Brown Family Christmas

TJ's mom has a pretty big family. She is one of 5 kids who all have grown kids and grandkids, which means it is hard to get everyone together. We got the majority to meet in Stinnett the day after Thanksgiving for yummy Mexican food and a gift exchange. Almost everyone was there! It was a huge, fun group!

Most of the great-grandkids: Taci, Caeden, Brooke, Mazi, Linkon, Lyla, Jordan, Blaize, Braelyn, Jace, Gage, Jaron, & Braxton. We were only missing 6 + one on the way!

Nino and Poppy helping Lyla open her gifts

Lyla loved playing with the "babies" - Blaize & Linkon

Lyla pulled her best bud, Gage, around all night.

Patty's Brothers and Sisters - Benny Dee, Brenda, Patty, Tereasa & Bobby
The boys - Beau, JW, Jeremy, Chad, Brandon, TJ, Josh & CameronThe girls - Dani, Kristen (+Carter), Brandi, Summer, Brandi, Misti, Alicia & Me

Early Christmas

Since we won't get to see TJ's family for Christmas this year, we had it early. Lyla was a very lucky girl and got cute outfits from Nino and Aunt Alicia and a giant baby! She really got into unwrapping the presents, much more than she did on her birthday. Christmas should be fun this year!


Poppy letting Lyla give the baby a kiss

What a mess!

Mazi and Lyla playing with their new toys.

A pretty dress from Nino

Aunt B's House

Lyla loves going to visit TJ's Aunt Brenda. There is always someone or something fun to play with. Her favorite play partner is her cousin, Braelyn. Lyla looooooves Braelyn, who is just a few years older. She follows her everywhere. Here they are reading books with Aunt B.

Marissa & TJ - a rare photo of us together. One of us is usually behind the camera.


TJ's Granny and Papa. His Aunt Tereasa took the picture and did some cool editing. She takes great pics!
This was Lyla's first time to get to meet them. She warmed right up and let them both hold her. I am always so glad that she is a friendly & loving baby.

Poppy & Nino

TJ's Aunt Tereasa with her grandson Jaeden and our niece Mazi.

Happy Thanksgiving

Here are some pictures of Lyla on Thanksgiving. She actually left her turkey bib on and liked picking food off of our plates. She thought my scarecrows were her babies and tried very hard to pull them out of the pumpkin.
Lyla has given us so much to be thankful for!

Turkey Crash.

Nino Clothes

Lyla had another cute outfit handmade by Nino to wear this fall. It looked so cute on her and was so much fun to see her walk around in the ruffle jeans! Of course getting her to be still enough for a picture was another story...

Proper Southern Girl

As all good southern girls know, you shouldn't go anywhere without your pearls on. This includes breakfast. Lyla has a huge stash of Mardi Gras beads but prefers her "pearls" over all the other more colorful beads. I hope I am raising her to appreciate the fine, simple things in life.

Kitty Clothes

Lyla's Aunt MeMe got her the cutest outfit from Gymboree. It has kittens all over and a matching kitty hat! We had to wear it in honor of Terry Lind's baby shower. Terry Lind has been one of Haylee's best friends since middle school and is part of our family. So we needed a special outfit for a special day. She had a great shower and Jackson is lucky to have such a great mom!

The Great Outdoors

After several days of being stuck inside, Lyla and I decided to brave the cold weather for a bit and head outdoors. We both needed the fresh air and had a blast "driving" around the yard and chasing the ball. It was just what we needed. We couldn't stay out long but what a great time to enjoy the crisp fall air. Lyla even kept her shades on, a first for her!

We also had to dress alike. Dorky, but I figure this is the only time in her life she will actually be caught in the same outfit as her mom. Black sweats and pink shirts - JLo would be proud.

Bulldog Playoff Pep Rally

The Borger Bulldogs made it to the playoffs for the first time in a long time. We are so proud of our cousin, Trenton! He and his team worked very hard all year long. We took Lyla to the pep rally at the Bulldog stadium. We didn't know there were going to be such big fireworks but after the initial shock she loved them! She kept looking up to see if there were more. She loved waving her pompoms and cheering along with the cheerleaders. And afterward she enjoyed a Turkey leg with her poppa. I wish I had the camera out for that!

Veteran's Day

We went to visit Lyla's great-grandpa Joe on Veteran's Day. He proudly served his country and so we wanted to honor him. Lyla is always a big hit at the nursing home and really likes walking up and down the big halls visiting everyone. This trip was even more special since she got to play with a balloon, one of her favorite new things! It was nice to remember those who have served and are currently serving our nation. I hope to instill in Lyla a respect and admiration for the courageous men and women who protect our country so that she can have the freedom she is so blessed with.

Officially Walking

Lyla has been taking only a few steps at a time for several months now, but it is not what I would consider walking. Mostly just testing the waters. But like with all things Lyla, once she decides that is what she is wants to do, she does it full out. She decided on on November 7th that she was no longer going to crawl around. She started walking everywhere without fear. A few days later, running was more her speed. So after 13 months, my baby is OFFICIALLY a toddler. Look out world, Lyla is on the loose!