Movie night with kids and date night

Ivy knew about this activity at her school for about 2 weeks before it happened and begged every single day for us to be able to go. It was a viewing of the Polar Express in the auditorium of the elementary school for families to attend and they provided popcorn and hot chocolate! My, was it quite the event. I don't think I've ever seen so many excited kids in one place. They each brought blankets and pillows to be comfortable while watching, although I'm not sure many of them did very much actual watching. Ha! Ivy was excited to see her friend Anna there and sat next to her for most of the time. Marshall watched more of the movie than Ivy did, surprise surprise. LOL! And I was very ready to leave after it was over and meet our babysitter at home to put the kids to bed so Sam and I could enjoy the rest of our evening out on a date!

We enjoyed dinner together, then met up with our close friends at Model City Tap House. It was sort of a goodbye to our friends Porter and Leisa who are moving next month! But I really think it was just a good excuse for us all to get together and hang out. Haha! Fun night!

Cookie exchange party

I just love this tradition. My good friend Shannon hosts a Cookie Exchange party at her house every season where we all bring a different type of cookie or baked good and vote on our favorite one! This year, Leisa's Potato Chip Cookie won! It was oh so buttery delicious and well deserved! Always a good time visiting with my hilarious girls.

With the lovely hostess:

Happy 3rd Birthday Marshall!

My baby is a baby no more! He is now a kid. Sad but exciting at the same time. Our dinosaur loving, airplane flying, car chasing, jump-off-of-all-furniture kid is the most articulate 3 year old I know. Sometimes I don't even realize he is listening in until he opens his mouth to put in his two cents in whatever conversation Sam and I might be having. Just an example of something he would say, "I went on a roller coaster with daddy and Ivy. And my friend Avery. And Avery said 'wee!' And you rode in a car." Had to write that one down because it cracked me up! Another time he tried to tell me a joke (Ivy tries to say jokes every now and again, which is where he gets it from I think). He said "Mom, let me tell you a joke... a car went into a snort. And then they went into the water..... and now it's done." Haha! Who is this smart kid??

Marshall's favorite color is red and has been for a while. I think it's thanks to Lightening Mcqueen? He begs to wear a red shirt just about every day. He is obsessed with Paw Patrol these days. As well as cruising around on his balance bike. He really seems to be sort of an adrenaline junky of sorts, considering he loves to jump off of high places, tries to balance on small items, and always tries to ride faster, swing higher, and spin while trying to balance on the edges of the merry-go-round (who does that??). I fully envision him to be bungie jumping, slacklining, and half-piping in his future at some point. His abilities are pretty impressive. haha! 

He still has such a tender heart and never turns down his mama for cuddles and kisses. He will snuggle right up to just about anyone who wants to hold him. He also loves Ivy so much. They have so much fun together, most of the time, and I'm super grateful! 

For the birthday boy's day, we started off with presents and dinosaur pancakes, thanks to daddy, then took the kids to see the new disney movie Moana! It was a hit! Both kids asked to listen to the music in the car right after we left!

Marshall enjoying his future mode of transportation. He is still obsessed with all trucks, racecars, and motorcycles. He still loves trains and airplanes as well. Basically anything that moves! He likes balls and sports okay but not obsessed. It's more about the vehicles and dinosaurs for this kid!

After we were done at the movies, Marshall's friend Brigham was having a birthday party at a tumbling gym! Considering this is one of Marshall's favorite places, we decided it would be fun to go! Happy Birthday Brig! Glad we got to spend the day with you and other friends ON Marshall's bday! hehe.. Marshall did the zipline.. Why am I not surprised he could do this?? ha!

After the party, we went home to enjoy Marshall's cookie cake that he picked out! They wrote the number 3 on it for him! Happiest of Birthdays to my sweet boy!

Cupcakes with friends for Marshall's birthday

We didn't really plan to throw anything big for Marshall's birthday so I ended up just inviting his good friends over for cupcakes and playtime. I quickly realized Marshall has lots of friends! So it ended up being more of a birthday party than I originally planned but no worries! I just went and grabbed some plates, snacks and balloons to add to the mix. Easy peesy! Naturally Marshall picked out dinosaur decor. Kids all had a blast and cupcakes were a hit! It turned out pretty amazing for how low-key it was!

I really had no idea how he was going to act when they sang to him but the look on his face was priceless. Sam got off work early and picked up Ivy from school so she could be in on the fun. Big thank you to all our wonderful friends for coming and the generous gifts they got Marshall! This boy is surely loved!

Little Cakes and Library Christmas toddler party

Before we all parted ways for the holidays, we met up with Leisa and Shannon and their girls for an afternoon in downtown Kingsport. Kids loved the cake pops and walking around together!

A couple days later, the library had a fun little party at Toddler Time. Marshall had a blast with his buddies:

Probably one of the last times we are all together because Heather is moving after I leave for Houston! We will miss them!

Random December

 Lot's of fun stuff in December! Decided to just include a few moments before we get into Christmas festivities.. Fun at the library with Marshall's buds..

Ivy's depiction of a circus. This girl is so creative!

We got a new washer and dryer and the kids think it's pretty cool that they can see the clothes in the dryer. ha:

Morning sesh on the spin bikes:

 Sam and I decided to try our hand at a few different Asian foods one week... Dumplings, Vietnamese egg rolls, and crab wontons! Not meaning to brag or anything but I think my vietnamese egg rolls were pretty gosh darn good:

 Nativity "walk through Bethlehem" with friends Jill and Sterling one COLD evening. It was very neat and very well planned out!

Cantemus Christmas Concert! Myrth is one of my full time students and I stand next to Doneen. Love these ladies!