Thanksgiving 2011

The kids made gingerbread houses Thanksgiving morning to keep them busy before the big feast.

Emma & Mason got to work together.  Mason really enjoyed the frosting.

Sarah had her own to work on.

My sister Lori hosted Thanksgiving this year.  We dished the kids up first.  I think most of them were done eating before the adults even sat down.  No wonder they were hungry when we left that evening!

This table of boys ate fairly lightly.  In a few years we will need a turkey just for this crowd to chow on.

The tween table (kind of).

It was a great Thanksgiving!

November randoms

The kids finally talked me into a pet, fish that is.  They each have a Betta fish.  Sarah's is Noah, Emma's is Jewel Quartz, and Mason's is Jackson Austin.

Emma has become quite the little artist.

Sarah & Mason did Reflections this year.  Two of Sarah's projects went on to the district level.  Mason was a bit sad his did not.

Mason played on a rec center basketball team this year.  It was quite amusing!

Emma got this outfit for her birthday as well as the Rapunzal tower.

Mitchell always tries to escape whenever someone comes to the door.  He's an outside kid!

The kids' cousin, Becca, was a techie for Big at her high school.  We went to the show then had fun at the carnival after.  The kids loved throwing whip cream pies at some of the cast members.

Emma really got into the face painting business.

Time for Christmas decorations!

Sarah performed in a pioneer legacy ballet.  It was kind of amusing, she had the same part as last year.

Mitchell has found a new way to get into the pantry.  This kid is a bit too resourceful for me sometimes.

November Birthdays!

Three of the six of us have a birthday in November.  It gets kind of crazy!

We celebrated Emma's 4th birthday with her cousin, Claire, who was turning 3.

Emma got this fancy outfit from Grandma C.  She insisted on wearing the scarf to preschool.  It was in her bag when I picked her up.  I'm thinking it must have been a bit of a distraction!

We celebrated Emma, Todd, & Julie's birthdays all on the same day.  Emma got to choose the cake, obviously.

Todd got the Harry Potter Lego Night Bus for his birthday.  He & Mason had fun putting it together.

Some of Emma's birthday presents.

Julie got a day out shopping with her mom & sister.  It was fabulous!

Halloween 2011

We grew our own pumpkins this year.  We had lots!  It was fun.

Everyone was brave enough to stick their hands in to feel the pumpkin guts.

This pumpkin was not quite ready but it made a cool jack-o-lantern.

Mason was an army guy for Halloween. 

Sarah was a funky fairy for school dress up. 

Emma was Tiana with wings so she looked more like Tinker Bell.  Mitchell decided it was ok to wear the Elmo costume.  He loved trick or treating.  It was a perfect night, nice & warm!

The kids always want a "sick" jack-o-lantern.

Sarah & her friend Quinci.

Ready to head out for some CANDY!!!

Counting & sorting the loot.

The next morning many of our pumpkins were smashed.  At least the smashers saved a big one for me to get ready for Thanksgiving!

Mitchell really knows how to enjoy his candy!