North Pole Flyer

Yesterday we rode the "North Pole Flyer." It is a vintage train ride that starts in Cedar Park, heads north to Burnet, and then comes back to Cedar Park. It was about a 2-1/2 hour ride along the Texas Hill Country in an old vintage train. Crew was so excited about! We had been talking about it the past week, and that morning he woke up at 5 am ready to go. Lucky for us, he did go back to bed, but when he finally got up all he could about was riding the choo choo and seeing Santa. Here are some pics of our excursion- What a fun day!

(And... if you are interested in this train the tickets go on sale in January- I know crazy! But I called up there about a month ago just to see if they had any cancellations and sure enough they had 2 seats available. So I guess this a major popular Christmas activity in Austin, so book early!)

Daddy and Crew walking to the train.

All Aboard! Ready for the fun!

The neat snack shop and souvenir train car.

(They served free hot cocoa to all the passengers.)

After we sat in our seats Mrs. Claus came by and delivered snicker doodle cookies, yum!

There were carolers singing Christmas songs.

Then they came to our car and read- "The North Pole Flyer" book.

And we were surprised by the big man himself- Santa Claus!

Santa gave all the kids a gift- a wooden train whistle.

Crew blowing the whistle- choo choo!

He loved his train whistle, even took it with him to see Santa!

The front of the train looking at the engine with Mr. C.

Crew LOVED Santa this year- he is still talking about it!

Can't wait for this excitement on Christmas Morning if he was this excited to ride the train.

Christmas through the eyes of a child is such a wonderful gift, we are truly blessed!
Merry Christmas to you all!

Crew's Christmas

This was one busy week for Mr. Crew! At school on Monday he performed in his first Christmas concert. To say the least, I had tears in my eyes as he performed! I couldn't imagine a 2 year old singing along, doing the hand movements- yet alone standing in one place- but he did it!!! And did a fabulous job!! Then at school on Wednesday the day ended with a class Christmas party.

He has had so much fun at school this year already- we have to pray for his teachers and everyone in his class every night (don't you just love the heart of a child?)- and cannot wait to see what next year has in store! Merry Christmas!

The kids each walked into the chapel carrying stuffed animals that are to be donated to the Children's Hospital in Austin. They laid their animals right by the manger with Baby Jesus.

They then sat in a pew with their class and listened to a short bible lesson.

(they all stayed seated- can u believe it?)

Getting ready for the big performance.
Crew's "best buddy" Jack is right behind him.

He found mommy!!

Ok, so cannot figure out how to get the video on here

(if you can share any advice I would LOVE it)

Here is the link to his performance on YouTube.

Crew is wearing the red shirt in the front row (near the middle).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaN1R35aBIE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Then today was the class party:

Don't you just love a 2 year old's imagination?

Enjoying some Christmas cookies and juice.

The kids each drew a picture and we had it laminated and bound for the teachers-

they LOVED it!=)

And now you can really see how Crew feels about crafts- he is def a boy!

He came home with a beautiful glittered pine cone Christmas tree and a decorated gift for us which was a ........

Beautiful wreath ornament for our tree!

I will cherish it and enjoy it for many more Christmas' to come!

Thanksgiving 2011

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed spending time with both our families. On Thursday we went to my cousin's house in Plano for a yummy dinner! My aunt and uncle and cousin/her husband and their 2 kiddos came in from the Chicago area. Crew had so much fun playing with his cousin Hayden! My parents and brothers also came in for the weekend to celebrate.

On Friday we celebrated with Brett's whole family. Talk about a lot of food- I think we had 12 desserts- yet alone all the dinner too- wow!!
This year we are have so much to be thankful for- God has given us so many blessings that we often take for granted each day. We are especially thankful for our health and our wonderful families. Not living in the same city as any of our family makes you really cherish the time you spend with them. Hoping your Thanksgiving was special too!

Our Thanksgiving Cards

The adorable dinner table at my Cousin Mike & Whitney's house.

Mike carving the turkey.

Yummy! Fried turkey and regular turkey!

Sweet Baby Harper just turned 3 months- what a cutie!

Uncle Mike gave Crew and Hayden duck/goose calls.

They were walking around the house like a parade blowing their calls!

Do you think we have some hunters?

Quack Quack!

Out family of 3!

The Lattals.

We all had iPhones- we were sharing apps and tips!

Crew and Hayden!

Notice the yellow kitchen glove- Crew discovered these as we were cleaning up.

He did not let go of them ALL day- even had to nap with them.

It's the little things that make the best toys, ha!

Cousin Wrestling!!

(Notice- still has the glove on-ha!)

Reading bedtime stories with Uncle Mike Sayler and Aunt Whitney.

(and the glove is STILL on!)

The beautiful table at Uncle David and Aunt Sandy's.

Grandma making sure the dressing is "just right!"

Crew helping Aunt Sandy carve the turkey.

Getting ready for the big dinner!

(notice the lazy susan in the middle of the table. It's awesome, you just grab your food and rotate it around. Such a fun way to share a big meal!)

All the desserts and appetizers.

Yummy yummy dinner!

Happy Anniversary, Zoo, and R+B Wedding

This past weekend we went to Houston for a wedding. Our childhood neighbor, Rachel, got married on Saturday. My mom helped throw her a bridal luncheon at the Junior League on Friday afternoon. That night my parents celebrated their 33 wedding anniversary, so we enjoyed a nice family dinner at Nino's. On Saturday morning we took Crew to the Houston Zoo. It was his first time at the zoo and he absolutely LOVED seeing all the animals! Here are a few pics from the weekend.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Crew pushing the Gelato cart outside the restaurant.

HOUSTON ZOO

This is from our lunch table- we ate right by the giraffes!

Crew was trying to figure out this chimp.

Bang Bang Bang!

Big ELEPHANTS!!!

The kids petting zoo- loved the goats this time!

He even brushed their coats.

Crawling in the tunnels just like Prairie Dogs.

RACHEL AND BLAKE'S WEDDING WEEKEND

Bridal lunch setup at the Junior League Tearoom.

Rachel's Place

(Each guest went home with an individual boxed cupcake- so yummy!)

Rachel and her bridesmaids.

Rachel and her mom, Sydney.

The beautiful ceremony took place at the St. Regis hotel in Houston. They had a Jewish ceremony which was beautiful! I had never been to one before, and the traditions were so special. They got married under a Chuppa. This symbolizes the "home" that they will build their life. They also wrote each other love letters and they were read at the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony Blake stepped on a glass and we all yelled "Mazel Tov!"

After the ceremony, we left the ballroom for the cocktail reception and the room was transformed into a sparkling crystal dream! Every detail was taken into account and it just took your breath away! The food was amazing- all 5 courses of it! And it was our favorite band too- Blind Date from Austin.

I feel like just the other day Rachel and I were playing dress up in her mom's closet- but now she is married! She looked absolutely gorgeous- just like a princess. She changed into a short dress after dinner and it was just as beautiful!

What a wonderful night. Congratulations Rachel and Blake!!

Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together!

The Happy couple during the ceremony.

The beautiful wedding ceremony and Chuppa.

"Ice" bar at the cocktail reception.

BEAUTIFUL reception!

(love the mirrored tables, they just sparkled)

Amazing cake!

Love the personalized dance floor.

Place settings.

So pretty!

1st dance as husband and wife.

Daddy Daughter dance.

Me and the beautiful bride!

The Sturr Family!

Such a fun part of a Jewish reception- lifting the bride and groom on chairs and dancing in a circle around them.
(Notice Rachel's short dress- it was just as amazing!)