We enjoyed lunch at Mi Cocina and loved getting the opportunity to catch up with Courtney. After lunch we headed over to KXAS to see Matt and catch a glimpse of his new office. Dean loved meeting all of Matt’s co-workers and I enjoyed seeing the new set that has consumed so much of Matt’s time. Our visit to KXAS was brief but fun. I’m glad Dean was able to check out the studio and see daddy’s office!

I am thankful for the holiday break so Dean and I can enjoy fun trips like these! Now we are gearing up for our big trip south for Christmas! I can’t wait!

Me: Dean what do you want for Christmas?
Dean: Cake
Me: Really? What kind of cake?
Dean: Birthday cake
Me: Oh, who’s birthday is it?
Dean: Jesus’
Me: That’s right. What kind of present do you think Jesus wants for his birthday?
Dean: Um, a front end loader…just like mine.
Me: A front end loader? Do you think Jesus wants to build a job site?
Dean: No. He’s too little.

Miranda was sweet to share her video.

I arrived at the concert a little late and wasn’t able to get the best seat for pictures with my camera. The low light and distance were not the best combination. Note to self: Bring Matt’s Nikon next year!

I am struggling with writing this post. I can’t believe that you are three years old! My heart breaks thinking that you are truly not a baby anymore. You are such a big boy! I often find myself wishing that I could go back to when you were 6 months old, just to hold you for a few hours. I am so thankful that you enjoy cuddling. I enjoy this sweet mommy and Dean time.

Over the past six months you moved into the Early Preschool room at the ECDC. Your time with Ms. Elaine has been a wonderful gift. Ms. Elaine truly appreciates the active boy you are and has taught you so much this first semester. You can identify some letters and numbers, have memorized numerous songs, and you are working on fine motor skills. Your daddy and I enjoy looking at the art work you bring home and have a blast playing school with you. You enjoy playing the role of teacher and never hesitate to tell your daddy and I to “hush friends” when we get a bit too loud.

This summer you really grew in your swimming abilities. You had no fear when it came to exploring the pool and swimming. Your daddy and I were so proud of your eagerness to try something new. We definitely see swim lessons in your future.

You are quite the talker! You are always eager to strike up a conversation and spend a lot of time asking “Why?”. Your Daddy and I have decided that the best way to tackle your inquisitive nature and to feed your desire to know is to provide you with a lengthy answer. Sometimes you fully grasp the concept and learn something other times we just plain overwhelm you and you move on to another topic! You also enjoy quizzing strangers when you mean them. Your typical conversation begins with, “What’s your name?”, “What do you do?”, “Where do you live?”. Three questions is usually the extent of your questioning because most people try to make a quick exit from this conversation with a 2 year old!

You can easily entertain yourself and will play independently although you love it when Mommy and Daddy play too! You typically sing to yourself while you play. I LOVE sitting and listening to you sing bits and pieces of songs through out the day. You always have a song in your heart! Your imagination has also kicked in full force! You are always pretending you are someone or that your toys are something different than they are. The other day you built a pipe yard in our living room complete with two generators! You also love cooking yummy food on your grill and feeding it to us and our friends.

Another big milestone of the past six months… you are fully potty trained! You rarely have an accident and are pooping on the potty. You have come a long way! We are so proud of you.

Your faith has grown in the past year. You have learned that “God keeps us safe” and will remind me frequently. In the past six months you have also begun saying our dinner time prayer. It warms my heart each time I hear your sweet words. I am so thankful to have a little voice reminding me of the faithfulness of our God.

Your last visit to Dr. McCoy was an easy visit. You didn’t need any shots and happily participated in the exam. You weighed 35.4 pounds – 84 and were 38.25 inches tall- 61%. You are a growing boy for sure!

Dean, you are the light of our lives. I am so thankful for you and all that you bring to our family. I look forward to seeing what the next six months brings for us! We love you little man!

On Friday, November 4th Dean celebrated his birthday with his class at the ECDC. They have a party the first Friday of each month and celebrate with ice cream, party hats and fun! Dean enjoyed spending this time with his special friends as well as Addison and Leslie Walden.

After Dean’s school party we headed home to see Uncle Layne and Logan. In addition to celebrating Dean’s birthday there were events planned to celebrate Layne. One part of Layne’s birthday celebration was the NASCAR truck races on Friday evening. Matt, Logan and Layne met up with some friends and enjoyed watching the trucks run in circles. A second day of races were enjoyed on Saturday with the entire male family – Layne was in heaven! While they were enjoying the races Dean and I spent time with Granny and Pop. Granny and Pop came up early on Friday in order to go to the Winstar with Glenda. After a full day of fun for them we enjoyed Babes chicken and a relaxing evening. I was thankful for the time with my grandparents and their help getting things ready for the party. I know Dean enjoyed having them here for the night.

At exactly 5:00 PM Camp Hopkins began. Dean enjoyed having his friends from church and school over to play in our backyard and enjoy a performance by Mr. David. The birthday celebration was a blast! Matt and I were able to enjoy the party and hang out with Dean’s friend’s parents thanks to our awesome servant team of grandparents and Glenda! I think Camp Hopkins was my favorite birthday party. I’m sure they will continue to get better and better but for now, this was the best! Happy 3rd birthday Camper Dean!

On Monday morning the ECDC held its annual costume parade. Dean’s class made Cat costumes. It was fun to see the children march around the school in their costumes. They were all so proud of their creations!

On Monday afternoon we hit up chick-fil-a (again free kids meals) with Gavin, Miranda and Matt. The boys enjoyed their nuggets and playing on the playground with all of the other excited, costume clad children. After fueling up we took the boys to the Compass Colleyville carnival. They loved every minute of it! There were more inflatables, horse rides, tons of games and a puppet show! The boys were in heaven. On our way home we made one special trick-or-treat stop by Glenda and Bills. They had bags full of treats of the boys. Of course both boys had to open their treats, enjoy a snack or two and put on a show of excitement for the Cherry family! Miranda, Matt and I brought home two very tired boys! Halloween 2011 was the best yet! We’re off to fight more fires! Until then!