It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Before Christmas tree decorating!!!!

Gabby is hanging up the baby Jesus at the highest point on the tree.

SMORES!!!!

Well, I guess you can tell from these pictures what we've been up to these past few days. We certainly had an awesome Thanksgiving eating, being with family and enjoying time off...however, Thanksgiving always marks the beginning of Christmas season for us. We decorate the Christmas tree, have our annual family slumber party, eat smores, stay up late and drink eggnog with coke. All of this is fun, yet hard work for the parents. But, it's worth it. We are anticipating what's to come this holiday season and finding out what our baby is. So many surprises!!! I love this time of year!!!! Each year holds something new for our kids stage of growing up. Mackenzie is just starting to participate and have fun with our family traditions. Alex wants whatever new toy that is advertised on TV and Gabby is well-aware of what's to come and knows what fun we have every year. We took our Christmas card pic today, and let's just say there were definitely more outtakes than usable photos, but it's all apart of the fun.

Fall Activities and BIG NEWS

Isn't he cute!? I love my little football player!

Raw talent in cheerleading...just like her mama...he he

Mackenzie was there to support from the sidelines. She was their cutest fan!!!

This fall Gabby and Alex got to participate with their cousins Colton, Caleb and Camdyn in football and cheerleading!!!

Then we went to Dewbery Farms with our cousins. It was fun but VERY HOT! It didn't feel so fallish. But the kids enjoyed themselves.

See the excitement on little Alex's face as we rode the hay ride to the pumpkin patch...priceless!!

The sun was glaring in our eyes, but the scenery was too nice to pass up as a family pic.

That about sums up the trip.

Now, on to Halloween....we had a super heros theme this year. Gabby and Mackenzie were big and little wonder women and Alex was classic Batman.

More special times with our cousins...

I love Gabby's pose in this picture.

I bet all my many readers thought I had given up on blogging. But, I am back. I am back because my life is full of wonderful moments that must be documented. I promise to do so more frequently. If not for the one or two of you that used to read, but for me and my kids to one day look back and laugh at how crazy things were. And things are about to get even crazier....which leads me to my big annoucement....I'm pregnant!!! I am due in May. I am not sure why I took so long to post this, maybe it was my own shock that I might have four children, or denial. Either way, a baby is on his/her way to add to our Dick Family Diaries. This really is great news. We should find out if this baby is a he or she next month, hopefully, fingers crossed, before Christmas. My kids and Chad and I are dying to know. I promise to keep posting in the future!!!

Seven years ago today....

Where are you going my little one? How have these seven years just slipped right through my fingers? I'll never forget the day I first saw you, the look of confusion on your little face, how sweet you smelled, how dark and soft your hair was, how exciting you made life from that moment. It has been pure joy to have the privilege to raise you, to know you. I thank God every day for choosing me to be your mother. Happy Birthday, my big seven-year-old!!!!

Cheerleaders, Football Players & Birthdays

Cousin Cammie and Gabby get to be on the same cheer squad!!!

Although they are not on the same team, Alex gets to see Colton and Caleb after practice since they all practice at the same time.

Cousins making great memories!

Chad is Alex's coach. It's pretty interesting...

Cousin Katie's birthday party!!!!

Star Wars was the theme, so Jackson came dressed as Yoda. Isn't he just adorable??

Alex fell asleep in the car before we got to the jumpy place, so Gido held him for a little while while he slept.

As you can see he woke up just in time to jump into the pit of foam.

These two are both turning 7 this week! Happy Birthday, Girls!!!!

Now it's Chad's turn to party!

Happy Birthday Chad!!!!

Chad on his birthday, just before he left for work. Poor guy, he had to work on his birthday.

This month has proven to be extremely busy. We've been running around all week going to girl scouts, dance, and now cheer practice for Gabby and flag football for Alex. You heard right. Alex is now a little sports man. He may not understand ANYTHING about the sport of football, or can catch a ball, BUT he gets to start somewhere and have fun. Also, the practices for cheer and football are at the same time and place every week, so it's better for the whole family. We've only had one practice, but it was great. There is even a toddler playground near by that Mackenzie can enjoy.

We also made a trip to Austin this past weekend to celebrate Katie's birthday and visit Chad's brother Shawn and his wife Yvonne, and his sister Shannon and her husband Mak. We don't get to Austin much these days, so it was great catching up with them. Also, since Longhorn football began, we felt the vibes in Austin on game day. Hook'em!!!

Chad's birthday was on this past Monday, but we had some family over on Sunday night to celebrate, and Monday he and I went to his favorite Lebanese resteraunt Cafe Lili. The food is to die for! Now, this weekend will be Gabby's birthday party. Even though it's been a busy month, we are so happy that we have so much to celebrate. And soon you will see that there is more to celebrate.....