Christmas Decorations

We continued our tradition of getting the tree up and house decorated the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving! We were a little slow this year on the tree and it ended up being a two part event. Not sure where all our time went on Friday, but we were only able to get the tree put together and fluffed before bed. The big kids helped as much as they could but would sometime lose their focus. So Cory and I got the lights and ribbon finished then out came the ornaments. I loved telling them the little story behind each one, not sure they did or not :) Also had to keep reminding them all the ornaments couldn't go front and center...have to spread the love! Overall a fun time was had by all! After the tree, I did the rest of the house while they all headed outside to help Cory do the lights out there! I love to decorate, so fun! Enjoy the pictures!

The little boys loved goofing off in the box!

The big kids were a big help sorting the color coded layers, but once it got to the fluffing they were tired! So we did as much as we could before bedtime!

My main helper! I love having a little mini me too :)

Here is how the two little boys spent most of the evening!
On Saturday we finished up. Caden was a HUGE help, if you could keep his attention. It is a lot of work to do the lights, ribbon, and ornaments, so we took several breaks!

Carter really enjoyed putting up the ornaments, even if his face doesn't show it!

Cole loved the ornaments, a little too much! He kept wanting to take this train with him to his room! Luckily we had minimal tantrum throwing and put the train up high where it couldn't be disturbed. He also made an ornament in Sunday School the following day that he can take off and put on to his little hearts content!

The final product!

All our stockings! Something about this picture just makes my heart smile! I love stockings at Christmas time. I love that the boys all match/coordinate! I need to get Crosby's monogrammed and hope to do that soon! Don't you just love the pink tutu on the end for our little miss...she is in LOVE with it, of course!

Are your decorations up?

Carter's Thanksgiving Party Part 2

Here are a few video clips from Carter's program!

Reciting a poem about the Indians

Reciting a turkey poem

Last but not least, the BROWN song!

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Carter's Thanksgiving Party

Carter had his Thanksgiving Party at school on Monday. He had a great time! They sang a few songs and said a few poems, some of which I have video of. He looked so cute in the line performing, but when it was time to eat the stew, he was back to his old self in picture refusal mode. But at least he performed this time...remember our last AWANA experience :)

He had his eyes on Ms. Gari and was into it the whole time!

He was so cute!
Watch for the next post of videos!

All the Leaves Have Fallen

After growing up in a house with over 20 oak trees, I am not a big fall leaf fan. I love this house and I love our lot, but all the leaves that fall are a bit much at times! Thank goodness we have lots of kids that think it is fun to rake them all and pick them up, and thank goodness I have a hubby that loves to work in the yard! I only raked once last fall and didn't do it at all this year! There is always a baby or small child I must tend to :)

On this particular day, Cory had raked a bunch of piles for the older kids to start picking up and of course, Mr. Cole had to get in the middle of it all! He was having so much fun and was so cute I couldn't resist snapping some photos!

Love the mischievous grin!

What me? I didn't make that mess!

From Our Little Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving from our little turkey, both literal and figurative! Cole made this hat in Sunday School and LOVED it! He wanted to wear it all the time, I am sure he thought he looked cute, as he does :)

Here he is saying "gobble gobble" Cute enough to eat!

Playing Doctor

Remember this episode of doctor play? Cole was around 7 1/2 months old so Carter would have been been about 27 months or so. Cole was clearly the patient because he didn't have a choice but check out these pictures I captured a couple of weeks ago. These two were at it again!

This time Carter was the patient!

Then they switched roles :)

I love watching these two play together!

Crystal Christmas 2010

We attended the 15th annual kickoff for Crystal Christmas Saturday night and had a great time! Cole got cranky towards the end, and it was a little chilly but otherwise a great night! We went a little early and got some food to eat, so I am sure part of Cole's problem was that he ate nothing but chips! Here is his orange face :)

Daddy and Carter smiling for me! Daddy left my good camera in the car so I had to use my phone. Not the greatest of pics, but at least I documented the event!
Caden was all bundled up ready to watch the show!

Crosby was nice and toasty in the sling with a blanket over him! I had a coat on for my arms, but I was getting pretty warm underneath Crosby! Also, the pink flash in back is Becca! Can't say enough about the angel she is! She had no plans and tagged along with us! What a blessing!

Momma and 3 of her guys!

The kick off was fun, Santa and Mrs. Claus came to say hello. We hope to get back to the park to visit them later this week. A young lady sang several songs and entertained us! But needless to say the kids were ready for them to turn on the lights and see the fireworks...

The fireworks are better at this than on the 4th of July, I think!
We came home and warmed up by having some hot chocolate and putting on our Christmas Jammies...we are definitely ready for the season!



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Family Game Night

We had a fun night a few Fridays ago, just playing games! It got a little crazy with Cole but we ALL participated and had a great time! My mom will be excited to know Farkle was the game of choice and everybody got in on it. Carter didn't last too long, so he played some other games. Eventually towards the end Cole and Crosby had to go get bathed. Daddy took them to the tub and I finished Farkle with the older kids! What a great way to relax and wind down from a crazy week.

Caden counting his points for Farkle...Gigi you trained him well!

Carter gave up on Farkle and played checkers.The whole crew (Crosby is with me in the sling!)

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