Thanksgiving 2011

 We had a totally non-traditional Thanksgiving this year. Jay worked and some of the Tucson family were visiting family out of town. Between that and me and Olivia being sick, we just kind of did our own thing. We started the day just like any other year by getting up and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It's a tradition I have had for as long as I can remember and it is a fun one to continue. This is the first year Zoey and Noah have really found it exciting and enjoyed seeing a lot of the balloons and things. I love the parade and it's just the way I have to kick of the start of Christmas.

 Olivia was just chilling on the couch reading Daddy's Scott Pilgrim comic.

 Most every year we go have Thanksgiving lunch with Jay at work. The hospital provides the food and it's nice to have the chance to go spend some time with Jay since he has to spend the whole day at work.

 We are definitely thankful for this little ray of sunshine. Olivia is the silliest, most sweet little lady. She absolutely brings a lot of joy to all of us.

 So thankful for this little lady too. Zoey is such a creative, friendly little girl. She is also a really great big sister. She really does look out for her siblings and is typically really good about playing with them and sharing her things. Zoey is a good girl and a good example to other kids at school and church.

 So thankful for this little messy boy. Noah brings such a different dynamic to the family. He is silly and funny and keeps us on our toes. He is definitely teaching us a lot about patience but he is ultimately such a sweet boy. He LOVES his family. He is an amazing brother to both his sisters. He is often very willing to share and will also often give things up to make someone else happy. Noah also is a very lovey boy. He loves to snuggle up and give hugs and kisses. He is a sweet boy and we sure hope it is a trait he never loses.

 My wonderful hubby. I am so incredibly thankful this man is in my life. He works hard for us so we can make ends meet and so I can stay home with the kids. He loves us all unconditionally. He is a good man and gets along well with pretty much everyone he comes in contact with. Life just wouldn't be as great without him.

 After lunch with Jay I took the kids to play at Arthur Pack park. It's the first time we have gone since they redid it and the kids had a great time. We stayed as long as we could, until Olivia started falling asleep in the swing.

 This cracked me up. Every time Olivia would go down the big twisty slide this is how she would end up. She always looked terrified when she was done. I would ask if it was fun and she would say yeah and then go back for more.

 Jay got off early and when he got home we did dinner together. The kids LOVE fondue so that's what I made as a treat for them. Cheese fondue with kielbasa, toasted bread and roasted potatoes. We all enjoyed it and it was a fun way to finish the day. It certainly didn't feel like Thanksgiving this year but we did have a pretty darn good day. What matters is that we spent the day together, having fun and for the most part being happy.

Little Miss Daphne

 I was lucky enough to get to watch Daphne for a few hours last week. She is a complete doll and Olivia and I were very happy to have her around. Here's the little miss, just 10 days old.

One of the only eyes open shots I got. Not my favorite but her eyes are open and she's looking right at me.

So very tired.

Baby feet! The only type of feet I will have anything to do with.

Squishy face.

Look ate those long fingers.

Meeting Daphne

 The Friday after Daphne was born the kids didn't have school so they were so excited to go meet her for the first time. Everyone got their turn to hold her and they ALL love her. We are definitely a baby family. It was sweet to see the kids with her and know that in a couple months that will be them with their baby brother. Seeing Daphne definitely makes us all more excited and anxious for our baby to get here. We can't wait!

Olivia was OBSESSED with Daphne. She thinks she should just be able to pick her up and carry her around like a doll. I get it because she is so tiny. We are going to have to watch this little monkey though when her brother gets here. Predictions have been made that one day we will find her walking down the hall with her baby brother in hand. I am pretty sure we will never be able to put him down where this little miss can get a hold of him. She is so sweet with the baby though and I think she will be so good and helpful with her brother.

 Noah was the first one to jump to ask to hold Daphne. He really loves the little lady. I know he will yet again prove to be an awesome big brother. He is so happy to be getting a boy baby.

 Zoey was super excited to meet the baby too. She was bummed she had to wait SO many days (like a whole 3) before she could see her. It is so fun with her being big now. She loves babies and is so good with them. She is also SUPER excited to be getting another brother.

 While there Zoey helped feed and burp the baby. She loved it and did a great job. I can't wait for our baby to be here. I know Zoey is going to just adore him and I think more than ever she is really looking forward to helping out. She is going to be great with him.

Sleepy Girls

School Costume Dance

First Quarter Awards

 All ready to go see brother and sister get their awards.

Noah was one of only four in his class to get perfect attendance.

Noah's awesome Kindergarten class. He loves it!

 So proud of our little man for getting honor roll and perfect attendance his first quarter ever in school.

 He LOVES his teacher Mrs. Wilson. I am pretty sure he has a crush on her.

 Getting awards is old school for Zoey these days. She is always proud though and she always makes sure to find Mom and give her a smile and a wave.

 Four awards. Honor roll, homework award for always turning it in on time and completed, Eagle behavior award for being a good example and helper, and I think the last one was the super speller award for getting 100% on all tests.

 We are really so proud of our kids. Zoey and Noah are both smart and so well behaved at school and we couldn't ask for more than that. We sure are lucky to have them.

Pumpkin Pickin'

 A couple weekends before Halloween we went to the pumpkin patch that's right near our house. The association had it open to us to pick pumpkins and have free hot dogs, chips and drinks. We all had a great time searching for the perfect pumpkins. We saw some lady bugs and little fuzzy green caterpillars during our search. Though it was VERY hot out we are glad we went and could have such a fun time. Picking our own pumpkin from a patch was a first for almost all of us and we enjoyed the adventure.