Decorating

The girls were excited to help me decorate the house this year for Christmas. As everyone knows it takes a lot of time and hard work to get all the decorations out and set. We were busy putting up Christmas trees all day. We put one tree in the basement, one tree outside on the front porch, one tree at Nespor's, and then our big real tree in the family room. Add those 4 trees to Colgin's tree, which is up all year round, and we have 5 Christmas trees gleaming at us daily. Everything looks great and we are all in the Christmas spirit.


Christmas tree downstairs.


Christmas tree on front porch.


Christmas tree at Nespor's.


Our family tree.

Winter Wonderland

We took a little family outing this afternoon over to Topeka. We took the girls to the movie "Tangled." It was a crowded theater, but the movie was great! Then we ate dinner at Red Lobster. I think we were all tired of turkey leftovers. After dinner we drove through the Topeka Winter Wonderland. There are over a million lights on display in a 2 mile scenic lake view area. The girls were so excited each time they saw something new and we even saw a real moving car covered in lights driving through as well.


Winter Wonderland

Alexander

Last year a special Elf came to live at our house during the Christmas season. We named him Alexander. We were happy for his return this year and he brought a surprise for the girls too. Let the holidays begin!


Can you see Alexander sitting in Colgin's tree?

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving this year, we invited the Hitchings over for a very relaxed day of food, friends, and fun. We supplied the turkey and they brought a ham. We also had mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, jello, and many other snacks. It was a delicious meal and everyone had a great day.

I spent the morning in my pjs watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and drinking hot chai tea, while Chad was busy prepping things in the kitchen. I had baked the desserts the day before and he had the turkey brining overnight, so that he could fry it up. I love the lazy days of doing exactly what I want to do.


The turkey soaking in the brine.


Chocolate chip toffee bars and brownies.


The 4 girls saying "Cheers" with their kid wine and dessert.

Harry Potter

The girls spent the weekend at Grandma Debe's house, so Chad and I took full advantage of a weekend alone. First thing on the list was to see the new Harry Potter movie. It was a much anticipated movie and I couldn't wait to see the story play out. Knowing this movie would be in two parts, it was still worth waiting for. The movie was great and afterward we met up with friends for apps, dessert, and drinks. What a great date night!

Family Feast

For weeks Campbell had been practicing her Thanksgiving songs for her preschool program. They sang & acted out 3 songs. Funny Bird, Hello Mr. Turkey, and I'm a Little Indian. It was delightful and entertaining to watch. All the kids performed so well. After the songs were complete we enjoyed a family feast of fruit salad and pumpkin bread. The table settings were cute crafts the kids had done in class. Campbell was excited and proud to be a preschooler.


Campbell's table setting.


Campbell singing.


Campbell acting out the song.


Campbell participating in the music.


Campbell getting her Turkey glove ready.

Thanksgiving Lunch

Each year, Cooper's school offers families the opportunity to eat a Thanksgiving Lunch with their students at school. This year we took Campbell along for the fun. It was a cold and SNOWY day and as we sat inside the cafeteria enjoying "school lunch" the air was filled with excitement and holiday spirit as we all watched the snowflakes fall.