Grinch the Musical

Grinch the Musical was a brand new show to the Grand Ole Opry this Christmas season.  We went to see the Rockettes just two years ago, but this was the first year to bring the Grinch to Nashville.  It was the first time for us to don Christmas attire and really get in the spirit of the Holiday.

The musical was just fabulous.  I liked it so much more than the Rockettes.  The colors and costumes were unreal.  I attempted to make a Pinterest recipe of Grinch popcorn where you add green food coloring, marshmallows, and red M&M's to have to munch on during Intermission.  It wasn't as Grinch green as I would've liked, but it did taste yummy.  We knew Hadley would be fine during the show, but we were so proud of three year old Canaan. He sat on the edge of his seat during the performance and loved every second of it.

We had the best time together ringing in the Christmas season.  Love sweet times like these with my family!

North Pole Breakfast

Our North Pole Breakfast is turning in to quite the tradition for us, and it just keeps getting sweeter every year.  To hear the kid's screams when I tell them that someone has been to our house and left a special treat, is just the sweetest thing.  We had been talking about our Elf making his arrival and how he was due any day now.  

Hadley and Canaan just happened to sport their Elf on the Shelf  jammies the night before.  Now wasn't that a coincidence?  Our elf, Rudolph, made monkey bread for breakfast, which the kids just love.

OK, Canaan's hysterical smile is just cracking us up these days.  He looks part mouse or something, but I think it's too cute.  Really it's not cute at all, but of course it's cute to Mama.

Rudolph wrote each child a letter about his expectations for them over the next few weeks that he's with us.  He also brought them a new ornament for the their trees and some other cheap Christmas themed goodies.

Oh me....it's here!  The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!  We couldn't be more excited at our house!

Happy Thanksgiving

As you can see from the picture, Hadley has now lost both her top front teeth.  Of course, everyone wants to talk about the song, "All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth."  But let's not get carried away with Christmas just yet.  We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with the White's and Hughes' and a few days later, at the Stinson's.  We are so thankful for our families, our health, this sweet baby on the way, our jobs, but especially our salvation.  Happy Thanksgiving from our crew!

Tooth Fairy Visit

We love Hadley's Kindergarten teacher so much.  I really can't put in to words just how special she is.  One example of how precious she is would be the day Hadley lost her first top front tooth.  I was in the middle of teaching when my classroom door opened and in walks Miss Feese, smiling from ear to ear, holding Hadley's hand.  She was so excited to let me see my girl with that big gaping hole.  

It kind of breaks my heart, I'm not going to lie, that she has lost this top tooth.  She looks so big now.  It's as if, in that instant, she doesn't look like a little girl anymore.  Sigh.  But she will always be my little girl.  I am so thankful that Miss Feese loves Hadley and is so proud to share in these sweet moments with us.  

Hadley's 6th Birthday

Our sweet first born is officially turned six years old on the day of her birthday party.  I cannot believe our oldest is six, ya'll.  People say it flies by.  Boy does it.  We headed back to Extreme Gymnastics this year for Hadley's party.  It just has a little bit of everything and is so fun for kids.  We had a vintage pumpkin theme this year and I have no idea how I didn't manage to get pics of decorations, but apparently I didn't??  But we went with turquoise and orange for colors and had sub sandwiches, chips, and a pumpkin cake for our girl's special day.  She was surrounded by some school friends, and her sleuth of cousins who she is just crazy about.

My Nana regifted a gift to Hadley this year.  Nana was the secretary at my K-8 Auburn Elementary School all the years I attended.  Apparently, one year I saved up my money at the Christmas Bazarre to purchase this awesome rabbit for Nana.  Needless to say, she kept it all these years and passed it on to Hadley.  Funny, but so sweet, too!

Again, not sure what happened with photo ops this day, but thankful I have even a few to capture Hadley's special day.  We love you so much, Hadley, and couldn't be prouder of who you are.  You are our little responsible, smart, caring girl.  You are so curious and ask so many questions.  We love you to the moon and back and will always be your number one fans!  Happy 6th Birthday, Hadley Jewell Stinson!