Insane Saturday!

I cannot believe all the things we crammed into our day yesterday! Most of it was self-inflicted, but I just can't stop myself this time of year...there are just so many fun things to do! Granna was in town to help out so she greatly contributed to our success.

We started out the day by taking Tyler to a Lowe's Build and Grow...it was the holiday train and Russ did not want to miss it. I honestly think he enjoys them more than Tyler!! It was the first one I have attended (since Caroline was home with Granna) and I was able to take lots of pictures. Tyler was super proud of his train...which Daddy finished putting the stickers on when we got home.

Lots of kids come out for these events! They set up tables in the back center aisle for everyone to build.

Driving the finished product (minus stickers) on the Lowe's floor!

Showing off his new train in the car.

After Lowe's, we headed to the Children's Museum. We have not used our family membership nearly as often as I had hoped...I contribute that to the addition of Caroline this year and our already busy schedule. We decided to go yesterday to see some of the new exhibits. Plus, they had some holiday crafts and characters. Tyler was not into seeing Santa and was terrified of the Gingerbread Man, but he loved Rudolph! He really enjoyed a lot of things this visit but especially the grocery store, the new airways exhibit, the water exhibit and the upgrade to the Fire House.

Checking out the tornado.

Putting packages on the belt.

In the cockpit of the FedEx airplane.

Russ taking a turn at flying the replica plane.

Ready to go shopping.

Scanning the items at checkout.

Totaling his order!

He chased Rudolph all over the museum for this picture!

This thing was SO cool!

Tyler putting the ball in the tunnel.

Climbing into the skyscraper. He only went up one level before he got scared!

This playhouse was one of his favorite parts, too.

He climbed to the very tip-top with some help from Daddy!

He finally warmed up to the Gingerbread Man for this picture.

Fishing!

We stopped for lunch at McAlister's on the way home. It was like a little date with our little man and it was really nice. And Tyler surprised us and drank out of a cup with a straw since we forgot his sippy cup...a huge accomplishment for our straw-averring 2 year old. Ha!

Straw-drinking victory!

When he woke up, we all went to the Germantown Parade. It was the first parade for either of the kiddos to attend and they had a blast, despite the SUPER cold weather! Tyler was excited to wear his rain boots since it rained earlier. We got there a little early and picked an uncrowded spot on the median. Tyler loved watching all the bands go by, getting candy that was thrown to us and seeing Santa ride the firetruck at the end! He even got pretty good at waving and saying "Merry Christmas" to everyone as they walked and rode past. It was a great, small parade that was perfect for our little family. I suspect we will make this a tradition every year.

Me and my babies before the parade started.

"The parade's coming!!"

She kept me warm!

Russ just kept taking pictures of this sweet face.

The parade is here!

This dog came right up to Caroline and gave her a big kiss!

The Grinch!! Plus Cindy-loo-whoo and Thing 1 and Thing 2!

Caroline got candy, too.

Tyler was excited to see a race car in the parade.

The Carnival Memphis Boll Weevils!!

Wearing her beads from the Boll Weevils that we had to take away because she was chewing on them!

Tyler got lots of beads, too.

Santa rode in on a firetruck!!

We put the kids down for a late nap when we got home from the parade. Russ and I sat down to rest and watch an episode of "Homeland" and I fell asleep in 2 minutes, I think! That never happens and is proof our our chaotic day. Ha! After our brief rest, we cleaned up for the 1st of three parties! Our sweet babysitter, Micky, graduated from the University of Memphis and stopped by her graduation party.

Tyler giving our high-fives!

Enjoying Micky's cake. Mommy forgot a bib, so he got stuck wearing Caroline's!

Kisses for the graduate!

Our family with sweet Micky! We are so proud of her.

Granna took the kids home while we ventured to party #2 at Ciao Bella to celebrate Christmas with my Hope Moms' group and our spouses. We always do a fun dirty Santa ornament swap and we got a super cute penguin ornament this year...very appropriate for Tyler's "Happy Feet" obsession.  After that, we stopped by a going-away party for our friend Shea, who is moving home to Hattisburg. It was a fun, but super exhausting night. All thing considered, Russ and I both agreed that everything went pretty smoothly during our hectic day with very few tantrums or mishaps. Success!

So grateful for Carrie and Mary...2 of the wonderful Moms in my group.
(These 2 also helped to deliver both Tyler and Caroline as L&D nurses!)