Christmas Morning!

Christmas Eve

Nixon Christmas

My brother, sister-in-law and kids came in town this weekend to celebrate Christmas. Kate & Braden LOVE spending time with their cousins. The kids got to make a popcorn cake with Nonny, played alot of Wii, went to the train exhibit at the UT gardens, and had lots of fun opening their presents this morning. Merry Christmas!

Kate's 6th Birthday!

Kate & Braden's School Christmas Parties

Kate had fun at her school party. Her class wore cute reindeer antlers and sang the parents some songs. She got to make a candy cane ornament and had a "school approved" 100 calorie gingerbread man for snack.

Braden also had fun at his party. He got to have some yummy cupcakes and cookies and he just enjoyed being able to play with his friends.

Hug a Tot

Since Kate was a baby I have participated in a program called Hug a Tot at Shannondale Nursing home. Twice a month several moms with their preschool age kids meet there to sing and interact with the residents. We also do a craft that they can take back to their rooms. Braden is starting to warm up (he's a bit more shy with new people and places) and seemed to enjoy himself today. This year it's even more special for us because my dad's aunt is a resident who comes to join in on the fun!

Happy Birthday Jesus Party

Knoxville Nativity Pageant

On Sunday we went to the 40th Anniversary presentation of the Knoxille Nativity Pageant. The Nativity Pageant is very special to my family and we look forward to it every Christmas. My mom was on the Board of Directors when I was young. I was a cast member from the time I was 7 until I was too pregnant with Kate to climb on the stable to be an angel (she was born 2 days after the performances that year). My brother, various cousins, and family friends were also in the pageant over the years. Hopefully Kate and Braden will want to be in it one day. Kate says that she wants to when she's old enough....we will see!

PEP Moms Christmas Party!

Braden's School Christmas Parade

SANTA!!!

After the dentist today we headed to the mall to see Santa. I couldn't believe it....Braden walked right up to him, sat on his lap, and actually talked to him!! Kate did great as well. They both told him their many wishes and enjoyed the gingerbread man cookie he gave them afterwards.

Trip to the Dentist

Braden sat in the chair for the first time....yeah!! Maybe next time he will let Ms. Terry count his teeth.

Kate's ready with the special sunglasses.
Kate had sealants put on her six year molars today and did a great job! I was so proud of her!! Ms. Terry was so impressed with how still Kate was and how quickly she was able to finish. Good job Kate!

Downtown Knoxville Christmas Parade

Last Friday night Kate, Braden, PopPop, Brad and I went to the parade. It was cold, but lots of fun.

We walked through Krutch Park when Brad proposed to me in December 1997!

SNOW!!!

Snow!!

Catching snowflakes

It has snowed off and on today. At times, it has been pretty heavy. It is too wet and not cold enough to stick, but it was still fun to go out for a few minutes!

You know your kids love to decorate the Christmas tree when......

you find a potholder hanging on it.