26 Weeks

First, yes- I am fully aware of how large I am for only 26 weeks.

Second- we have a name....Carson Alexander Hodges.

Tyler With Dollywood Santa 2007!

Spreading The Christmas Love

I expect some negative feedback from my choice of blog topics, but I could not resist sharing this...sorry to any of our PETA friends. This blog pretty much sums up our week. We have all meant well, but it seems our personal strive to adorn affection on others is making those others, well- rather uncomfortable. Tyler is going through a stage (please let it be a stage) where he likes to sneak up on the cat while it is asleep or has its guard down only to unleash a death grip choke hold hug upon it. The cat is in turn taking its frustrations outdoors, on other unsuspecting creatures.

Tyler spreading the love to the cat...we like tight hugs

And the cycle continues...Our cat spreading the love to our yard friends- again, the hug might be a little too tight

Acorn Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

Tyer being the acorn in this story, Tommy the tree. Genetics are scary- some behavioral traits we have observed in Tyler over the years mirror us, yet we know for a fact we have never taught him to imitate us. Example, Tyler has Tommy's mouth shape- yet when he pouts, he holds his lips the exact same way I do. Ok- better example...Tommy and Tyler both sneeze in three's. Who sneezes three times every time? Best example....when Tommy sleeps, he tucks his hand in the waste band of his pajama bottoms. Don't think Al Bundy, not that deep- just gently in the band to keep his hand warm (at least this is what he tells me). I am sitting in the living room last night after Tyler is in bed and Tommy comes running to get me. This is what is we see....FREAKY.

Ignore the socks (a boy has to stay warm), and focus on the left hand

Who Says A Purple Backpack Is Only For Girls?

Since Tyler's love for Dora the Explorer, and more so for Dora's backpack companion on the show- Tyler has basically been running around the house as of late yelling "backpack" every 2 minutes. After visiting his Aunt Becky's house and playing with his cousin's backpack, we knew it was going to be a must on his Christmas list. Tommy and Tyler went to no less than 8 stores yesterday looking for this toy, only to discover it was apparently a hot item and sold out everywhere! Finally tonight after braving Super WalMart, backpack was found. Unfortunately we were unable to pry it out of Tyler's hot hands to wrap for Christmas...so he now has an early present to play with. The funniest thing just witnessed was Tyler shoving his infamous Blue Bear in the backpack and toting him around the house.

It's My Blog And I Will Brag If I Want To....

Tommy went in yesterday before his board to defend his comps from 10am until noon and passed! Not only did he pass on the first time, but his board actually said that in their years of reviewing comps- his work was some of the best they had ever seen. Tommy worked extremely hard and we are so proud!!!!

World's Longest Christmas Parade

This morning Tommy had to teach a class in Knoxville, so Tyler and I headed into Oak Ridge for the annual Christmas parade. Since this was not only our first parade of the year, but also the first one we had ever attended in my hometown- I was unsure what to expect. Little did I know that Smalltown USA would pull out all the stops and host a 2 hour event! Although a little chilly, Tyler loved seeing all the floats and was pretty content to sit with his sucker and watch the events unfold.

Tyler watching the Oak Ridge dancers

Santa's reindeer must be resting up for the big day...Oak Ridge brought in the llamas

Picking up candy thrown from the floats