The tree farm

Last year, we attempted to go to a real tree farm to pick out our Christmas tree. Who knew that 2 weeks into December they would be sold out!! So, we decided to go early this year (because the owners told us to!) and went tonight. It was a lot more fun this time since Mallory could run around and help us pick it out. She LOVED the dog that roamed around...as you can see in the first picture. That is Sadie, the sweetest lab/chow mix.

Apparently, this place is pretty fun during the fall. They have a pumpkin patch, hay rides and lots of other fun stuff. We'll have to go back during the day next time...and during October.

This is what I'll call the "Charlie Brown" tree area. They ship in the really pretty trees (like the one we got) from North Carolina, but they also grow their own trees that you can saw down yourself. Some are a little sad, like this little guy here. But, it will be fun to do that when the girls are older.

It's getting harder and harder to get Mallory to pose for pictures lately. She's either too quick, my flash is too slow, or she's just not in the mood.

Here's our "Griswold moment". It was the first time we've strapped our tree to our vehicle (usually we've had Brad's truck...we really missed it this year!)

Who knew that the plastic bag they give you for disposing your tree later, could be so much fun? Too bad there is a warning about suffocation....Mallory had a fun time playing on this before we brought the tree in.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We had a strange Thanksgiving around here. Since we were with both families last weekend, we stayed here for Turkey day. Mallory slept in till almost 9:00!! Then we headed to IHOP for a late breakfast. The rest of the day was spent watching the Macy's day parade (which Mallory was really into, especially the Rockettes) and football. I missed all the chips/dip, deviled eggs and other Thanksgiving foods that mom always has out during the day. Brad didn't miss out though. For a guy that can eat so much, you would think he would love Thanksgiving.

But, I did accomplish my goal....I finished all of Morgan's bedding this afternoon! And in regular Shannon fashion, I did it in 2 days and barely made my goal. But, it is done and that is another thing I can cross off the list. I'll post some pictures once I get the room cleared out a little more (can we say garage sale??) and figure out how to hang an arched curtain....

One down, nine more to go!

Today officially started my weekly doctor visits. I seriously cannot believe it is less than 30 days until baby #2 will be here! Unless something happens before, we have December 18th on the calendar for induction. I'm only dilated to a one (and I was that way for 4 weeks with Mallory), so it's likely that I'll be induced. Each day I get more tired of being pregnant. I don't remember feeling this way with Mallory. I would've gone another week or so...but this time around, I'm ready to have my old body back! The swelling in my feet has started and the heartburn is getting old. Not to mention sleeping, picking up a toddler, the jabs in my ribs and bending over. But, I can't complain because I have really had a great pregnancy! We can't wait to see who/what Miss Morgan looks like.

In other news, I purchased the new paint that Brad is so excited about:) And I plan on locking myself in Morgan's room until I finish the bedding this week. Good thing Brad has a couple of days off for Mallory duty!

Here's some pictures from the last couple of weeks:

Me and the Coach of the Year in Arkansas

Mallory LOVING the slide at Bmom and Pop's house. She kept saying "Again, again!" (but without the "a")

Mallory LOVING the beads at Mimi and Grandpa's house. They came in handy when she would wander off. They made a lot of noise!

Brad reading to Tate and Mallory. They didn't really enjoy sharing his lap, but they both really love to read.

My sister, me and Mom at Morgan's shower. I'm missing pictures of the fun "Slumber party/baby shower" my sister gave me. We realized the next morning we never took any pictures. Bummer!

Tate and Mallory playing together. Notice the beads once again. Those are actually Tate's beads, Mallory stole them quite a bit!

Last weekend, we made big road trip. We started at my parent's house in the metroplex. Here is my dad (the birthday boy) with the grand kids. It was getting late, so Mallory was already ready for bed when we had cake and ice cream.

Saturday night we did Thanksgiving. My sister thought Mallory might enjoy her first mouthful of whip cream. Kelly asked her if she wanted more and she promptly replied, "No." She'll learn.

Sunday we were in Houston for Brad's Maw Maw's birthday and another Thanksgiving meal. It was a LONG weekend, but worth it to see everyone.

Busy days!

We have been nonstop it feels like. Since Halloween, here's what has been happening around here (pictures will follow some other time):

*Mallory stayed at my parent's house while we were in Arkansas. My mom, sister and brother in law all left town the day after she got there. That means Grandpa was BY HIMSELF for 3 days on Mallory duty...and he did GREAT! They even left the house more than once!!!

*Hillbilly Arkansas. Brad's soccer team made it to the conference tournament for the 2nd year in a row. I tagged along with him and 30 college guys in a charter bus for 8 1/2 hours. Let's just say being pregnant and trying to sleep in a charter bus is not fun. Unfortunately, they lost in the first round...but we found out a couple of days later that Brad was named the ASC coach of the year! Woo hoo for my hubby! I am so proud of him!

*We went to Brad's parent's house after Arkansas to get away for a couple of days. Bmom and Pop enjoyed seeing Mallory (and us I guess!). She got to show off a lot of her tricks and got some cute Crocs that she wears everywhere now. We even got 2 dates in while were there...thanks Larry and Sharon!

*I went to the doctor. Nothing exciting to report. Heartbeat was good. I'm measuring right. I start going every week now. CRAZY how fast this pregnancy has gone by!!

*I had a super fun slumber party/baby shower that my sister threw me. It was fun to see friends, stay up late, eat yummy junk food and not have to worry about Mallory for a whole day!

*I had another super fun baby shower that some church friends threw for me. Let's just say that I'm not worried that Morgan will be naked anymore. She is definitely not lacking in the clothing department:)

*Kelly and Tate stayed with us until yesterday. It was "Project Nursery" for 3 days. Brad painted the room, we shopped at IKEA and went through LOTS of clothes and baby stuff. The room is still a mess, but it's coming together slowly. Unfortunately, Brad has to repaint the nursery because the color turned out a little different than what I thought it was going to look like. Fortunately, Brad expected it and has a good attitude about changing it.

5 more weeks till Morgan is supposed to be here. I hope she's an obedient child and follows her mother's instructions to wait until December 17th to make an appearance!