A Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. To me it has all the warmth of Christmas without as much stress, expectations and cost. And it never seem to be the same year to year.

This year we decided to host and have over close friends.

Rob really got into Thanksgiving. His words were, "I really want to go all out this year." He actually researched fun crafts and decorations. He came up with these adorable turkeys and chocolate pilgrim hats. He even put them together almost all by himself. To save face in admitting doing a craft, he claimed he used power tools to create them. Totally uncharacteristic of Rob. He's usually the one telling me to keep it simple and not go overboard.

I couldn't have Rob showing me up in the craft department (although I think he did out-do me) so I came up with the turkey napkin rings and the created the cute turkey tablecloth.

The Worths and Abbotts helping put together our "turkey gobbler."

In addition to his craft, Rob also put together a treasure hunt for the kids to do after dinner. He hid clues all over the yard. The kids had to find the all and put all the pieces together to form the picture of where the treasure was buried.

Decoding the puzzle.

Digging up the treasure in the sandbox.

Eating their candy cane treasure.

The tryptophan kicks in. Well all settle in a watch a couple episodes of "Kid History". If you haven't seen it, check it out on youtube. It's hilarious.

Finally, the pie ends the night. They were all sooo yummy!

I'm thankful to have such great friends to spend the holidays with.

A few more precious moments.

If I could get away with it, Isaac would be naked all the time. His skin is soooo soft and soooo squishy. I just want to nuzzle him.

Leaves, leaves and more leaves!

It begins with a carpet of leaves.

The Master of Disaster Returns

This is what our dining room table looks like 90% of the time. Why? Because this what Maycie does with 90% of her free time. Maycie earned the title of Master of Disaster (or MOD) early on when at age 2 she took permanent marker to my new leather couch and several other choice items. Multiple wall murals were also to her credit. She soon learned the appropriate place to express her creativity. After several years of absence, however, MOD returned this week when she took a marker to another wall. As punishment Maycie was banned from the art table and coloring instruments for a whole day. Maycie rarely gets upset, but you would have thought the world was ending based on her reaction. She was lost without her paper and markers.

Maycie, I'm sorry I had to deprive you of your first love. I marvel at and truly love all your creations. Your talent should be encouraged and developed. Just not on uncommissioned walls. Keep creating. I love you!

I'm not necessarily proud of this captured moment, but Rob insisted that it be captured. This is so typical Maycie and Alex. What do you do when wet rain clothes impede jumping? Remove them, of course.

Thanks and Giving Tree

We started what is hopefully a new tradition (though the set up might change) with our Thanks and Giving Tree. We've been writing down things we're thankful for and a kind act performed that day thus ushering Thanksgiving.

Some more pictures of trees.

This is our backyard and I LOVE it!

It's mostly Oaks and Dogwoods (my favorite tree). I've collected some acorns from the Oaks and enjoyed the autumn color of the Dogwoods. And I'll look forward to the bold white Dogwood blossoms in spring.

Creatures and Creature Comforts

Alex and his buddy caught this little guy in our yard. It had a small injury (probably from our cat) and was in shock or I'm sure it wouldn't have allowed them to catch it. Despite my general dislike for the destructive creatures I couldn't help feeling sorry for the little guy.

Here's another creature in a couple homemade costumes of his own creation.

Creature comforts.

Now that the weather is cooler we broke in the fireplace. With our own forest in the back yard, wood is plentiful. It's been years since I've sat in front of a wood burning fire. I never want to go back gas. It's a poor excuse for ambience.

Moms and Bondage

Tonight in our scripture reading we read about how the Nephites were in bondage to the Lamanites. We were trying to explain the concept of bondage to the kids and told them it's like doing things you don't want to do for someone else or not having any freedom like when you're sent to your room. Alex piped in, "Oh, so like we're in bondage to mom?" Right on, bud!

Happy Halloween!

Our Annual Pumpkin Carving Party!

Though this has traditionally been with our neighbors, since we moved recently, we decided to do it with our "North Carolina Family", the Abbotts, Smiths and Worths.

The men thought the occasion appropriate for power tools.

The traditional fare was served:

homemade chili and cornbread, homemade root beer, and homemade donuts.

The donuts burned slightly and though still delicious they didn't qualify for their own picture. The adorable spider cupcakes took their place.

Kristin brought her new baby boy, Declan, to the party.

Halloween night.

Again, a traditional meal of tyropita and tomato soup.

What has eight eyes and says 'moooo'?.....

....three ninjas and a cow.

Trick-or-treating in our new neighborhood was great. In our cul-de-sac all the neighbors get together and put their candy out on one table. A lot of bang for your buck in one stop!

Sorting the haul!

I remember this was my favorite part of the night when I was a kid.

Since mom has no self control when it comes to chocolate I let the kids enjoy their candy for a day then offered them $5 each for it. They took the bait and out went the candy.