October-December

I have been horrible at blogging and am sad because we have been doing some really fun things. I also want to have a place where I post my pictures besides Facebook. So, I am going to do a better job and try to post twice a month. That is not too much to take on, right?????

We had a wonderful Fall and Christmas holiday. It is my favorite time of the year. 2012 is off to a great start as well. The Garretts are in a wonderful season of life right now. We have lots to be thankful for and are filled with God's love and grace. Beware there are LOTS of pictures!

October: We got to attend our 3rd annual Halloween party at the Chambers home. James and I love dressing up and it has quickly become a fun tradition. This was our first year to trick or treat and we went around our new neighborhood. James Thomas loved trick or treating with Luke and Avery. And last we had our first train accident. James Thomas is slightly obsessed with trains. I hear him screaming one afternoon and sure enough he got the train wheels stuck in his hair. I thought we were going to have to cut those curls but as I was going to get the scissors he yanked it out himself. It was a close call!!!






November: We got to kick off November with Baylor Homecoming. What a year Baylor had!!! James and I bought season tickets and had the best time watching Robert Griffin III earn his Heisman Trophy. We spent Thanksgiving in Johnson City and James Thomas got to experience his first Lights Spectacular. Johnson City does an amazing job lighting up the entire town and having lots of entertainment for the kids. The hay ride was a hit.











December: I don't even know where to start with December. I kicked off the Christmas season with a cookie exchange party at my house. The best way to describe it is to say, "It was DELICIOUS!" I hope to do it again next year. We also made many trips to the Galleria, had lots of friends over to play and craft, and baked, baked, baked, and baked some more. My dad turned 60 in December and we had a nice party for him at Cliff and Sarah's. We hosted Christmas this year at our house. James' entire family was here off and on the week of Christmas. It was special to see everyone and celebrate Jesus' birthday! We ended 2011 with a trip to San Antonio to see Baylor in the Alamo Bowl and then off to New Orleans to ring in the New Year! I did not bring my camera to New Orleans but we had a great time with the Joneses. They were so nice to invite us and let us bunk up in their hotel room!

Fall

We have had a really fun Fall! In fact it will take several posts to cover all that we have been up to. James and I got season tickets to Baylor Football and have had the best time driving up to Waco to watch several games. We even had a Baylor Football party one weekend to cheer on the Bears when they played KSU. The little boys had more fun playing outside than watching football. They were so cute to watch play. We are excited to head up to Waco next weekend for Homecoming.





We have also made several trips to the ZOO! James Thomas LOVES all the animals and riding the train. I think he wishes we could live on a train. I am starting to think Luke and James Thomas have their own language, kind of like some people say twins do. Every time they are together they spend half their time laughing at each other. They aren't talking or doing anything silly just smiling and chuckling uncontrollably. When James Thomas finally slows down at the end of the day he enjoys listening to train songs on my computer. They light his sweet little face up.



This morning was donuts with dad at school. My boys looked so cute and happy when they left this morning. And by the way it was wonderful not getting dressed this morning and waving goodbye to them as they pulled out the driveway. Mother's Day Out seems so much longer when I don't have to do drop off. I could get used to James taking JT to school!!!!

Vacation and start of school

In August James decided to take a week vacation. With the big move this summer we decided to take it easy in Houston and then drive west to San Antonio for a small getaway. We stayed very busy while in town and had so much fun with Daddy home. On Monday we headed to the zoo for our own private viewing of the animals. (It was a private viewing because The first day of school in Houston = NO ONE there!!!) On Tuesday, Mandi, Avery, and Cate joined us at Noah's Ark Pool for one last water splashing day. The kids had so much fun running around with James. They were worn out. Wednesday we loaded the car and headed for The Hill Country Hyatt. It was perfect! Again with school starting back the resort was pretty much empty. We enjoyed the lazy river, kids pool, the play ground, fire pit, all with just a few other families. It was fun to visit with them and make new friends. On Friday we decided to head over to Sea World. We were worried James Thomas might be a little young but decided to take our chances anyway. SEA WORLD WAS THE BEST! They have a toddler section full of sesame street characters, rides, and activities. We went to the Shamu show and James Thomas was able to sit through the entire thing. This was really exciting for James and me. James even hit up a few roller coasters! All in all it was the best week ever! We ended our vacation with a night out with friends for restaurant week and then once again back to the real world. Isn't it amazing how quickly these fun times go by. Breaks my heart.

James Thomas started school that next Tuesday. This is his second year at MDPC. We absolutely love it there and have been once again blessed with great teachers. James Thomas has been three times now and is having a ball. It is great to see him grow and learn new things. PRICELESS!

Here are some pictures to tell our story!
















This last picture is James Thomas' first day of school last year. Look at how much he has grown in a year!!!

Summer Fun

I thought my camera broke mid way through the summer, but it turns out I needed a new lens. Now I have my camera back and have lots of fun pictures of James Thomas!

We started the summer off with James Thomas' birthday. We had a little party in Houston in May so on June 4th we went to Nachogdoches to celebrate and watch Michael graduate from high school! It was a fun weekend.

Birthday breakfast for champions!

First picture of James Thomas as a 2 year old!

Birthday festivities included lots of swimming!

James Thomas' favorite thing to do in the pool is to be thrown high!

Who doesn't love a naked, baby bum.

We got to see Papa on James Thomas' birthday too! Very special time.


We have stayed busy having lots of fun this summer. We took many trips to the pool, had lots of play dates, road Bailey like a horse, and even road the train a few times. James Thomas was lucky enough to be with Luke and Sam on their first train ride. I am sure that was just the first of many for our special friends! Oh and did I forget to mention a few 2 year old tantrums??? We had those too!







We also celebrated my sister in law, whom is also a dear, college friend's 30th birthday! It was a great night to celebrate such an awesome person!

Fun day with Mimi and Papaw

My sweet parents have been dog sitting for James and me since July 4th weekend. We wanted to move, remodel, and get settled without worrying about Bailey and Daisy. This past week James Thomas and I drove down to JC to pick them up. My sweet mom rode back with us to Houston and then my dad came down after work to bring my mom back. They are so wonderful. Yesterday, we went to Memorial City Mall to ride the train, do a little shopping, and have lunch. I borrowed my mom's camera and got a few cute shots. My camera is finally fixed so I will have more pictures to share soon. Hopefully I can get some of the new house.


Waiting for the train!!


Choo Choo, All ABOARD!


My little conductor.


Our last family picture in front of our old house. (Daisy wouldn't cooperate.)


My first home! So so many memories.