North Pole Express

It was a very exciting weekend for the Kaye's. I had purchased tickets a few weeks ago to ride the North Pole Express in Grapevine. This is a train ride that is very similar to the Polar Express. Mason & Taylor love this Christmas movie and it began Mason's fascination with trains. My parents were visiting my Aunt this past weekend, and were able to join us for the evening.

Mason & Taylor had been waiting for this day all week. While Taylor napped Saturday, Mason & I went to pick out pajamas to wear on the train. He loved the Mickey Mouse football pj's and picked out the green snowman pj's for Taylor. I'll let the pictures tell the story. (My dad took more pictures and is a better photographer, so as soon as I get the pictures from him, I'll post them.)

Mason showing off his PJ's

Taylor showing off her PJ's and boots (The girl loves shoes)

The only picture I was able to get of the two of them together.

Before the ride, we went out to dinner.

Mason was a little tired, but didn't crash until the ride home.

Mommy & Mason waiting for the show to begin

Taylor playing with Granddad before the show

Mason's turn

Taylor loved the show and could hardly sit still. She wanted to dance and clap.

Taylor & Mommy on the train

Mimi & Mason

The Conductor

Mason waiting to give his ticket to the Conductor

Love this picture of Taylor (You can see her reflection)

Singing Jingle Bells

Singing and dancing with Mimi

Here comes Santa

Taylor cried and screamed when Santa said hi to her. Then as he walked away, she said hi and that she loved him. Mason couldn't wait to meet Santa and shake his hand. He has been talking about it for three days.

Giveaway

Not me, but Chelsea at RootsandRings is giving away Christmas Miracle. If you have a newborn or are expecting, then this is definitely a giveaway you will want to enter. You could win a

Miracle Blanket.

I purchased a Miracle Blanket when Taylor was born and it was so much better than a Swaddle Me Blanket. There is no way for the baby to wiggle their arms free, and it gives the baby the feeling of security as they are extremely snug and content. It means sleep for the little one and for Mommy & Daddy.

We found a House!

As soon as we learned that we would be moving to Ft Worth, we had to decide which area we wanted to live in. I had heard from numerous people that Keller had fantastic schools and was a terrific area to raise a family. Not only is it a growing area with everything we could need as far as restaurants and shopping goes, but it is also close to Adam's office.

Upon arriving in Ft Worth, we started looking for a place. It was a bit overwhelming, especially given our time frame. Thankfully, a friend of mine from college is a Realtor and he volunteered to help us. He gave us a list of houses that met our criteria and once we chose the one's we were interested in seeing, he set up the appointments in one afternoon. It was extremely helpful, so that Adam didn't have to take a lot of time off of work.

We saw a total of six houses. Three were knocked off the list after the walk through, and the other three liked. It turned out that the first house we looked at was "the house." After waiting six days, we learned we got the house! It was a huge relief for both of us, and now we can look forward to Adam's vacation without the added stress of finding a place to live.

The house is located on a cul de sac, with a large backyard. Mason & Taylor actually took a lap or two around the backyard when we first looked at the house. It has 2667 sq ft, which is perfect for a growing family. Before people start asking questions, no our family hasn't grown yet, but we hope to in the near future.

It's 4 bedrooms with 2.5 bathrooms, with a study and a dining room (which will most likely be used as a playroom for the time being). We are also located within walking distance to a park and tennis courts. There are jogging trails throughout the neighborhood. We move in Dec. 30th. Plenty of room for visitors. I've included the pictures that were listed in the MLS listing.

Fern Lake Court

Kitchen and part of the Den

Den with the fireplace

Study

If you live in the DFW area and need a good Realtor, please be sure to give Kyle a call.

Ten on Tuesday

Kuddos to Chelsea for random questions today.

1. What is your favorite kind of cheese?
I love almost all cheeses. I would have to say Goat Cheese or Gorgonzola. I love Feta in salads.

2. Do you prefer fudge with or without nuts?
I'm not a huge fudge fan. I eat about one bite of it each year. It's good, just a bit too rich for me. If I eat it, I prefer no nuts. I'm the same way with brownies.

3. How do you feel about cats?
I grew up with both cats and dogs. I like that cats are easier to care for and low maintenance. However, Adam isn't a fan at all and it is very unlikely we will ever have cats.

4. Meg Ryan of Julia Roberts?
Julia Roberts.

5. Do you wear a watch?
Yes, I have a really nice watch that Adam gave me.

6. What are a few of your favorite songs from the 90s?
Anything N'Sync! Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden. There are only a select few 90s songs that I don't like.

7. Do you like scented candles?
Yes, but I'm picky. If the candle is too sweet smelling it will give me a headache. I can't do the sugar cookie scents or vanilla. I love the initial smell of them, but I get sick.

8. What do you like on your hamburger?
Cheese, Bacon, Ketchup, Mayo and maybe a little mustard.

9. How often do you cut your fingernails?
If a nail breaks, then I cut all of them down. I can't stand to have uneven fingernails.

10. Do you sleep in socks?
Only if it's extremely cold and even then I can't sleep with them on very long. I don't like being restricted. So maybe one or two days out of the year, if that.

Weekend Recap

One of the main reasons we wanted to move back to Texas was to be closer to family. Being able to drive a few hours or less to see family is so much nicer than having to take a 3.5 hour flight. This weekend, Adam's brother David and his wife Emily, invited us to see their new house and spend some quality time with them.

Friday after Adam got off of work, we headed down to Waco. David & Emily live on Austin Street in downtown Waco. The houses on this street are gorgeous and historic. I especially adore their house. It has so much charm. Mason & Taylor had plenty of room to run and play and chase their pets. By the time bedtime came around, everyone crashed.

Saturday morning I requested to have breakfast at Cafe Cappuccino. It was the same spot where Emily had her bridal breakfast. I ordered Banana But French Toast with a Coconut Vanilla Latte, the exact same thing I ordered the first time I dined there.

Afterwards, Adam was itching to go to the Baylor Student Bookstore, which happened to be by the Bear Pits. We did a little shopping and then headed out to look at the Bears. Mason & Taylor were so excited to see real bears up close.

David is an Assistant Media Director for Baylor Athletics. We were fortunate enough to be able to go in the Simpson building and see his office and check out the new facilities. We even were able to run around the new indoor practice facility for the football team. Mason & Taylor had great fun running up and down the field and tackling their Uncle David.

Saturday evening, we headed back up to Fort Worth. Sunday we spent the morning doing laundry and taking it easy. That evening we headed over to my aunt's house for dinner. The kids loved the little Christmas Tree's she gave them and they had a blast decorating them. Mason even put it by his bed that night. Afterwards, we drove over to Adam's grandparents house, which is only about 15 minutes from my aunt's house. It has been awhile since they had seen the kids and were amazed at how much they had grown.

It was a very busy weekend, but worth every minute. I was even able to capture some pictures.

Baylor Bear Pits

Mason checking out the Bears with Uncle David & Aunt Emily

The kids adore their Uncle David & Aunt Emily

Taylor didn't feel like looking at the camera that day

Entrance to the Simpson Building where David works

The Indoor Practice Facility - Mason running towards Uncle David to tackle him

Mason tackling Uncle David

Taylor's turn

Taylor tackling Uncle David

Taylor waiting with Aunt Emily and Uncle David for a table at Cheddars

My cousin Taylor with Mason & Taylor

Taylor & Taylor

With my cousin Taylor at my Aunt's house

Friday Favorites

To say that it has been awhile would be an understatement. I'll blame it on the chaos that has circled our family for the past month (really longer).

5. House Hunters.
We love this show. It always fascinates me to learn about the different housing markets all over the U.S. and to see if we pick the same house the buyers do. We have spent the last week looking at houses. Some have been fantastic, while others I would declare a war zone. I don't get why people trash foreclosures or why the who ever is listing the property doesn't spruce it up before showing the house.

4. Tex Mex. I didn't take this picture, but it about sums up the deliciousness that is called Tex Mex! You really can't come to Texas and not eat Mexican food. Since arriving back in Texas, we have eaten Mexican Food twice.

3. The Polar Express.

Whether it's the book or the movie, we love The Polar Express at our house. It could have something to do with my son's fascination with trains. It warms my heart. Next weekend, we plan on riding The North Pole Express in Grapevine. I've heard rave reviews from friends and can't wait to get on the train. It will be a first for everyone.

2. Christmas Cards.
Call me sentimental, but I love getting Christmas cards and looking at all the family pictures.

1. Having my husband home every night.
It's wonderful! Everyone looks forward to Daddy walking through the door at the end of his work day and eating dinner together as a family every night.