Birthday Photo Shoot

I always get pictures of the kids around their birthday. But for some reason this year I kept forgetting to take Caitlin's pictures. So a few days before Christmas I had two different opportunities for pictures and now I can't decide which ones to use. So I'm going to put several of them on here. Maybe you can tell me which ones are your favorites.

These first few were taken when we got home from church last week.

 

 

 Love Dominic's hat.

 The rest of these were taken when we met my parents and sister at Opryland Hotel.

 

 She's getting so big. It kills me!

 Oh boy! I'm going to have some problems in a couple of years when the girls discover this kid.

 Who knew you could get SO dirty at a hotel.

 My parents taking a quick rest. Kids can wear you out.

We had fun on our annual tour of the hotel. 

We finished off with an awesome supper and some shopping.

Opryland Hotel

When I was a teenager we would often go to the Opryland Hotel to see the lights. The kids loved it and come home exhausted. It's changed since I was a kid. There is more to see and it's geared more towards the kids now.

 (Photo credit: Kim Murrell)

 Throwing pennies into one of the many pools.

 I have the sweetest, cutest kids - EVER!

 This pose was Caitlin's idea.

Do I make my kids pose for pictures too much?

 And in case you think the entire time was spent making the kids pose for pictures,

these are from the Dreamworks Shrektacular show they put on.

 

The kids sat down near the stage and I sat up in the balcony. Mostly because the seats were more comfortable, but also so I could get some good pictures. I was thankful I did when the main dude picked people out of the audience to help him. Yikes!

 They really seemed to like our kids. They gave them cookies and talked to them several times before and during the show.

 During the show the kids were called on stage to dance with the dancers and movie characters.

My kids have no fear. You couldn't have paid me enough as a child (or an adult) to get up there and dance around. But my kids loved it.

 I love this hotel! Where else can you find a river, rainforest, fountains and a town inside a hotel?

 I don't remember Santa's old fashioned village from before. So either I have always missed it or it was new. Everything was "old timey".

Caitlin could barely fit into this car, but it didn't stop her.

 Dominic had an even more difficult time and gave up pretty quickly.

We had so much fun and the kids were exhausted after, which was a good thing.

Definitely a fun tradition.

Thanksgiving III

On Friday we headed to Nashville to spend the day.

First we went to the zoo. Jon hadn't been yet and Dominic had been begging to return.

I seriously have the cutest kids!!!

 Checking out the monkeys.

 

 Most of us, heading to see the elephants.

 Caitlin with Grammy.

 I love that hat. 

I'm also rather partial to the little girl under the hat.

 Aunt Sue, Amanda and Caitlin

 Little man on an elephant head.

 Dominic was ready to hit the play ground, but was sweet enough to ride the carousel with Caitlin one time first.

 Caitlin rode it 2x and could have gone more if I had been willing to pay for it.

 The rope walk.

Look at Caitlin's face. She isn't sure WHAT to think.

 

 Grammy and Dominic took a tumble.

 Caitlin is yelling for help. So I took a picture first.

Aren't I the best mom?

 The kids found these along the path and thought they were cool.

 If brother has one, then so do I.

 It was starting to get chilly and Caitlin's coat was in the car.

So she borrowed mine.

 Jumping on the bridge.

 After the zoo we headed to the Opryland Hotel to see the lights.

 Dominic loved the water fall show.

I remember watching this when I was only a few years older than him and listening to some country music star sing. I certainly didn't picture being here with a kid someday. Amazing how time goes by so quickly.

 The kids were exhausted after the incredibly long day. But they were so good. 

I think I was the one that was cranky. =)