A December To Remember

Apparently I failed at my 2011 New Years resolution, which was to blog more. Life has been very good but very busy, hence the blog suffering. Here is a recap of our awesome December to remember.

Who doesn't love December? Family, friends, parties, and of course Christmas! We started December off with our first ever trip to Santa's Wonderland. We took a carriage ride through the lights and enjoyed Sanata's Town. The kids had a great time and we love seeing their faces light up. I think this might become a new tradition at our house.

And speaking of traditions, we started another new one with our very own Elf on the Shelf. Dophie (Haley named him), kept a watchful eye on the kids from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. The kids enjoyed waking up and finding Dophie every morning prior to school. Jackson keeps asking where Dophie went. I guess the concept of going to the North Pole is tough for a 2 year old.

Now let the Christmas festivities begin!

Here's the runner up for our Christmas card photo. Merry Christmas from The Vara's!

The kids were decked out in their new PJs for their school Christmas program. Despite the gloomy faces they were excited.

Jackson wasn't too sure about everyone starring as they entered the chapel....

And then the real tears came. Poor little guy wanted nothing to do with singing his song.

Haley did great! She went right up to the front of the chapel and sang her heart out.

There is our little girl!

After the program the kids each had a party in their classrooms.

Then they got to visit with Santa. Jackson as a HUGE fear of Santa this year. Not sure you can tell from his face?

Haley wasn't too excited about Santa either.

After the kids programs and party we jumped in the car and headed to College Station to watch my younger brother, John, graduate from Texas A&M. Whoop!! John earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and will be starting his new job in January. We are very proud of him!!! Congratulations John! John receiving his diploma...

The newest Aggie graduate with a future Aggie graduate

The proud Mom with her son. We know his Dad, my stepdad, was watching him from Heaven smiling down too!

After celebrating graduation we spent the night at Grandma's and watched a neighborhood parade and had fun just playing. The kids found out Grandma's driveway is great for runaway cars...

Jackson's turn. I love Haley's expression in the background

Weeeeeeeeeee!

We headed to the neighborhood park for a visit with Santa. Haley didn't want to sit on his lap so I had to hold her.

And Jackson...forget about it. He still wanted nothing to do with Santa.

Then we headed back home for some football in the fall leaves. Daddy is demonstrating how to properly kick a football with the kids taking notes.

Haley's got it down, with the crack and all showing!

Jackson would rather just catch the ball

Oh how I love my Daddy!!!

Especially when he throws us high in the air

Or tickles us in the leaves

Love it!

Are you ready for some Christmas? The kids were so excited this year for Santa to come. Haley wanted an Easy Bake Oven, Barbie Camper and a Barbie Cash Register. Jackson just wanted toys. Santa decided they have been good afterall and delivered everything they asked for.

An excited little Haley with her new cash register

Jackson decked out in some Lightning McQueen gear

Santa brought Jackson his very own Lightning McQueen bike! He was super excited.

Since it was a rainy morning we let him ride it around the house. Haley was a big help.

In the afternoon we headed to Grandma's to open even more presents.

But first we needed a potty break.

Uncle Mark spoiled the kids with presents as usual.

And of course Grandma, Uncle John and Uncle Nathan did too!

We had a wonderful Christmas Day full of family and fun. On Tuesday Matt's parents came in town and we celebrated Christmas again! It is so wonderful to be able to celebrate the holiday's with our family and friends.

Merry Christmas to everyone and we hope the New Year is full of happiness, laughter and joy for all!!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jackson!

A year in review, 2010-2011

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Happy 4th Birthday Haley

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It's a crazy life...

It's a crazy life but it's our life and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Some days I wonder what life was like before the kids arrived. Wow, we must have been really boring. Let's look at a few adventures over the past weeks.

That's right, Dad:

On Saturday Jackson spent the day with Uncle Mark while Matt, Haley and I watched the Aggie game (uggg...no need to mention what happened there! Let's just say it was really hot and the outcome didn't help but we still had fun). Well, it was a long day for Mr. Jackson as well. He had a blast at Uncle Mark's house and finally got home around 9:30pm. Matt stands him on the kitchen island to take his clothes off and get him ready for bed. Jackson, completely naked, folds his arms and starts peeing everywhere! Matt's asking Jackson what he is doing in a stern voice. Jackson didn't move or change his expression one bit, just looked at Matt with his arms folded and continued to pee. It was hysterical. That's our Jackson :)

Heroes:

An image of 9/11 was on the tv and Haley started to watch. She asked me who those people are running into that fire. I told her they were the firefighter heroes rescuing people. She then asked, "Superheroes, Mommy?" I responded the only way I knew, "Of course, sweetheart. Superheroes for sure!"

More heroes:

We stopped at Chick -fil-a one morning and there was a firetruck in the parking lot. Haley tells Jackson, "Look Jackson, that's where you were born!" I explained that's close, but he wasn't born on a firetruck, just at a fire station. Later that day they had an ambulance come to their school. Haley then tells Jackson, "Jackson was born in the ambulance too." Close again. I had to explain he took an ambulance ride right after he was born but thank goodness people are only born once!

Butt Flaps:

One evening Haley told me I needed to clean her butt flaps. I was very nervous about where she heard that or what that even meant? What crazy kid was I going to have to talk to at school? When I asked her where she heard that from she said, "Mack....you know.... from Cars". Oh sweetheart, you mean MUD FLAPS! Whew. I got a good laugh out of that one for sure.

Set, hut:

Jackson is so cute when he gets a football in his hand. He says in his deepest voice, "Set, hut" then throws the ball. I love it! We've also started brainwashing him good. When he sees his game day Aggie shirt he says, Gig'em Aggies. And asks to go to "football game". He'll get to go to his first game of the year in a few weeks vs. Baylor.

Kids are very hard work but oh so worth it. We count our blessing everyday to have two wonderful, healthy kids to fill our hearts with joy.

And now for some pictures...

Jackson found the book box and made a boat. Silly boy made it bust at the seams

We took the kids to the zoo and fed the giraffes, our favorite thing to do. When I asked Jackson later in the week what we fed the giraffes he said, "chicken". Pretty sure it was lettuce :) Haley is a pro at feeding them.

Jackson getting the hang of it

Posing with Mom. Haley wasn't too thrilled apparently.

Haley loves to pick Jackson up and try to carry him despite him weighing almost as much as her!

Always practicing our "Gig'em Aggies"

After the zoo I took Jackson for a train ride...

while Matt and Haley went on a boat ride. Jackson and I waved at them from the train.

And when it's not 100 degrees out, which is rare this summer, the kids have fun outside just being kids.

Haley rides her scooter

And Jackson rides his Lightning McQueen.

Have a good one!

The Vara's in Aggieland

I really do have every intention of updating the blog more often but life seems to get in the way. There is so much to catch up on, like our trip to Boston, but first we'll start with the most recent weekend adventure, our trip to Aggieland.

After 10 years Matt and I are finally season ticket holders, WHOOP! We ended up getting three tickets this year since Jackson is still a little young to enjoy the games. We have plans to take him to two games and next year we'll probably get him his own ticket. Jackson had some much needed Grandma time and had so much fun. I was worried he would cry when we left but nope. He just waved and said bye bye like a big boy while he watched us leave for the big game.

We got to College Station early so we could show my cousin Addy the campus and the experience of a college football game. It was so much fun!

First things first, it's always important to be clean for the big games. Where did Jackson go in all those bubbles?

The kids had so much fun in the sea of bubbles. Once they were squeaky clean it was time for bed to get ready for the big day!

The little Aggies all dressed up in their gear

Sweet love

I love how Haley just went behind Jackson and just held him. She is such a good big sister.

Gig'em Aggies. Getting lots of practice

Checking out her new dress

Mama and her babies :)

Haley met a yell leader at the game

Then did kids yell prior to the football team walking in. She was a little timid but hung in there.

Daddy and Haley enjoying the sights and sounds of the pregame festivities

Me and Haley watching the game. She really did great and lasted the entire game despite not taking a nap. What a big girl!

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!

Can't wait for the rest of the season. We had a blast!

Keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't take a month to update again...