Thanksgiving Round 2

We spent Thanksgiving Day going to church and then heading back to Tadd's mom and dad's house for the day. It was so relaxing. Just Tadd's immediate family, so that was nice. Both sides of his extended family were with their families.

So what did the day consist of? Food, and lots of it. I think we still made as much food as we would have for 25 people instead of 11 :) We always do the traditional meal for lunch with turkey and all the fixings. Then that evening we break out the leftover turkey for round two with sandwiches, chips, and lots of more goodies. Yep, I think the holiday pounds are coming on already! Loved spending time with the girls talking while doing the dishes. Or loving the fact that the kids got to take their naps and the rest of us hung out relaxing, playing scrabble...

And read the paper (Here Doug is enjoying the "calm and quite")

And of course, we had to have a little fun too. Tadd wrestling with the kiddos!


Lots of laughter! Another year of shared blessings, memories, and watching our kids grow. We are just trying to soak in every moment we get!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was hectic and yet relaxing...is that possible? I got to make pies this year for both sides of the family and by no means protest to be a great cook, but I did enjoy it for the most part (wink!wink!). I love the smell of pies right out of the oven...mmm mmm!

My mom hosted my dad's side of the family this year. We even got to spend time with my cousin Susan and her husband Jason who we have not seen in a long time - so it was great! But mostly, it was kids galore. The L side of the family has 7 babies all born within the last year ranging from 6 months to a year now and that isn't even including the rest of the kids. So, it makes it quite interesting.

These next few pictures were from the nights of family gatherings before Thanksgiving. My aunt and uncle come on Wednesday night and we usually get together every night until the weekend. It makes for a full week, but we love spending time with family (hopefully as much as they enjoy spending time with us)




And here, Finn sums up how we felt after the final night was over...exhausted! We are so blessed as a family with our extended families close by and being able to spend time together, eat loads of food, and share in each others' lives. Thank you Lord!

Chicago & Shedd Aquarium

Last weekend after two years of trying to get a weekend set :) we finally set the date and headed to Chicago with the our friends, Nate and Emily and their two girls. The first night was filled with pizza at the hotel and then heading to the pool. The girls loved every minute. You could tell by the giddy squeals of joy as they took off running for the elevator and during their splashing in the pool.

Taking time to snap a quick shot of the girls while they were still, which never lasts long :)


Finn even joined in the fun, but of course when he got in the water I had to put down my camera and jump in with him! So, no more pictures after that.

Saturday, after a full night's rest we got up and headed downtown to the Shedd Aquarium. I have gone many times as a kid and even got to go a few years back with Tadd's niece, but this trip by far was the best. Watching Selah's reaction to all that she saw was special. Taking it all in through your child's eyes...priceless!

Hayley and Selah get ready to watch Dora in 4D. This is the only time Selah kept her glasses on because once the movie started she didn't like things "coming out" towards her :)

Our little cheese!

We love these girls as if they were our own! Hayley and Brookelyn are such good friends with Selah and Finn. I don't know if Selah is a positive influence or not :) but either way I love watching our kids grow up together. Thanks for going with us Nate and Em!



Finn did great all day too with so few of naps. He was his typical smiley-self.

And yes, you are seeing it right...Two teeth! They are both in and coming up even more. Our boy is growing up way too fast!

Hope you all have a great week!

The perfect day for hiking

The first weekend of this month we had the best day for hiking. We took off and headed to a nearby state park and enjoyed the day. My brother and his wife along with my cousin and her husband got to come with us too. It was great spending time enjoying leaves, watching the kiddos discover their surroundings, and just being in God's beauty.

I know, in the picture below it really appears like the kids are enjoying themselves, but really they are!

Adam, Kristen, and Colt

Kelli, Ryan, and Colby

And I had to take a few pictures of these cuties...too good to pass up!


Selah had fun riding in the pack on Tadd's back and exploring.

All in all, it was a great afternoon and Selah didn't even get a nap that day. So many times we have to step back and thank God again for all the opportunities and blessings He gives us each and every day!

Trick Or Treat!

It was that time of year again. This was the first year we really went around to different houses. Usually the night includes going to visit the grandparents and close friends and then calling it a night, but this year we went all out and let Selah go door to door with her cousins. We practiced saying "trick or treat" and thank you, welcome (which Selah ties all together as one phrase). It was a fun night. Selah enjoyed getting lots of candy and only got scared a few times :)

Our little monkey and fairy princess.



A new first - trick or treating!

joining Addy and Brooks a.k.a. The Eskimo and Cop


And of course we had to go visit Colt the Cutest Tiger ever! I know I am biased, but are these two boys not the cutest thing you have ever seen!