Christmas Fun in Branson

Last week we went to Branson, MO for some fun and relaxation. We enjoy staying at Big Cedar Lodge on Table Rock Lake. While we were there, we had a lot of fun swimming in the indoor pool (well, not me, but David and the girls!), shopping, and looking at Christmas lights. We also went on a horse-drawn wagon ride around the Big Cedar property, and afterwards we made s'mores and drank hot cocoa. What a fun time!! On another night, the girls were visited in our cabin by Santa's elf. They read a story together, and Katie and Lauren told her what they wanted Santa to bring them. It's fun to witness the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child!

Exciting News in Our Family...

Well, most of you know by now that we are expecting a baby next spring. However, a few weeks ago we found out some shocking but very exciting news...we are expecting TWINS!! Yes, that's right, two babies!! I can not even tell you how shocked we were. I was completely speechless after the doctor announced, "Here's the head, here's the heartbeat...and here's the other head and the other heartbeat!" David didn't believe the doctor at first; he said "She's so gullible, she'll believe anything you tell her." My response: "No, honey, I think they are serious," to which the doctor replied, "Oh, yes, I'm very serious!" I found out later that we were the talk of the doctor's office that day because we were so funny (my wide-eyed, shocked expression, David's disbelief, my asking "How did this happen?").

The girls are very excited. When we first told Katie, she got a big smile on her face and then said, "Oh, my...OH MY! We're gonna have to get a bigger house!" We assured her we wouldn't do that just yet. As many people have asked us, yes, twins do run in both sides of our family, but after two pregnancies, I thought "Oh, what are the chances?" Apparently, pretty good! We should find out in December if they are boys, girls, or one of each. The picture above was taken during the ultrasound last week. The babies' heads are together near the middle of the picture; during the ultrasound they were head-butting each other and I said, "Oh no, they're going to be mean!"

Thanks for sharing in our joy! This has certainly taught us that, even though we may have things planned out ("We are only having three children, that's it, we're done!"), God has His own plan (and a sense of humor). The twins are officially due on May 9th but will probably come 3-4 weeks before that date. We will keep you updated with the latest news! :)

Halloween/Fall Festival Fun

Last week, of course, the girls had a lot of fun dressing up for Halloween. Lauren was so excited to tell anyone who would listen that "I gonna be Tinkerbell for Halloween!" In keeping with the "Princess" theme, Katie dressed up as Sleeping Beauty. Our church hosted a Fall Festival on the Tuesday before Halloween, and the girls had so much fun seeing their friends. It's amazing how much the kids change from year to year...I remember our first year to attend (Katie was 10 months old and dressed as a strawberry). My, how she has grown since then! And although Lauren is 2 1/2, she keeps up with Katie and her friends and insists on being with the "big girls."

A Mini-Vacation...Just for Adults!

Last week, David and I took a fun mini-vacation down to St. Petersburg, FL...without the kids (well, without two of them, anyway)! He was attending a Raymond James conference and I was just along for the ride (and the delicious food). We had never been to that part of Florida, and it was beautiful. We stayed in an old hotel (the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club) that had been refurbished years ago, and it was just gorgeous! It was right on the water of Tampa Bay, and there was a beautiful park nearby. I spent a lot of time sitting in the park reading (yes, a real book!) and watching the boats out on the water.

Apparently, the Vinoy is where the pro teams stay when they come to the Tampa/St. Pete area, and as luck would have it, we were there during the American League playoffs between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox. When we arrived at the hotel, the Red Sox were staying there. Two days later, after they lost the series in game 7 to the Rays, they left town and in came the Philadelphia Phillies for the World Series. I was sitting on the verandah of the hotel reading my book when four chartered buses arrived and off walked these young, athletic men in suits. At the end of the line were some wives carrying a "Go Phillies!" sign...so then I knew who they were! Although David and I don't really follow baseball, we caught the fever when in St. Pete so we are now rooting for the Rays (although as of this evening, it's not looking good for them!).

I must say that I was so impressed on this trip...David had made arrangements for several activities during our stay and surprised me with them! We went on a carriage ride, a sunset cruise on a sailboat, and ate at the best restaurants on the water. We really did have a wonderful time! I'm already looking forward to going back (although for me, it probably won't be next year...mommy duty calls!)! :)

Flu Shot Fun

Today the girls and I got our flu shots...yes, a fun adventure. After I got mine, Katie and Lauren started fighting over who had to go next. Finally, I grabbed Katie and plopped her down on the table. A little screaming, a couple of tears, and it was over. Then it was Lauren's turn, and she is usually the "tough" one. Well, not so much today. She cried when she got the shot, she cried after the shot, she cried while I tried to put her shoes back on (the shoes had nothing to do with getting the shot, she was just entertaining herself while waiting for the nurse to come in). Finally, when it was time for the sticker, she calmed down and all was well with her world. The nurse explained that, since she was under age three, she was given a different dosage than Katie and I were, and it might have burned more than ours did.

Well, tonight while I was giving Katie a bath, she explained to me that Lauren had not wanted to take off her Band-Aid during her bath because she had gotten the "patriotic" shot. I asked her, "Lauren got the patriotic shot?" And she said, "Yes, she got the patriotic shot and it probably hurt more than ours did!" She was right...Lauren had gotten the pediatric version of the shot!

Have You Heard??

Well, have you heard the news? Our family is growing! Yes, Baby Shoesmith is on the way. He/she is due May 9th. The picture above was taken at 10 weeks (David says you can't even tell...but I sure can! HA!). The girls are so excited. They don't quite realize that it will be a long time before the baby arrives. A couple of days ago, Katie asked me, "Mom, when is that baby gonna pop out of your tummy?" If only it were that easy!

Fall Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

This past Saturday we went to the Pumpkin Patch here in Bartlesville. I'm not sure who has more fun there...the kids or myself. To me, it's just the perfect place to visit in the fall. We were very lucky because the weather was BEAUTIFUL...sunny and warm (but not hot). David was along for the ride but not quite as enthused as the rest of us. Something about allergies and hay...