You can't have too many presents!

One more Branson trip for the year....We stayed at the Grand Country Inn where they have the indoor water park and they had a blast! We spent all day Saturday swimming and soaking in the hot tubs. We headed out for dinner and then ventured to find the Christmas lights. Unfortunately, they moved them and we just ended up driving around burning gas for a while. We then got the itch for Krispy Kremes......but.....once again it just wasn't meant to happen. Kyler wet himself ( partly our fault) and refused to go inside. So - TO GO it is! A dozen donuts later, we were all back in the hotel room sipping hot chocolate and chowing down with George Lopez on the tube. While watching television a commercial for Underdog (the movie) came on and I yelled at Kyler (UNDERDOG!) No one knew it, but apparently he was using the toilet and ran out of the bathroom with his pants around his ankles! He was good for a laugh! Kelly slept erratically all night and made for an early morning for momma. Headed to McD's and then off to Tanger outlet mall for last minute shopping. Edwin was ready to go when we got out of the car...but 5 stores and hundreds of dollars later, we journeyed to Silver Dollar City. IT WAS FREEZING!!! The only warm one was Kelly, layered under blankets all warm and toasty inside. Edwin, Freddy and the crazy kids actually rode rides and surely got frostbite on their extremities...but no such luck..all digits accounted for while we watched the parade and glanced at the tree while we hiked out of there. I've never been so happy to get in the cold...car. Home and in bed was what we all wanted....Edwin's mom looked pretty cute in her purple stocking cap, though..ha ha


Man oh Man! What a great Christmas we had! Santa was very sneaky this year bringing Kyler and Lilly both scooters and Miss Kelly her very own set of wheels! (aka walker) He sure knows what they wanted...wonder how? Good news to report...when everyone saw Santa this year - there were no tears. First year in many for us. Grandma and Grandpa Alas' presents were a big hit this year. (Little Pet Shop for Lilly and Underdog and Spider man for Kyler). Kyler got lots and lots of cars and Curious George for his watching pleasure while Lilly got Baby Alive and all the baby gear she could ever need to raise her own baby. Ratatouille was a big hit with our sassy little 6 year old. Kelly was unfortunately not impressed with anything she received but then again, she is just 7 weeks old....she entitled to be unemotional and dissatisfied. Mom got a beautiful new ring, purse, kitchen items and her favorite thing of all....AN ORANGE RACHEL RAY SKILLET! Had to try it out to cook breakfast...Works great! I feel like a chef! Dad got a new screwdriver, cologne, wind suit, movies and a valet for his dresser. Santa forgot to fill mom's stocking so, after a quick trip to her bathroom - he filled it right up! Good job Santa.... Well it's off to use me skillet!!!!

12 MORE DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!

Oh my! Christmas is almost here! Here's the latest scoop.
Lilly has joined Girl Scouts and was invested last thursday at her meeting. She was chosen as the Terrific Kid at school and was treated to lunch and and lots of goodies to celebrate. On Saturday we went to the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, MO. The kids had fun (even though it was raining and 35 degrees.) and got Precious Paws (PM version of Build a Bear). Kyler got a puppy and Lilly got a kitty. Then we went to see the christmas lights at the Vietnamese church in downtown Carthage. It was beautiful! And the best part - it was free! Kelly has been spending her days...pooping, eating and sleeping. Not necessarily in that order either. :) It has been hectic but worthwhile. I am busy trying to wrap without little eyes around. I just tell Kelly not to tell anyone what they're getting. I think my secrets are safe with her. For now.....