Reasons To Be Grateful

I convinced my mom (Dad couldn't make it because of work) and my brother to come visit us for Thanksgiving.  It didn't take much...just someone to point out to them that it would be much warmer in San Antonio during Thanksgiving, than it would be in Idaho Falls.  

Just  a few of the pictures I took during the week.  I wish I had taken more--I've been lazy about taking pictures these days.

A walk around the River Walk with my mom and bro:

Ryan, my brother, decided that he needed some Cowboy boots to take home with him.  Cora was so good to help him pick some out!

Ailee decided to try out some Western Wear while we were at the store.  

I decided that I needed to do SOMETHING fun for the kids this year.  I remember as a kids making turkeys out of apples, toothpicks, and gum drops.  So we relived some of my childhood traditions.

There were a lot of gumdrops eaten during this process.

Thanksgiving day was spent mostly in the kitchen (of course).  I can do a lot of things...cut wood, craft, tie my shoes...but cooking is not my favorite, so I was glad my mom was there to direct things.  We had lots of help from the men-folk, too:

 Those were some killer mashed potatoes!

 All ready for a feast!!

We were all sufficiently stuffed, and had plenty of leftovers the whole next week.

It was nice to have others around who like to play games.  Mostly I just loose, but I still enjoy a good game of Pinochle or Scrabble.  And we had a few minutes to goof around on the Face Juggler app, too...

Yikes, right??

The day after Thanksgiving we made a visit to SeaWorld.  I caught Shamu on camera.  It was pretty splashy!

Kade and Ailee made it on to the Jumbo Tron, as did my bottom.  A proud moment in my life.

Makin' friend with some SeaWorld penguins:

Getting cozy with Shamu:

It was a fun week.  I was really glad Mom and Ryan came out to visit us--we had a blast!  I look forward to more Thanksgiving that are as memorable as this one!

Two Much Two Celebrate

November means another birthday at the Roundy house!

Little Cora turned TWO!

I think she was pretty excited to have a moment in the spotlight.

But it only lasted a moment because everyone had to "help" her open her presents....

(and no, we have not adopted another child...well, in legal terms anyway.  That is our little neighbor girl.  They just moved in about 2 months ago.  We see her [and often her little sister] quite a bit, and even more frequently when her mom is out of town.  She was over playing, and when I told her she needed to head home because we were about to open presents with Cora, I couldn't dismiss the sad little look she gave me.  So, I invited her to stay.)

Our little birthday girl:

 As per my new tradition, I took Cora out one day and snapped some pictures of her:

Trying to master holding up 2 fingers:

Cora loves to copy--actions, noises, and people in general.  She is quite the mocking bird.  I love to watch her dance because she likes to get the facial expressions going!

Her favorite act is to sit in the shopping cart at the store and wave at passerby's.  Her sweet little "Hi!" is hard to resist.

This kids wants so much to be like her big sisters

It was pointed out to me how much she looks like Kade in this picture:

Life is one big game to this little girl:

I just love her to death!

Post-Halloween Wrap Up (a month later)

Well, now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I suppose it's only right that I put up our pictures from Halloween.  

This year, the kids' costumes were mostly store bought super easy.  So, I decided I needed to do something fun for myself!  I have always loved dressing up at Halloween...because, SERIOUSLY, it is so fun!  I already had this fun, purple wig, and I had a coupon to use up at a store, so I bought a sweet witch's hat (which I unfortunately forgot to photograph...but it was awesome) with it.  And being inspired by pinterest, I made this fun sparkly skirt to tie it all together (yep, still finding sparkles in my house).

Here we are, all ready for some Trunk-r-Treating out at the church:

 And just for the record, I did win an award for my costume at the Trunk-r-Treat..."Most Halloweenie"

I had to get a picture of the kids with our friends, the Romneys:

Our Halloween Jack-o-lanterns

The kids were being good sports, and let me get some cute pictures before Trick-r-Treating.

Our littlest witch, Ailee:

Cora took a break from her usual silliness and gave us a serious pose:

And I totally forgot to put on her nose and whiskers for the picture...Doh! 

Maryn our little Cowgirl

I just love these little Halloweenies!

Catching Up

I think I heard my blog crying last night because it has been so neglected.  It may need therapy...who knows!  So, I thought it was time for a quick update.  

Things we've done over the last few months:

Ate Devoured some ice cream

(Seriously, Blue Bell is the best!!)

Maryn started 2nd grade this year.

Maryn loves school and learning.  She is incredibly smart and very creative.  Her teacher informed me that next month she will be tested for the Gifted and Talented Program.  We are proud of her achievements.

Cora is officially in to EVERYTHING.  Nothing is safe at our house.  For some reason she loves Kade's old BCG (commonly referred to as Birth Control Glasses).  I had to hide them in a drawer because I was afraid she was going to hurt her eyes.  She is such a goof ball, and loves the attention that comes from being silly.

Ailee started Pre-school.  

I was glad to find a cute little school.  She loves her time with friends, and is a good little student.

I had a birthday.  Helloooo 32!  Yep, I'm old.  I tried to convince everyone to switch the 3 and the 2 so it said 23, but Maryn is a stickler for the rules.  I am 32.

The kids wrapped up some of their toys for me.  Such good little girls!

My loot!

Maryn had her bike rodeo at school.  We got to come a watch her ride her bike through the obstacle course.

Cora and Ailee loved the school mascot!

Maryn, who is "officially" a cow girl, had great aspirations.  

She may have to wait until she's 18.

Cora spent her free time searching for more mischief.

She IS Cora the Explorer.  

Now, if you're lucky, I'll get around to posting Halloween this week...or next.

When the Roundys Get Together

A few weekends ago, we drove up to Gatesville to visit with those other Roundy folk.  I'm so glad we live closer to them, now.  It's been so nice to get to know them better and I'm pretty stoked that we have family that lives closer than 8 hours away!  We had a fun day, just relaxing.  We went out and got a bite of pizza to eat, played at the park for a bit, then just hung out and visited for a while at their house.

The girls and their cousin, Madison:

Litte Miss Madison:

Cora loved their dogs, and would squeal "Puppy!!" every time she caught a glimpse of them.  And she loved the doggie door, too.

 I had to get a few family pictures before our departure.  Time flies, and I love watching life change through pictures.

Kurt and Kade

Kurt, Stacy and Madison

You can't help but love this little family!