After taking the pictures of Josiah, Eli and Regan wanted theirs taken too. Regan took her "look pretty" pose, while Eli stuffed his mouth full of grapes. (I can't even begin to understand the logic of a six year old boy!). Yup, this is typical dinner-time chaos at the Hall house.

I think I have finally caught up on three months of blogging. Maybe next time I won't let so much time go by between posts!

Until next time, lots of love to all our friends and family........

Josiah makes us laugh!

While eating dinner last night, we looked over to see Josiah making his "scared face". The picture in the middle is of him showing his muscles. He has such a personality for being so little!

Eli with Santa

This is the little boy who would have thrown up had he been made to sit on Santa's lap a couple of years ago! This year was WAY different. Not only did he sit on Santa's lap, he had a lengthy conversation with him. Santa was everything one would hope him to be- kind, gentle, patient, and genuine. He let Eli tell him about all sorts of things and really took the time to listen.

Eli and Regan brought their letters with them as well. Eli had a lengthy "list" that consisted of all sorts of pictures of toys cut out of magazines and catalogs. Regan's letter was words that had been dictated to mother. Santa graciously accepted each of their "letters".

Walking to the car after we had finished with our visit Eli said, "Mom, Santa said I have the Force, (think Star Wars here, folks), and that the Force is love". I thought that was a very sweet thing for Santa to say.

My other two also had their picture taken with Santa, although they weren't as cooperative or enthusiastic. While the picture taken by the "elf" was cute, it wasn't as candid as this one that I took.

Posing with the candcanes

Not sure why... Eli and Regan wanted to pose with candycanes. Enjoy!

Just checkin' out the tree.....

So I hope I don't get arrested for posting this, (you never know these days). But, I just had to share this adorable picture of Josiah. He usually makes a run for it as soon as you take him out of the bathtub. This night was no different!

Trimming The Kids' Tree

Last year I purchased a small pre-lit tree for the kids to decorate. The idea was a HUGE success. They love putting the ornaments on "their" tree... and taking them off... and putting them back on... (you get the idea). While the small tree isn't exactly something you'd find in a department store window, it is beautiful in my eyes.

Makin' memories folks... makin' memories.......

Santa Hats

Bringing these Santa hats out of storage each year is a big hit with the kids, and marks the beginning of the Christmas season at the Hall house. This year was no different. Josiah, who especially loves hats of any sort, wore his around the house all afternoon.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Welcome Home Daddy

Our kids always greet Bryan when he comes home from work. Josiah seems to be especially excited to see Daddy each evening. I thought these pictures were a sweet tribute to Bryan. Thanks, Babe for all you do for our family. We appreciate your hard work!

Thanksgiving Feast at Preschool

Each year, the children in Miss Theresa's class come up with Native American names for themselves. It is always so much fun to see each child's name printed on their Native American vest, (courtesy of some paper sacks from HEB). Regan's name was "Quacking Duck", and is illustrated with duck sponge painting. Oh so cute!

I remember when Eli was in the three year old class, his Native American name was "Happy Heart". Yup, I still have his paper vest, and plan to keep it forever. There are some things a mommy just can't part with.

All the children at Northside dress the part of various Thanksgiving themes. The two year olds wear turkey headbands, the three year olds dress at Native Americans, and the four year olds dress as Pilgrims. The Thanksgiving Feast is one of my favorite preschool events!!

Dress-Up Josiah

Josiah loves hats, clothes and shoes. While he is not always cooperative when it is time to get him dressed, he enjoys playing "dress-up" when it is his idea. On this day, he put a pair of shorts around his neck, and a "pair" of my socks on each foot. The shorts he was able to put on by himself, but he asked for help with the socks. Too cute!!

And The Fun Continued

At the "Trunk of Treats", Eli won 12 cupcakes doing the cake walk. He was so excited, (and surprised), he actually got to keep ALL 12!! Needless to say the cupcakes were a sweet addition to the mounds of candy. So several days after Halloween, the fun continued! After supper one night, I let them each have a cupcake in the back yard. As you can see, Josiah loved his chowin' down on the cupcake.

Mac Trunk of Treats

On October 31st our family participated in the MacArthur Park Trunk of Treats. Cars lined the parking lot decorated in all sorts of themes. Children went from trunk to trunk filling their bags and buckets full of candy treats.

Elijah went dressed as a Ninja, Regan was a princess, (no shock there!), and Josiah wore a skeleton t-shirt, (so many of the costumes in his size looked so hot! I thought a t-shirt would be far more comfortable than a fleece costume.)

Some of the participants got really creative! Becky, dressed as a scientist did some actual experiments with the kids. Anna and Elijah enjoyed her bubble experiment quite a bit!

After the trunk of treats was over, I allowed my older two kids to trick or treat at three houses in the neighborhood. (Josiah was already in bed by this time.) It was already late, and their bags were FULL of candy, but they really wanted to do some "actual" trick or treating. The night was long, but full of lots of great memories.

Preschool Orange Party

Each year, Northside Preschool has an "Orange Party". On October 30th, preschoolers celebrated all things orange in lieu of traditional Halloween festivities The event is not complete without face painting. This year, Regan opted for a rainbow and cloud.

Miss Theresa even wore an orange feather boa to celebrate the day. Her class full of girls was very impressed with her accessory!

Josiah always loves to visit Regan at preschool. He especially loves the child-size tables. Always my sweet Josiah!

Fall Festival

On October 24th, we attended the Fall Festival at Wetmore Elementary School. The kids had a great time! The highlight of the evening was the pony ride. While Eli was not up for a ride around the soccer field, Regan was very excited to try it. You can see the pride on her face. After seeing Regan have so much fun, I think Eli will want to try it next year.

Josiah was content to play on the playground. Bryan and I too turns watching him closely! I was so afraid he was going to fall off one of the climbing structures. That boy has no fear! Yikes!!

Regan Faith is FOUR!!

I can't believe it... Regan celebrated her FOURTH birthday in October 7th! She is fond of all things pink and princess. She also loves to write, read and draw. She is learning her letters and sounds and loves to learn to write new words, especially the names of her family.

She had her four year check up on Friday, (10/17/2008). She continues to be in the 20th percentile for height, and the 50th percentile for weight. Unfortunately, her arms are still too little for her vaccinations. The nurse had to use her legs again... poor baby!

Regan is full of life and personality, and is such a joy to our family. We love our Regan Faith dearly!!

Mowin' With Daddy

Unlike his older siblings, Josiah LOVES to be outside when Bryan is doing yard work. On this day, he actually insisted that he be held while Bryan was mowing. What a sweet daddy you are, Bryan!

More posts to come!

Some of you may be wondering why I haven't posted in a while. The answer is quite simple.... we have had sick kids since school has started! So far, strep throat, a "stomach" virus, several ear infections and numerous colds have found their way into the Hall house. Ugh! Hopefully, I will get caught up soon. Thanks for your patience!

Eli's First Bus Ride Home

After much deliberation and consideration, we decided to allow Eli to ride the bus home from school. The experience has been great! His bus driver, Miss Ruth is wonderful. She is kind and gentle, yet enforces her bus rules with authority! This, his first day riding the bus home was extra exciting! He also lost a tooth! Wow! What an amazing day of kindergarten!!

Joe Loves Hats

Well, I've blogged about Elijah and Regan, so now it is Josiah's turn! Baby Joe loves hats! Actually, he likes anything that is supposed to be worn on your head, such as sunglasses or headbands, and hats. I say "supposed" to be worn on your head, because Joe tries to wear lots of things on his head. All sorts of clothing can be seen on his head from time to time!

"Hat" is one of Joe's few words. He not only says the word, but signs it as well. Yup, the boy can spot a hat a mile away, and has been known to repeat "at, at, at" throughout an entire trip to the grocery store. In this picture, Bryan was ready to work out in the yard, when Josiah stopped him for a little TLC, and some "hat bonding".

Eli Lost A Tooth

Tonight was a BIG night in the Hall house! Eli lost his first tooth!! After a few weeks of wiggling, it finally came loose. He was very excited, as you can imagine. Thankfully, Bryan and I convinced him that he did not need to brush the tooth, (only the ones still in your mouth need that kind of attention, son). I explained to him that I tried to brush my first tooth, and that sadly it fell down the drain. Considering how emotional Eli is, I did NOT want to experience such drama tonight!

Shorty after we had the conversation about whether or not he should brush, he asked if the Tooth Fairy needed to be telephoned so as to be made aware of his "loss". I have to admit, every time he starts asking detailed questions about the goings on of the Tooth Fairy, Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc. I begin to feel a little guilty about my white lies. Nonetheless, I quickly informed him that the Tooth Fairy knows about "lost" teeth, without a phone call. Thankfully, the conversation was laid to rest without further questions.

Regan's First Day of Preschool

Regan started preschool on Monday! She was so excited to wear one of her new outfits, (thank you, Gran!), and use her new lunchbox. Her first-day-of-school homework was to create a self "portrait". We got creative and used brown ribbon to make hair. The project was a lot of fun and got everyone excited about her big day.

This year, her class has nine girls and one boy. Poor Miss Theresa! That's a lot of pink and a lot of opinions! Hopefully, Austin, (the boy of the class), is strong enough to stand his ground and not let the girls peck him to death. Each year is filled with interesting memories... this one will be no different, I'm sure!

Eli's First Day of Kindergarten

Eli started kindergarten on Monday! After much debating and prayer, we enrolled him at Wetmore Elementary school. So far, he has done really well. However, he is EXHAUSTED when he gets home, (and therefore super emotional). But, after a good night's sleep, (usually 11 hours or so), he is ready to go the next day.

Bryan has changed his schedule so that he can take him to school each morning. This has been great for both Eli and Bryan. One on one time with Daddy does wonders Eli!

Each day, Eli brings home his "communication folder", which is to be signed and returned to school the following day. Amongst other things, it serves as a way for the teacher to relay disciplinary issues with the parents. So far, Eli has done well and received his happy face sticker every day. Today, however Mrs. Simpson wrote, "please remember to use good manners in the cafeteria". When I asked Eli about the note, he replied, "I only got under the table one time, Mom!". Needless to say, Eli and I had a little chat about getting under cafeteria tables!

While I miss Eli tremendously during the day, I know he is having a great time and is in very capable hands. I continue to hear amazing things about his teacher, Joy Simpson. After just a few days spent with her, it is obvious that she loves teaching and loves the children. I couldn't ask for more than that! Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement regarding our newest challenge.... kindergarten.

Why Vincent Van Gogh?

Some of you may wonder why I chose to include some of Vincent Van Gogh's artwork on my blog. The answer is Eli! Our son Eli has found Van Gogh's art, (specifically "Stary Night" and "Night Stars"), to be interesting since he was about two years old when he first saw them on a Baby Einstein video. Since then we have purchased some Van Gogh prints for our home and have enjoyed them... almost as much as Elijah has!

Hello!

Hello and welcome to our family blog. I have fianlly decided to join the blogging revolution. It may take me a while to figure all this out. Be patient with me as I learn!

Today we made our final preparations for Eli to start kindegarten. We had to pick up an updated version of his immunization records from the pediatrician's office and deliver it to Wetmore Elementary school. With the exception of his open house on Thursday eveing, we have everything done and in order for the big day, (Monday August 25th).

Elijah and Regan are napping peacfully... this always make a mommy happy! Josiah is up earlier than usual due to the beginnings of a cold.

Better run.... Chat with you again soon!