Thanksgiving 2011

As is tradition at every holiday, we tried to get a picture of all the kids together. Gracie wasn't really into it. Actually, she wasn't into much on Thanksgiving. I had cute outfits picked out for the girls, but they stated that they would only leave the house in their Packers shirts. I knew that wouldn't go over well with my Viking fan family, so I concinced them to at least wear a team-neutral Koos for Kids charity shirt instead. Oh well, I can't win them all.

At least I got cute one of my niece, Elara with JR.

After dinner the kids made a paper chain for Nana and Grandpa's Christmas Tree.

Then the glitter glue came out to make a few ornaments.

Bee decided Grandpa looked cold.

The grandkids decorated the Christmas tree too!

I'd say the bottom two feet of the tree look marvelous!

Happy Halloween!

 Our family tradition is to meet at my brother's family's house for trick or treating. They have a wonderful, family oriented neighborhood. Here are all the girls in their costumes. Spider-Man, Rapunzel, Iron Man, and a duck. Lots of people laughed at my girls in such boy costumes, but it was always with a smile. I have unique kids, and I love it.

 We managed to keep track of Gracie's Spider-Man mask for three days, just to lose it the morning of Halloween and find it the day after. Figures.



Christmas

Checkin' out the presents.

We tried to be smart this holiday and get our kids picture out of the way early in the evening. It didn't go so well. I don't think anyone got a decent shot.

My girls opening one of their gifts.

Gracie had been very into The Little Mermaid lately, well, really, all things mermaid. Working at a toy store was an advantage when Daddy came across this mermaid doll one day. Her tail lights up and she can even go in the bath tub! We haven't had a mermaid-less bath since Christmas.

Dancing with Elara while momma's car warms up.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. In addition to our family, we got to spend the day with both sets of grandparents, Josey, Bret, Uncle Tony, Aunt Julie, Cousins Elara & Meira, and their grandpa Yul. The picture above is Gracie and Elara helping Nana prepare our meal.

Waiting ever so patiently for dinner.

Gracie loves playing with Elara, and asks about her often. Above, they were both laying on the couch together, until I got the camera out. Can't have any proof that Gracie actually sits still at any moment!

Amazing. You can actually see ALL their faces. In one picture.

Thanksgiving recital.

Halloween

We had a great Halloween! Our trick-or-treating adventure began at a local grocery store. We expected a handfull of candy, but ended up with a corndog, go-gurt, soda, helium balloon, carmel apple, cookie, AND candy~for each kid! It was a full meal!

Swiper's so fast!

Dora and Swiper, with Grandma towards the end of our grocery trick-or-treating adventure. Look at all that loot in the cart! That is ALL from the trick-or-treating!

Gracie insisted she did NOT need a nap before going to her cousins' house to do real trick-or-treating, but momma and daddy insisted. Good thing we did, this is how I found her when I went in to wake her up to leave!

Dora, Swiper, and Princess Fiona.

The whole crew, before heading out.

Gracie found Elara's Dora scooter in the garage and tried to convince us she should ride it to go trick-or-treating. It was tough going until Elara said "You have to wear a helmet!" and Gracie said (in a very dismayed voice) "I don't have a helmet!" That ended that.

One of the first houses.

Happy Birthday

My niece turned three last week, and her birthday party was today. She chose a princess theme.

Bee with Nana.

Playing with a balloon.

Playing "Kiss the Frog."

Trying to hit the pinata.

This was the best shot I could get of the cousins together in their matching tutus.

Auntie

I am an auntie again!

Welcome to the world, Meira Gahyon! I feel so blessed to get to watch you grow into the beautiful woman God has planned for you to be. I love you.