Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Sanders Family! We are grateful that we can spend this day together, and send our best wishes out to all our friends and family!

Santa Starr

We will not be able to make it to Air Life Santa this year because of Alan's surgery. Mommy is a little sad because she has been taking Kevin and then Alan every year since 2005. However, Kevin's playgroup's mommies made sure that our own playgroup tradition of pictures with Santa Starr could take place during our break at home in San Antonio between the pre-op appointments and Alan's surgery.

The party is smaller as families have moved, but we know they were with us in spirit. With the kids starting kindergarten and rumors that Santa Starr will be retiring, this may be our last big Christmas party. It was so nice to have fun with friends before we head into the tough month ahead.


Santa Starr arrives at Miss Cookie's house


Kevin and Alan wait for their turn with Santa Starr


Kevin and Santa


The boys are wiggly!


Kevin gives Santa a hug


Alan and Santa


Alan loves the candy cane that Santa Starr handed out


Yummy treats!


Playgroup Mommies with Santa Starr

Alan's Third Birthday Party

Alan was recovered enough from chemo to have his birthday party with his little playgroup friends. We all met at the McDonald's party room where Alan and his little buddy Dylan "played basketball". There was lots of fun, cake and ice cream, and when we got home, Alan went crazy with all the tissue paper from the gifts. We're so happy he had the opportunity to have such fun and so greatful to our friends, big and little.


Alan and Dylan shoot the hoops


Alan works on a lollipop under his "3" balloon


Yum! Alan nibbling on a hamburger bun


Dylan, Alan and Sawyer Belle are having loads of fun!


Did someone say cake?


♫ Happy Birthday Dear Alan! ♫


Yummy cake...


... and ice cream!


Ice cream everywhere!


Alan in a post-party tissue paper orgy

Happy 3rd Birthday Alan!

Alan celebrated his 3rd birthday with Auntie Chelle staying for a sleepover! Auntie Chelle and Auntie Maria got our little monkey Curious George books - how appropriate! Typically, Alan had as much fun with the tissue paper as he did with the monkey and books.





Then it was time to webcam with Daddy! The boys brought their toys to show Daddy over the internet, including the aforementioned tissue paper.





Then it was time for Alan to chase his big brother Kevin - what a workout! (Yes, the picture is blurry - these boys move way too fast!)



Even though he was tuckered out by all the running, Alan refused to nap. After a beautiful afternoon walk in the neighbourhood, it was time for dinner and a yummy cookies'n'cream pie to celebrate the birthday boy!





Happy Birthday sweet pea!

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video of the chase

Trick or ReTreat 2010

It was the neighbourhood's 10th annual Halloween pizza picnic. Auntie Chelle joined us again, as well as her daughter Renee. The boys had fun running around the cul-de-sac after pizza, and this time both boys went trick or treating. Alan had a good nap that afternoon, so he was full of energy for the trek around the circle.


On the way to the cul-de-sac in their Super Why costumes




Every year we try to get a group photo of the kids in their costumes before the trick or treating starts. Every year it's like herding cats!






Alan got a lollipop and took a break in Auntie Karen's lap


Auntie Chelle, Renee and Mommy took the boys half way around the circle, and then Daddy took them the rest of the way. What a fun night!

Halloween fun!

It has been a fun fall season for the boys. In addition to the American Cancer Society party, Alan went on a trip to the pumpkin patch with the MOMS Club, Kevin got to go to the MOMS Club Halloween party and the pumpkin patch at school, and the whole family went to the Harvest Festival at the JW Marriott!

The Pumpkin Patch at St. Thomas


Alan has so many pumpkins to pick from!


Alan examines his pumpkin and his decorating choices


One of the school field trips had cupcakes, and Alan charmed his way into one


Who would have thought a tub of corn could be so much fun! Alan didn't want to leave


What a fun morning!

MOMS Club Halloween Party


Getting ready to start the Trick or Treat Parade!

While Mommy led the costume parade, we picked up treats from...


Miss Fiona...


Miss Melinda...


Miss Sara...


and Miss Ann!


Parades are hard work, and Kevin refueled with a cupcake...


... and then it was back to the playground.



Pumpkin patch at school


Kevin takes a whack at the pinata


Kevin with his goodies and friend Robbie


Kevin finds a pumpkin

The Harvest Festival


Alan romps in the haystack


Kevin finds prizes in the hay


There were lawn games and another pumpkin patch!


After a break inside with the touch tables and an early dinner, it was time to change into costumes for the Trick or Treat Parade! Alan didn't feel like eating, and managed to scam his way into the pool, with Mommy following. He pulled off his shoes and dipped his toes. He would have gone for a full dunk if Mommy hadn't pulled her shoes and socks off and went after him!


Kevin ready for the Trick or Treat parade!


Alan preferred to ride on Daddy's shoulders


On the go


Alan decided he wanted to join Kevin in the parade


Alan loves his lollipops!


Happy Halloween!