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!