Santa. I put a ton of coins in waiting for Brooklyn to wake up!

We finally gave up and woke her up.

She took it pretty well though!

We started with our stockings.

Then Brooklyn found her big gift from Santa.

She shopped all morning long!!

The look of a little boy with a brand new engine! Pure bliss!

Mav and Frodo opening their stockings.

Opening gifts by the beautiful firelight

Brooklyn's other present to push around!

Mommy with her new Snuggie!!! I think we lost her for the rest of the day!

Better go play with Daddy!

And play with my new trains!

I think Maverick is going to like my new sleeping bag!

Nana made Mommy and Brooklyn matching scarves. Could they be any cuter???

Nana loved her new "Nana's Kitchen" apron!

I haven't quite figured out how to use the beanbag yet...

...kaboom!!

Oh nooooo!

Brooklyn must have heard the Tickle Monster was coming!

Look at all my track!!! It's everywhere!!!!! Daddy and I worked hard on it!

Some people managed to get dressed today! Not me--too much trains to play!

Lovin' her new ride!

Christmas dinner...

We had a wonderful day!!!!

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T22:51:00.001-06:00

Grandpa D woke us up looking pretty silly.

I wasn't so sure at first...

...but Brooklyn thought it was funny!

Yep, those are my grandparents! Doesn't leave much hope for me turning out ok, does it?!

Mommy and I started our gingerbread train project.

It was definitely tasty, but much more challenging than last year's house.

Engineering had to be called in.

Daddy saved the day!

I helped Nana stick bows on all their presents...

...and Brooklyn went around the tree taking them off. She loved them!

Our traditional tamale dinner

What? You think only Santa gets to dunk his treats in milk? I bet the reindeer like milk too!!

Brooklyn doing a taste test.

Everything is in place!

Um, Brooklyn, I think we just got caught being up to no good...not a good time to get into trouble. What do we do?

Give 'em some big smiles? That usually works, but I think we need to bring out the big guns tonight...

TOTAL CUTENESS!!!

Nana & Grandpa D Arrive For Christmas

2009-12-23T22:23:00.001-06:00

They're heee-eerrree..with a packed car. Yippee!!

We went out to dinner, and then I had the first of a zillion Christmas treats.

I watched my favorite holiday movie...

...and Brooklyn played with the boxes!

And giggled with Nana.

B in her new Christmas jammies and soooo ready for bed!

One last Goodnight Kiss

Is it really only Christmas Eve tomorrow? How will I be able to wait another day?!

December Odds & Ends

2009-12-23T20:39:00.000-06:00

In their matching stripes

A budding artist...

...who eats her supplies.

Christmas card attempts

Our new addition this year!! I was soooo surprised!!!

I got an email from Santa!!!

Grady and I playing "waterslide"!!

We dogsat Frodo the week of Christmas...

He made himself at home!!

Playgroup Ornament Exchange

2009-12-22T20:25:00.002-06:00

We drew numbers. We were all surprisingly patient and waited our turns!

I picked a Santa ornament.

Even the babies exchanged ornaments!

Then we made a craft.

And played.

Check out Jax's GeoTrax!! His trains are my favorite thing to play at his house. (Shocker!)

The meeting of the minds at snacktime! I love my friends!!!!

Mommy & Me Christmas Party

2009-12-13T20:13:00.000-06:00

I dropped off my letter to Santa! I told him I had been a good boy this year and politely asked for Molly, Emily and Murdoch...3 new engines!!

I got comfy and made an ornament.

Then it was time for my favorite part of any event--SNACKS!!

Mrs. Claus came and read us a story. Then she had a present for each boy and girl!

: )

I got a Christmas book!!

Then Santa came. This was as big as I could smile!

We ended the party with the Candy Cane Walk. It was a super fun afternoon!!

Nana & Grandpa D Visit So Our Parents Can Go to the KC Christmas Party

2009-12-11T20:50:00.002-06:00

The night before, we babysat Jax and his little sister. She wasn't too into my toys.

But Brooklyn took good care of her!!

Grandpa D playing with Daddy's new ipod.

Nana getting in on the action.

The next morning was a pancake breakfast with Santa!

Yummmmmm!

Poor Brooklyn, drooling over the pancakes. Maybe next year!

Luckily, no tears or screaming fits. We didn't look too excited though, did we?!

Revisiting the scene of last year's Christmas card.

Do I look older and wiser?

Playing "caterpillar"

Grandpa D taught me how to color lipstick on my trains. "WHAT WAS HE THINKING?" asks my daddy!!

He didn't traumatize Brooklyn too much though!

Silly girls! Brooklyn really likes to yank!

Brooklyn loves all our musical Christmas critters.

I do too. We have enough though. My parents kindly request no more musical gifts next year!! :)

Mommy and Daddy leaving for their big night out!!

Getting Ready for Christmas

2009-12-01T17:40:00.001-06:00

Daddy thinking he's Spidey...Mommy can't handle it and stays inside.

Brooklyn in our snowman suit from Aunt Jessica and Uncle Dan.

They tell me she did better in it than I did!

Putting up the tree...

...so we can get in the box.

I handed Mommy the ornaments.

The final product

Daddy's lights turned out GREAT!! All the neighbors think he's trying to make them look bad.

Night one of the Advent truck

Daddy's Christmas project has been to fix Mommy's grandmother's Nativity manger. He's worked hard on it, and it looks great. Mommy is VERY happy!!!