A little Chat with Tatum

Every day randomness with our girl..

Daddy!

Brady is a Daddy Freak. Everything he does is just over the top cool. Yesterday, Riley was painting the fence, and Brady was just dying to get in there. Pretty darn cute I must say.

Finally

So after being verbally assaulted by various family members (I wont mention names), I've decided to finally put up a new post. Sorry about that. No excuses really, just in a little blog funk I guess. So what can I say? Where did we leave off? Christmas? It was the best. We stayed home which was absolutely heavenly and made our relatives come to US. It was perfect. Lots of laughter and way too many presents. And a few days before Christmas, the 22nd to be exact, Riley and I officially took over our churches Children's ministry once again, which has also been quite a whirlwind since we began. Its great though, especially since Riley and I are doing it together this time! We are continuing the house projects also, such as painting the fence, sewing curtains, insulating the floor, fixing the fireplace, landscaping the backyard..the list goes on and on really..oh and Riley's AWESOME idea of converting the garage into a MAN ROOM (a huge priority). So, I guess thats what we've been up to. Here a few pics of the kiddos. Stay tuned for more blogs. Really, I'll be better.

                                            

                                            Christmas Eve

                                           At the Kids Museum 
                                               My Girl
                                             Bath time! (June edition)
                                              After ONE Hershey's Kiss...?

Christmas Cookies!!

A must do Christmas Tradition-Decorating Christmas cookies with the cousins! Since the boys always seemed so bah hum buggish about this one, we decided go at it alone with just the girls this year (and Brady of course). And of course more eating was done than actual decorating, but I guess thats the point.

Gaily Party 08!

As festive as you can get, this party has become a Ramones tradition as much as a Gaily one. Its quit an event.  The night starts out with Adrienne frantically throwing out more appetizers than anyone could ever eat, followed by an awesome pasta dinner, a visit from Santa, a cut throat adult gift exchange, and a dishes (and more dessert) after party. Our kids go absolutely nuts with excitement, and since they hire a few babysitters to watch the kids, the adults can also have a somewhat of an enjoyable evening too, while still watching their kids have a blast and get a present from Santa. Santa of course is the highlight every year. The part played, rightly so, by my brother-a 6' 4" Giant who makes for one terrifying, and frankly a bit creepy Santa. Tatum last year sat quietly on the couch in amazement, and dared not move an inch when Santa called her name. This year, I thought for sure she would echo her same Santa phobia. He came in and both kids sat star struck on the couch their backs pressed up hard against the pillows. Santa started calling names. Jimmy. Johnny. Timmy. Lucy. Tatum waited. Most kids hesitated. Few kids stood. Rarely did one sit on his lap. "Is there a little girl named Tatum?" as soon as she heard her name she popped up from that couch as I looked on in sheer amazement. She walked a few feet, and then stopped. Arms crossed, eyebrows down, Contemplating her next move. A face off with Santa as the room stood silent. I could then see the courage rise within her, and then, in a burst of pure courage and wild recklessness, she flung herself into his arms and closed her eyes as she hugged him. Then grabbed her gift quietly and slid away. She really is her own little person. I never know what this girl is going to do! Brady, on the other hand was quite intrigued, but preferred to stay at a close distance. His own bad luck though led him to be standing too close when his name was called, and Santa swiftly plucked him out of the crowd and plopped him on his lap. He got his present alright, but he ran away balling. 

Oh to be a kid. These moments I pray I will never forget! Thanks Gailys for a great night(:

We Got it!

Our tree that is. Woo Hooo! Christmas is officially here!

All By Nyself

Bradys following in his sisters footsteps for sure in this case. At 18 months, one of her favorite phrases was "By nyself!" At 16 months, he cant say it yet, but his independence is surely rearing its stubborn head. This mornings breakfast was yoghurt and oatmeal. Go for it kid.