Giving Thanks 2014

Our family has a lot to be thankful for. We have 4 beautiful, happy and healthy children.  Kade has a successful business that he's worked hard to establish over the last 3 years.  We have a really, really nice home being built just for us a few miles away.  There are friends and family all over the world that would welcome us in a heartbeat.  Truly, we are blessed.

I was especially thankful that these jokers came to visit us for Thanksgiving this year.

They don't always look like that.  Sometimes they look normal, too.

We were so excited to have the Daytons for the week.  We spent lots of time eating junk food (and Thanksgiving food), staying up too late, and just hanging out together.

We did venture downtown to the Alamo.  Along the way, we found a statue that spoke to us.

Walking around the grounds of the Alamo on a beautiful day was nice.

Austin and Cam.  It's pretty obvious that they are cool.

Throwing pennies into the fountain.

Throwing Ailees into the fountain.

I snuck in a picture with my little monkeys.

Kannon had the best babysitter while they were here.

Austin and Jill

Kannon on a cannon.  It had to be done.

5 kids manning the cannons.

Kevin and Jill along the river walk.

One of my more favorite pictures:

Thanksgiving Day brought us the mandatory feast (prepared by the ladies!) and some more friends, the Romneys.

Ailee, Cora, Tyler, Hudson, Emma, Maryn and McKenna at the Kid's Table:

Kannon got his own table.

Probably because he eats like this and nobody wants to sit by him.

Kade, Mike, Allyson (and Grayson), Ally, Cam, Austin, Kevin, Jill, Savannah and myself at the Big Kid's Table.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our family and friends.  I couldn't have imagined it any other way!

Party Like You're Four

I wish I could freeze this kid to make her stay little.

Cora is a bit of a free spirit.  She LOVES people.  I don't think she has ever met someone who isn't a friend.

But all little girls have to grow up.

Which is probably why we have blogs, and pictures, and baby books to remember them as sweet little four year olds when they have turned into punk teenage kids.

Presents all ready to be opened.

And a deep breath…

…to blow out that candle.

Of course, unwrapping presents is always fun.

And who doesn't need big sisters to help?

Riding around the house on her new Razor with Ailee trailing behind like a lost puppy.

And the party ends with some ice cream cake!

Happy 4th Birthday, sweet girl! Our family wouldn't be complete without you!

Halloween in the Year 2014

A few weeks ago, I suddenly realized that my drive/motivation to accomplish things was back after having a baby.  I'm not sure if its just that 9 month mark, or if it was putting the little man on the bottle, but whatever it was, I'm happy to feel more like my overachieving self again.  So, this year for Halloween, I was able to make everyone's costume.  I think everyone was pretty happy with their choices, and I was pretty happy they were all fairly easy to put together!

But first, we had to spend an evening carving pumpkins!

The girls showing off their handiwork:

Our family of Pumpkins

Here in the lineup, we have a shark (who is obviously disgusted with the feel of grass on his bare feet), Hermione, and two cute little penguins.

After figuring out that he couldn't get away from the grass on his feet, he decided to embrace it and started pulling it out. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

This little guy was probably the cutest shark out there!

I thought his fin turned out pretty sweet.

Aunt Katie was so sweet to make Penguin hats for the girls.  The penguin thing has been going on for quite some time now…not sure how long it has until it's run it's course, but they sure are cute!

Cora, Kannon and Ailee:

 Maryn made a great Hermione.  Her costume was my favorite (and easiest) to put together, thanks to some friends who let us borrow the robes.

And I love to dress up for Halloween, so I threw on my old witch costume. And drew some giant eyebrows on my face. 

Growing

Despite our best efforts, this little guy is growing up.  At least he is being sweet about it! He's still happy and smiley, and loves to snuggle. The best is when we get him up from a nap--usually the person getting him up get a giant hug from him.  Gosh, what was our life like before this little guy?

He got his first hair cut.  That mop of fine, strawberry blond hair was getting way too shaggy for my taste.

He doesn't seem to mind, but I thought it could use a little trimming.  My friend, Jen came over and shared her boy-hair-cutting expertise. 

And Voila!! It's like he's a new man!!

I think he approves.  Or he still doesn't really care and he's just excited that someone is smiling at him!

A few weeks ago, he also got his first tooth.  We had one rough night, but we pulled through and had two pretty new teeth to show for it.

And finally this little guy fulfilled all my dreams and started saying "ma ma."  I know its just babbling, but it makes me feel all mooshy inside.  He's my first kid to say "ma ma" before "da da."  

Another First

This little girl started Preschool this week.

Its a little preschool my friend is holding out of her house for her daughter, Cora and another little friend.  Pretty non-intimidating, and perfect for a three year old!  So far, she's loved it!