Daddy Daughter Dance 2012

For Christmas I got Matt tickets to the Daddy Daughter Dance at The Marriott. We weren't sure what to expect but what little girl doesn't like to get dressed up and treated like a Princess for an evening with her Daddy. Haley was treated to an up-do, nails and make up at Sweet and Sassy to get ready for the big evening. She was very quiet during the entire pampering session but told me she had lots of fun once we left.
Getting her hair done.

She got to pick her own hairstyle. Proud she picked the prettiest one!

After her hair was done complete with glitter spray and flowers, it was time for her nails. She picked a blue green color

Next was make up time. I wasn't crazy about her getting make up so I asked that it be a light application. Haley originally picked an electric blue eye shadow straight out of the 80s but we were able to change her mind to purple.

Finally my princess was ready to go to the ball with her prince. the pictures don't do her justice. I actually got teared up seeing my little girl look so beautiful :)

The shot of the back of her hair

Matt was looking sharp too! Haley and Daddy looked so nice!!

Daddy Daughter ready for their big night

Matt and Haley had a great time. Haley was on the younger side so we might wait a few more years before doing it again. Hopefully this is just the first of many dances Haley gets to enjoy over her lifetime!

Love is in the air

Ok, no real reason for the title other then February is a big month for us. We have a special dance, Valentines, our anniversary and a ski trip all planned this month. Plus Grandma's birthday, Uncle Michael's birthday and Uncle Brian's birthday. Whew, lots to celebrate in February.
This weekend Haley and Matt are going to a Daddy/Daughter Dance at The Marriott. Fancy! I'm taking Haley to get her hair and nails done at Sweet and Sassy then she will be off to dinner and dancing with Daddy all night. I hope she enjoys this very special night with her very special date :)
Not much else is really that new at our house. The kids are growing like weeds and make the days and weeks go by so fast. Haley finally moved up in her school. She is now in a combined 4 & 5 year old class but it's usually based on your age as of Sept 1, much like public school. Having an October birthday means we get to keep Haley at home one more year before starting Kindergarten. Her new teacher was a little worried at first thinking she would be behind the other kids but after the second week that worry is gone. Her teacher said she is doing great and keep up the good work because she is very close to reading! We're so proud of her. She loves to learn and read books. We can only hope this will continue as she gets older. On Friday she was the "Star of the Day" at school and got to take her nap in the igloo. She was so excited!
As for Jackson, he is moving up classes again this week. His current teacher is sad to lose him since he is "the talker" in the class. He likes to lead prayer and she told us if he doesn't talk, then no one talks. If he says prayer, they all say prayer. What a leader! Ha!! He will be the youngest in his new class but I hope he can learn from some of the older ones. A few in his new class are already potty trained, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed he will want to start that soon (hey, a mom can always wish!). Jackson is also showing a love for reading. Despite being a rough and tumble boy always banging into things, we can see no permanent damage has been done; he's doing great with his colors, shapes and ABCs. Now if we can just get him to sit still for more then 2 seconds or listen every once in awhile we'll be good to go.
We've decided to get Jackson fitted for Swim Molds for his ears so he can swim with no issues. It's usually a toss up whether the ENT will recommend them for kids with tubes to swim with. Most kids have no problems swimming without them but we took Jackson swimming in the hot tub three times this past week and would you know he got his first ear infection since having his tubes. It might be coincidence but we're not taking the chance. So in a few weeks Jackson will have some cool custom ear plugs to wear anytime he gets in the pool.
That's about all that's happening at our house. Here's a few pictures over the past several weeks. Enjoy!

Like most people, I'm hooked on Pinterest. I made my first craft from there. A Thank You bouquet for Haley's teachers. Watch out Martha Stewart!!


We had lots of fun at the park the other day. Jackson getting big...

And Haley getting even bigger.

Higher Daddy!!!

My Brown Eye Girl

When did my baby girl get so big?

Just....barely....hanging....on....

Haley taking Buster for a walk.

Sitting with her Buster Bear

Going crazy on Super Bowl Sunday!

Happy 2012

Happy 2012! We started New Years off very low key, just hanging out with family. Well, actually, we started New Years off in bed...Ha! After watching the Aggies win their bowl game in the morning on New Year's Eve we were pretty exhausted. We ended up lighting off some fireworks around 8pm and called it a night shortly before 10. I know, we're getting old.
As for the fireworks, Haley is terrified of them still. And Jackson, well, he is my pyromaniac like Matt.

We tried to stick to just sparklers and fountains so the kids wouldn't get too freaked out. Jackson did a great impression of the Statue of Liberty

And did you know that some fireworks will still go off despite being submerged in your pool! We accidentally threw a flower (you know the ones that spin really fast and change colors) into the pool and it still went off. It was actually pretty cool.

When the weather has been nice we've been hanging out at home enjoying the kids. Haley seems to be getting bigger by the day.

Jackson has been learning to ride his bike...

Ready, set....

Go!!! Look at my big boy peddling away!

Pure joy on his face :)

Jackson has done a great job on his bike. He's been trying hard to keep up with Haley and the other boys on the street, despite being 2 years younger. What a big boy.

Haley is an awesome bike rider. This year we'll work to get her off the training wheels, but what's the rush right now.

I love this little girl soooooo much.

Today ended up being a beautiful morning so the kids decided to take the firetruck out and fight some fires. First things first, must have a clean ride.


This firefighter is ready!

And they are off

We found a good fire. Now spray Jackson!

Off again to look for more. This time Jackson is the pumper and Haley is the spray holder

Whew, that was a close call but we put that fire OUT. Let's go

Jackson's turn to drive!

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!!!!