Day 327/365 ~ 2012

Thanksgiving.

 Much to be Thankful for.

 

We had a lovely Thanksgiving Day.

 



Thankful for family present with us...







And for family present in our hearts...



 

Thankful for plenty to eat...





And fun family traditions...

 

Much to be thankful for.

Day 266/365 ~ 2012

Sausage Fest!

We travelled to Richland to attend Sausage Fest with the family.  We had a wonderfully relaxing weekend spent at Dan's parents house.  Saturday morning we attended the big fund raiser for Dan's childhood school.



The kids had a ball playing the same games we played as kids.
At the same place.
With the same booths!



Andrew wasn't short on help with this game!



The boys (big and little!) enjoyed shooting the cork guns.
A special lesson was given by Grandpa.



Always a proud moment at the church function when your son passes up the cross necklace for the dollar sign gangster ring.

In his defense, the cross was pink.



The excitement over their junk treasures was so much fun.



We discovered a central theme among Katie's prize selections.



And when we ran out of tickets...Nana couldn't have that!  She does love to spoil her grand kids!  Notice Kaitlin's reaction on the bottom right?  My little mimic.  Perhaps my sign that I need to start keep my comments to myself over the spoiling?  Classic.  After all, I plan on spoiling my grand kids too.  I believe that is an earned right!



We ended the day with a visit from a friend.

And Matthew working for hours with great determination on the pogo stick until he accomplished over 200 consecutive jumps!

Day 182/365~2012

Happy 7th Birthday Claire!!!
After the party was over I texted Shannon and said, "Wasn't it only 5 minutes ago that Andrew was eating crumbs off of Claire's high chair?" These little ones are growing up way too fast.  I do so love Claire, she is growing into such a lovely little girl.

(We were terribly irresponsible and brought a sick Andrew to the party.  I normally wouldn't do that and he almost stayed home but Shannon and I knew Claire would be so sad after two of her best girlfriends already had to miss the party and she and Andrew are such close friends.  He rallied ~ and I sat him at the end of the table away from everyone, but Matthew later came down with a 101 fever and Andrew started worsening in the evening...we're really hoping we didn't share the bug with anyone!)   



Winnie & Carl headed out to attend a "Hawaiian" wedding and they looked so cute I had to take a photo of them before heading out.

Day 181/365 ~ 2012

Happy 70th Birthday, Grandpa!!
Does he look loved, or what?
Andrew rallied for this photo but he was a sick little boy....


Who enjoyed some snuggles from Grandpa.
We celebrated Grandpa with grilled chicken, roasted carrots, grilled asparagus, and garlic bread...I tried to make a chocolate blackout cake for dessert, but only managed half of it. I spent the afternoon at the doctor with the kids while Dan finished making dinner.  It was still a really nice night ~ we were happy to celebrate this special milestone together.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!!

Day 154/365~2012

Birthday party day!!!



Matthew chose a Mario themed swim party for his 9th birthday.



Matthew & His buddies...a mix of family, friends from pre school days and friends from school.



The chocolate mustaches were a hit. :)






The kids enjoyed cupcakes & ice cream & then were off to swim.  They had a great time!  (And I was quite relieved to finish our last birthday party!)



Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Day 42/365 ~ 2012

Kaitlin had a "Ballerina" Birthday party for her 4th Birthday.
Daddy gave her a corsage which he has done since she was two. 
She loves this.
He's so sweet to wear pink on her birthday.



The dessert table & favor bags.



The cake!  Oh, the cake.   White cake, each layer dyed a different shade of pink, with cookies & cream and chocolate buttercream filling.  It was a chore to make this cake!  But it turned out really fun.  I was up until 3am, which was the least amount of sleep I've gotten before a party.  I attribute that, to this cake!





Nana made the trip for the party.



As did Grammie and Grandpa...we were happy to have them all here!



Our sweet friends.  Kaitlin was SO delighted with all the people, as they were arriving she exclaimed, "Mama!  Our house is going to BURST!!" 

There was also dancing with ribbon wands....

 

Time for cake!



 

Dan took the boys bowling, and I missed sharing this moment with him.
But the boys were much happier bowling than doing ballet.



The Bug has no trouble being the center of attention.



There were lots of thoughtful, girly gifts!



When the party was over, the boys returned and we finished the day with pizza/cake with brothers and cousins.

It was a happy, happy day!!!

Day 352/365

Merry Christmas Grammie & Grandpa!!
Our christmas celebration was today!
Pogo sticks were a hit!
Christmas cookies, playing marbles, crunchy leaves, a nap for Daddy, football on tv, gooey spider making, legos, scooters in the backyard,
a delicious ham dinner & pie....
A happy day had by all!!

Favorite photos....













Matthew took the above photo ~ impressive!!