Just Clown'in Around!

On December 6th, I was a banner clown in the Neiman Marcus Adolphus Christmas parade hosted by Children's! It was a blast! Yes, the morning started out extremely chilly, but by the time the parade rolled through, it was a beautiful day!

The morning started out like this! I had to be at the hospital by 5:30 AM (Yes, AM!) in order to pick up my costume and have my face painted! So, I had to leave our apartment at 4:30, which put me getting up at 4! I know, 4 AM! Anyway, I got to the hospital at about 5:35, due to some unexpected camera issues! I got a red and silver sparkle costume, my face painted, and rallied together with some of my co-workers/friends to grab a quick bite before getting on the TRE train to head downtown! Several of us from the PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab) dept. made our hats! I think they all turned out really cute!

Once I downed a bagel and some apple juice, we all headed to the TRE train! We had been told before that their would be unexpected passengers on the train and to stay in character! So, we did! When we got on the train, you should have seen the eyes of everyone, especially the children! We loaded on and started singing Christmas carols and having a great time!

We quickly arrived downtown where we had to head to our designated areas! Being a banner clown meant that I had to rally with the other banner clowns, get my banner, and wait in an organized line until my time arrived to start walking!

Walking was the BEST! You should have seen the eyes of the kids as all of the characters, clowns, ballons, and floats headed their way! There were so many "Merry Christmas" wishes being sent! I loved every minute of it and can't wait until next year! Hope you enjoy the pictures that Brent took! I think he did a fabulous job!

Here was the Santa balloon!

Here's me carrying my banner!Frosty the Snowman!

A view from down the street! Aren't the balloons fun?The parade logo balloon!

Babies, Babies, Babies!

So, as I have mentioned, we have 2 babies due in March! Well, not we as in Brent and me, but our Moody/Family gang! Kelcie and Taylor are having Eastin Reid, and Brandon and Mandy are having Conner Brandon! I am so ecstatic about these boys!

Yesterday evening, we had dinner with the Gartrell's (Will, Carol, Brandon, Mandy, and Aiden), and afterwards, they came over to our place to visit. During the visit, Taylor and Kelcie came by. If was fun to see Mandy and Kelcie stand side by side with their cute and round tummies! They are only about 1-2 weeks apart!

As the Gartrell's were getting ready to leave, I hugged and kissed Aiden! He was very quick to remind me that all of his kisses were being saved for the baby that I would have to give his back! This reminded me of the cute story Mandy told me over Thanksgiving. Aiden approached Mandy one day and told her to open up her mouth. She did, and then he blew a kiss in and said, "Quick, Mom, swallow!" She did and then asked why. Aiden said, "I am sending the baby kisses!" Isn't that great? I love this!

So, I told Aiden he could have the kisses back, but they had to go to Conner! He agreed! Needless to say, Aiden will be a great big brother!

To Eastin and Conner, I am so blessed to have the two of you as nephews! I know God has wonderful plans for you and the lifes that you will have! I can't wait to meet you and see your faces! When Aiden was born, I held him in my arms and made a very important promise, and I promise this to you, too! "I promise to always love you and provide you with plenty of chocolate!" I love you, Aunt Ash!