Getting ready for Christmas!

We love decorating for Christmas! As soon as Thanksgiving is over, out comes the Christmas tree and all of the other fun Christmas decorations! Last year Brooklyn was only 4 months old so she really didn't get too excited. This year however is different. Brooklyn loved seeing the tree and got so excited as we were setting it up!

She loves all of the lights, and the pretty plastic snowflake ornaments that just happen to be in her arms reachA tradition that we started is for each person to pick out a new ornament, here are this year's selections.All done!This is just a funny pictureOne day while Greg was at school studying Brooklyn and I made a chain-link countdown for Christmas. She was such a big help trying to cut all the strips!We even made a Santa for Christmas day, which she loved to holdOur finished product!

It is so much fun to be able to decorate for Christmas, and it is even more fun watching Brooklyn stare at all of the lights and decorations. She was been so good with our tree! She will go up to it and poke the lights and kiss the branches, but that is about all she does with it. It is so nice not having to worry about her breaking ornaments, ripping open presents, or pulling the tree over on herself. Christmas is going to be so much fun with her this year!

Light Parade and Firework Show!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we headed down to the Jacksonville Landing to watch their lighted boat parade and firework show! Ever since we found out that we were moving to Jacksonville, this has been on our list of things to do and it was soooo awesome! We are for sure going every year that we are here!

Brooklyn snacked on M&M's until the parade started

The parade was on the river between the two bridgesThere were a ton of boats all decked out, but here are just some pictures of our favoritesAfter the parade was over they had a HUGE, amazing firework show! It was seriously the best firework show I have ever seen!To start off the finale' there was a waterfall of fireworks coming off both of the bridges. It was definitely the hi-light of the show, and our favorite part!Brooklyn had so much fun watching all of the lights and especially the bright, loud fireworks! We can't wait to go again next year!

Random pictures

Brooklyn loves getting into the cabinets! She usually just pulls the pots and pans out and plays with them, but this time she decided to get cozy in the pot!
Her "say cheese" smile
Now that Brooklyn is walking all over the place she makes even MORE messes!!! Her new favorite thing to do is unravel all the toilet paper into a huge pile and then play in it!

She was pretty proud of her disaster!Saturday we went to St. Johns Towncenter to see the carnival and Christmas Tree Lighting!Brooklyn was amazed by all of the bright flashing lights

The classic couple self portrait!Former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks sang prior to the Christmas Tree lightingThey had a cool firework show after the tree was lit! Brooklyn and her daddyBrooklyn and MeReading bedtime stories with dad Everything is still going great for us here in Florida!! The weather is still so nice and warm, it definitely doesn't seem like Thanksgiving time! Greg is busy studying and preparing for his finals which start up right after Thanksgiving break! Brooklyn has been walking since Halloween and zooms all over the place and gets into everything, but she definitely keeps us entertained! And I am just staying busy hanging out, playing with Brooklyn all day and enjoying my new church calling, 2nd counselor in the Young Womens! We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving holiday!

It's Always Fun When Grandma Comes!

A couple of weeks ago, Grandma Baxter came to visit us for a week!! We had tons of fun hanging out and doing lots of fun things! Greg was at school and studying most of the time so Brooklyn and I hung out with Grandma!

Grandma treated us with Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast

Which Brooklyn totally loved!
While Greg was at school, us girls went to the zoo and while we were there
we got to ride the choo choo train!!Brooklyn made sure we knew where we were goingWaiting for the train to leave!Grandma and Brooklyn fed the giraffesBrooklyn was laughing so much The three of us by the GiraffesWe rode the carousel...Which terrified BrooklynShe thought the bird on my head was going to attack us!

We also went to the pier and had a picnic!

The best back drop for a picture ever!

Brooklyn and IGreg and BrooklynGrandma!While we were there this guy caught this HUGE fish!

And we went to Orlando and got to go to the temple!

The beautiful Orlando Temple

Grandma and Brooklyn hanging out at the temple

Those were just some of the great things we did while Grandma was here! We had such a fun week with Grandma and were sad when she had to go back home!!! Brooklyn especially loved having her here and loved all of the extra attention she got! Thanks for coming to visit us!!!! We are excited for your next visit!!!