Sorry it has been so long since I last posted but Lissy called to remind me so here it goes! After we moved in, Ryan had to travel right away so it worked out that Lissy came to check out where her babies are now living. She is a mother in her own right to all of her nieces and nephews and if you have never met Bella or Lissy, I'm pretty sure God got confused (he has a lot to do) and accidentally gave me Lissy's daughter... that is okay - I sort of think she's a hoot!

Well anyway Lissy got to town and was promptly welcomed by Brady. He can be a little fresh sometimes. I guess that is why everyone loves him!

Bella on the other hand made Lissy get straight to work. Bella had work to do on her computer as well. She is often known to be updating her "bwog"! I think this is from her on the job training during "Mondays with Bella" while I was working.

We did some shopping and Lissy was very excited to find tight stripe footie jammies for Bella to match Brady's. She loves Brady's pj's but I think she is actually making fun of them most the time. We were busy all week going to dinner with friends, a playgroup, shopping, etc. but Lissy and Bella found time to dress Lucy Goose up. Too bad her attire doesn't fit the season. She is wearing Bella's bikini but they all think she is okay for winter since she is also sporting a scarf!

Bella likes to admire her work. I forgot to take these off for a few days and we did have a few people come to our door. I wonder what they thought of us!?!?

Soon after that, we headed back to St. Louis to see the family for Thanksgiving. Thank you Grandma, Papa, Kaitlin and Kristian for taking us in! We had a week full of fun, relaxation and over eating. And just a few trips back to see the old house on Dexter! :(

Brady and Papa jumped right into the business of having fun! Brady is always up for a good time!

Bella found a new favorite toy. She adores this dollhouse and played with it the whole time. She loved putting the dolls to bed, in and out of the doors and of course...on the potty.

Aunt Kristian sure loves her Brady Boy! She fed him his disgusting food even after a night out with her friends. That can turn your stomach.

When Thanksgiving dinner was over Brady told us he was full like most men do. Brady stop that. Get your hand out of your pants.

Yeah - I see you. Silly boy! Your right Brady - The suspenders are classy! Nice touch!

We also went to Aunt Therese and Uncle Dennis' house for another delicious dinner and had fun playing games with the family. Trivia games are great because they make you realize how smart you aren't! After 4 servings of Thanksgiving dinner... I finally called it quits! Yummmm!

Before we left for St. Louis we cheated and started Christmas a little early. Bentonville has a big town lighting downtown so we packed up the kids and went down. Bella was not as excited as most kids are to be surprised by Santa. Our Santa pictures just keep getting better each year! We will try and get a better one before the season is over and with both kids but this moment was just too classic to pass up!

While we were there we ran into our friends the Criders. CJ works with Ryan and I have become friends with his wife Suzanne who is super friendly and keeps me abreast of all there is to do in Bentonville! To top it off they have a daughter named Maddie who is always very nice to Bella. Even if Bella isn't feeling "social"! The girls had fun running around and we even ran into more people from Ryan's work and met another little girl named Zoe.

Not the best picture but it looked very pretty. My camera was acting up.

Next it was time to decorate our house. I didn't realize when I put our Christmas decor. away last year that I would be putting it up in a different house this year. It took some time but it all came together eventually.

We are actually going to be moving the buffet to the entry way because it is a little bare and the dining area is tight.

My second attempt at mistletoe is hanging from the pendant. Brady gets lots of kisses here!

Decorating is not for everyone! Too much holiday excitement I guess. By the way - Brady has been teething for about 3 months with no sign of any teeth. He is always attacking and making out with the snowman and penguins on this little toy! The kids got Elf on the Shelf for St. Nick's day and here is our elf Kurby! My best guess at how you would spell that. Bella was excited that he was hiding in the coffee!

The limbs of our tree stood straight up until we decorated it. We were a little nervous it wasn't going to drop but my Mom was right again! It actually fits perfect and I really like it.

I couldn't get a good picture of my garland but I like how it turned out.

To continue with the festive feeling we went to Christmas parade. The theme was Christmas Movies. This was the best float and it was hard to get all of the details. An old RV, Eddie in a bathrobe, lumberjack hat and a hose, Clark with his hat, a large plug and a squirrel on his back and the yellow house with green shutters covered in 10,000 twinkle lights! There were more details like all of the other characters and the fried cat but I can't think of them all.

Maddie got to ride in a wagon in the parade because...

her dad CJ was the Energizer Bunny! Maybe it will by Ryan's turn next year. I'm sure we will have some visitors if that is the case!

Bella didn't understand that you have to look at a parade and quit eating your snacks to enjoy it but she did like the Grinch, Frosty, Rudolph and Santa stuff.

Brady liked it till he decided to snooze on Mommy! Love the hat!

Before Santa came for St. Nick's Day we had to make him some Christmas cookies. Bella worked very hard and although she did get a little bossy... she really liked it! Check out her work!

Next she had to get some loving from Brady Boy! He loves her more than anything in the whole wide world!

Bella has to put on comfy clothes when Daddy gets home because he does. Like this outfit???? She does! Anyways - St. Nick must have snuck in during nap time because there were presents on the fireplace!

Like our head gear???? We know - You are jealous!

Good morning Brady! Good morning Bella!

Getting SUPER EXCITED about the singing toy!

Begging me to turn it on again! How can you not love this adorable face!

Bella likes to put Brady's head gear on even if she doesn't want to wear hers.

That is okay. This little guy is a ham!

See you later and have a good "getting ready for Christmas" time! Watch some movies, listen to Christmas music, make some cookies and have some hot chocolate!

Welcome Home!

Before you look at this post you should check out Lissy's post on her blog. It makes me cry but it is great. She documented the first part of our move and leaving St. Louis. www.missprissiness.wordpress.com

Well, we finally made it to Bentonville. It was a bitter sweet move but we are now in our new house and it is absolutely beautiful. Bella and Brady are both adjusting very well considering they both have colds. We are going to a playgroup on Wednesday so hopefully we will soon have friends!

Grandma posing with Brady!

Chase and Bella's last playdate.

Bella and Brady liked to hang out on the counter by the window as I cooked dinner.

Getting our house all packed up. I didn't do any of it. It was awesome!

This was our truck. It was about twice the length of our house. The movers were great. Jay and Maurice packed us up and did an awesome job. They also were very nice to the kids which is bonus points in my book! Bella loved them and talked their ears off! Their guys, what do you expect.

Aunt Lissy snuggling with Bella and Brady! Brady is in there somewhere.

Aunt Lissy threatening to take Brady and run away!

On the road to Bentonville. The kids did great on the ride and we only had to stop once. For McNuggets of course.

Our trunk was packed to the roof which is ridiculous considering the size of our truck!

Welcome to Arkansas!

Bella loves her new yard (which isn't much different than her old yard except that is doesn't have her swing set. Maybe this spring for someones birthday!)

Look - We all fit in our shower!!!! Not that we need to but our last shower was tiny!

Brady loves his new house!

The crew after a long two days of setting up and unpacking boxes!

Bella had fun exploring the house and playing through out moving day!

Coloring with Grandma! Thanks for the coloring scroll Grandma!

Pat the truck driver. He kept us entertained!

Now it is time for the grand tour! Lets start in the Master Bath. Check out my tub!

These two doors lead to some great things. Our wonderful closet and a private toilet. Privacy wasn't something we had a lot of at the last house!

Ryan and I's bedroom!

The kitchen. Not much bigger but much better layout!

The dinning area.

The mudroom with lots of storage cubbies and a coat rod!

The fireplace! I haven't decorated the mantle yet but Lissy is coming and she is good at that stuff!

Our entry way is huge. We are looking for some furniture.

Bella's playroom (it is supposed to be a study/office/5th bedroom / dining room.)

The living area. See little Brady in the corner!

The GARAGE! We love the space and there will be so much more after they come and get the boxes and trash!

The hallway back to the kids rooms, the spare room, the bath and 1/2 bath and laundry room.

The half bath which is Bella's potty-training room since the kids bath is getting fixed.

The guest and kids bath. Trying to figure out some plumbing issues betweent the tub and shower.

Brady's room.

Bella's room. All of the bedrooms are missing decor which will come soon!

Guest room.

My laundry room. That is it but I will post more as we decorate. We are trying to minimize holes in the wall so that may take some figuring out! Now you have seen our house and all I can say is I love it!!!!