December 10

Tonight we got to meet our new little neighbor, baby Liam. He was adorable and tolerated Grayson holding him for just a few minutes!

I think Liam is all done with Grayson!

Joseph Frosty is hanging out with Jake, Izzy, Cubby and the pirates today!

December 9

JF found someone familiar to hang out with today!

Today, Grayson and I completed a project for our upcoming children's musical. We needed to shimmer up some candles. Grayson loved helping out with the glue and glitter. 

Fortunately, it was a pretty simple task and we finished about 75 candles in no time

December 8

Time for a little artwork

December 7

Giddy-up, reindeer!

December 6

Joseph Frosty showed up driving the shoe-shoe train today!

Each year we find a night to spend with Gigi, Bill, and Shannon to celebrate Christmas. Tonight happened to be the only night of the entire month that we were all available. 

There were lots of presents to open!

And lots of cookies to be made!

A few sprinkles were added, but they decided against the frosting. Simple sugar cookies were a bit hit with the boys!

We had a really fun evening! Merry Christmas

December 5

Joseph Frosty has arrived!!

December 4

The tree and mantle are finally decorated! I can't tell you how long of a process that was! So glad I only have to do that once a year!!

December 3

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can start putting the rest of the Christmas decor up. We love putting our nativity set in the big window in the kitchen so that everyone can see it easily when they come in. 

November 29

Today is another family favorite day- Black Friday!! Look who's out and about on this chilly morning!

After everyone's shopping spree we had dinner at OK Joes, so everyone could experience some really good KC bbq, and then headed to the Plaza and Crown Center to see all of the lights. 

November 28

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We are ready to race and burn a few calories this morning!

Then we pigged out!

And crashed!

And took time for some family photos. My how we've grown!

November 27

And, it's finished!!! Not a minute too soon! Well, for the most part it's finished. It's finished as much as we need to host 21 people for Thanksgiving this weekend. The last few finishing touches will be done next week. We love it!!! So glad we decided to do this.

We were able to talk all 21 people coming to KC into running or walking the Turkey Trot 5k tomorrow morning! And since my office isn't quite up and running yet, it can be our packet pick-up station. At most race pick-ups you just get your t-shirt and envelope with important info, but note that our pick-up also has festive hats too!!! 

Everyone is super excited to be wearing their new turkey hats!! And no holiday is complete without a craft- so everyone is coloring a Thanksgiving placemat!

November 26

Today in Grayson's class, it was pajama day! When his class gets 10 compliments for various things, like following directions, walking nicely in the hall, helping those who need help, ect, they get a pajama day. Today was also his school's Thanksgiving lunch for all of the parents to come to. When I dropped him off, I think he was a bit embarrassed that I wanted to take his picture! And when Adam and I came back to eat lunch with him, he didn't really want to leave his friends to eat with us! It's started so early :(

November 24

 Although Christmas has begun inside, there is still lots of fall to deal with outside. We love our house in our old, established neighborhood, but it comes with the very big chore of dealing with LOTS of leaves!! Adam has given up with his blower and rake and decided to borrow our neighbor's monster sized blower to get the job done faster!

 

Several hours and over 30 bags later, I think we are calling it quits for the season! This is our last load after the 20-something bags we already did last week. 

November 23

 

This morning we had Breakfast with Santa at Chick-Fil-A. They were so hospitable and gave all the kids free breakfast, treats, and a little toy as we left. Grayson was a bit nervous to sit on Santa's lap, but eventually warmed up a bit and asked for a puppy. Neylan wasn't nervous at all and asked for a Buzz and Woody camera. 

Since we are hosting Thanksgiving this year, and people arrive in a few days, we are decorating part of our house for Christmas. The rest of the house will be decorated for fall, but since this will be our family Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, we thought we would decorate for both! 

Everyone pitched in and helped!