Santa!

Every year, Santa visits Kev's mom's house on Christmas morning. It is something that the kids really look forward to, although Lucy hasn't'exactly been Santa's biggest fan. We've heard comments such as "I don't like him, mama" and in the mall one day with Kevin, she let go of his hand and turned and walked away when she saw Santa. So, we were a little worried about how she was going to act, as last year was full of tears also.

We left our house at 7:00 am Christmas morning, and pulled into the driveway at his mom's at 9:30, just when Santa was walking up the drive. He waits for us, and Lucy immediately gets out and starts talking to him, showing him the princesses on her nightgown. It was like she finally put it all together that this is the guy that got me all the stuff I asked him for. (She did write him a letter at Silver Dollar City and put it in the Santa mail, so he did know!)

Back to the point of the story, when Santa pulled a present out of his sack for her, she ran up to him, got it, gave him a hug and sat on his lap! We were so excited! This is her third Christmas and the first time I have gotten a picture of her on Santa's lap without tears! When Santa was getting ready to leave, she let him pick her up and gave him the biggest hug!

Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love, The Hoopers

Adventures in the Snow

Last weekend it snowed and snowed, and then snowed some more. Although we didn't get the predicted 5-10 inches, we still got enough to go sledding. So Friday night, we went out a bought a new snowsuit and sled. Lucy was so excited, she just had to model it when we got home.
Saturday morning, she woke up and was ready to go sledding. We got all bundled up and went over to Nana and Papa's to use their little hill beside the house. Lucy hopped right in the sled, Kevin held the rope and off they went down the hill. He pulled her back up and she was ready to get out. But, Daddy had other plans. Nana went to the bottom of the hill, Kev gave Lucy the rope, and off she went by herself. Boy, oh boy, did she fly down the hill. And when she got the bottom, she tipped over in the snow. Sledding adventure over. It took us more time to get dressed then we actually spent outside, but it was so funny. I think the only one who didn't enjoy it was Lucy.

Happy Birthday Kevin

Today is Kevin's 31st birthday! We are planning to go out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner with my parents, if my mom makes it in from her trip to Virginia! We haven't done much today, Lucy went to school this morning, and we accomplished a few errands, and had lunch with his sister, Sarah.

Lucy and I have been baking a cake, yellow with chocolate icing, his favorite and mine too!! He loves layer cake, so I am trying it, and already it is seeming to be a very ugly cake. And I haven't even made it to the frosting!! Baking is certainly not my strong suit!

Kevin, Happy Birthday! I hope you have had a terrific day and that your wishes come true!

Love you always!

Story Time

Every night, Lucy and I lay in her room and have girl talk. Last
night, she decided she was going to tell me a story. Here is her
story...

"Once upon a story, there was a little girl Claire and a little boy Landon. And a little girl Nana and.............(pause) a boy Papa.And a little girl Meggy and.............a boy Gaga. Is that right mommy?"

The pauses before she said Papa and Gaga cracked me up, it was like she knew she shouldn't say little before them, but it didn't stop her with Meggy and Nana.

And just to throw in, she just woke up from a nap, and is watching Diego while she eats a snack. A whale comes on and I say "Lucy, look a whale." Her response, "A humpback whale." At least she is learning something!!

Baby #2 Update

Our 12 week doctor's appointment was on Monday, and everything is going great! We took Lucy with us, and we all got to hear the baby's heartbeat, which was 164 bpm. The nurse got lucky and found it right away. It is amazing what a relief it is to hear that, I was almost crying! Lucy loved the way it sounded and now tells us that the baby sounds like "whomp, whomp." She truly is going to be a wonderful big sister....if it is a girl. She is still adamant that the baby is NOT going to be a boy. Doctor said we would do a sonogram at 20 weeks....don't know if I can wait that long! I have been asking everyone I know what the heartbeats of their kids were to test out the old wives's tale that girl's heartbeats are faster. Lucy was always right around 161-163. So far, all but one person I've talked to, it has held true. I guess we will just wait and see!

Branson

We spent this past weekend in Branson, MO with my parents and my brother's family. This is the 2nd time we've all been together, the first being 3 years ago. We stay in a big cabin, which was wonderfully decorated for the holidays. It is in a wooded area, away from the hustle and bustle of the strip in Branson.

On Thursday night, we celebrated Landon's 2nd birthday, and Hoopy's 31st. Geoff had gotten magic candles for Landon, since he loves blowing them out, and aside from the almost singed eyebrows, it was great!

Friday we spent the afternoon and early evening at Silver Dollar City. The kids, including Kevin and Geoff, had a blast riding all the rides. I was just a tad bit jealous of not being able to ride the roller coasters, the flying elephants just weren't the most thrilling ride! Kevin and I were a little unsure of how Lucy would do, but she got off the first ride and asks "What's next?"

Lucy and Kevin on her very first roller coaster ride! They had to tug her hood up just a tad so she would be tall enough!!

Claire (4), Landon (2) and Lucy (2) all bundled up and staying warm!

Lucy is still talking about the princess that twirled during the parade!

We had such a great time just hanging out with family and letting the kids play. Silver Dollar City was amazing after dark when all the lights came on. They put up over 4 MILLION lights throughout the park. Words can't describe how beautiful it looks. Geoff, Meggan, Kevin and I also enjoyed a few hours of outlet shopping while Nana and Papa hung out with kids. It is so nice that the kids all get along so well. Lucy and Claire danced, while Landon played with his train set. Thanks Mom and Dad for a great trip! We are looking forward to the next one!