Up on the Housetop...

Chris took the boys outside one afternoon this week and then called me to come outside with the camera.  This is what I found when I went outside.  Our 'little house' is going to get new shingles today, so while Chris was measuring, he brought the boys up too.

What did I say?  Boys will be boys! 

A Cold Day at Paradise Park

Aunt Allison and Uncle Jason gave us a day at Paradise Park for Christmas, so one cold January afternoon, we headed to Lee's Summit to play!  I had been there on a field trip, but this was Meekin's first time and we had a blast.  We were definately not happy when it was time to head home!

First, we played in the ball pit.

Then, we headed to the Pretend Village where I was the Bank President. 

Meekin tried to crack the safe. 

Then, a robber came to the teller window and wouldn't let go of my hand! 

We did a little shopping at Hy-Vee. 

We hung out with some giant sea creatures. 

Then, after story time, we headedd to the Art Studio. 

Where we made penguins! 

Then we went to the kitchen to make penguin snacks! 

Back to the building area to construct a house. 

A house, just big enough for a small boy. 

More fun on the slide and in the ball pit. 

Time to head home.  What a fun day!  Thanks Allison and Jason!

One of our Christmas presents from Nanny was a date day.  This included lunch, some spending money and jumping on the trampolines at the mall.

Here I am, all suited up and ready to go!

Up...

Up... 

Up... 

And Away! 

We jumped about as high as the second floor of the mall.  I tried to do a flip, but couldn't quite get turned over.
Meekin's turn! 

Look at me fly! 

Afterwards, while wandering around, we stopped to say hello to the bear at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Store.  

We had a fun day!  Thanks Nanny!

My Ornery Boy

Let me clarify that...both my boys are well, boys.  Meekin has a wicked sense of humor sometimes and loves to make you laugh so sometimes I think he's got the corner on the ornery market. 

On Christmas, Gram brought her wonderful peanut butter fudge pie and there were some leftovers, so they stayed in the fridge.  A couple of days later, I couldn't find Meeks.  Well, he was in the kitchen, on the floor with a fork.  And the pie. 

Another day over Christmas break when the boys disappeared, I found them in a bathroom.  Henry was taking care of business and Meekin was entertaining him by building structures out of toilet paper.

Boys will be boys, right?! 

Christmas Day!

We woke up on Christmas morning to find extra presents and stockings full of goodies.  That could only mean one thing - Santa had been here!

Meekin checked out his stocking.

I got goodies too! 

Percy was there with a note telling us that he liked being with us and that we could each touch him once before he headed back to the North Pole.  We'll sure miss him until next year. 

Sock Monkey hats from Nanny! 

Time for one last photo before the last surprise present. 

SCUBA GEAR!!!  One of the few things that we asked for and Mom came though by making us scuba tanks!  We have since gotten many hours of enjoyment out of these.  We love to explore the undersea world! 

Merry Christmas!

A Puppet Stand for the Barkers

Years ago, I think before I was born, Mom bought a wine rack at a garage sale.  She used it for a long time and then decided she didn't need it anymore, so we turned it into a puppet stand for Jo and Preston! 

I think it was a hit!

It even includes puppet storage on the back side! 

Ta-Da! 

Christmas Program at Buckner First Christian

Gram wanted us to be a part of the Christmas program at her church, you know, to add to the cute factor, so off we headed to Buckner one cold Sunday morning. 

We sang songs and the two of us were supposed to recite my line from my class' program last year.  I said my line, but Meekin didn't say it with me.  As Gram was leading us away from the microphone, Meekin loudly declared his desire to say the line, so Gram led him back to the microphone and he did it all by himself.  Little Brothers!  I tell you what, they're always trying to upstage you!

The shepherds are heading for the birth place of Jesus. 

We sure had fun and loved all the compliments we received for being such good performers!