Ho Ho Ho? No No No!!!

Today we made our 2nd annual trip downtown to the Festival of Trees with Grandma Carol.  We took Brynn last year for her first meeting with Santa but she was much more "observant" this year of being placed in some strange hairy man's lap!  Molly, however, was perfectly content! 

(Notice the progression of Brynn's facial expressions...from uncertainty to "get me outta here!")

Hoping that this outing with Grandma and the girls becomes a tradition.  Although they can't quite appreciate all of the beautifully decorated trees yet, a picture with Santa and Mommy is good enough for now...even if we're not all smiling!!

Country Livin'

On Saturday we spent the day at Kevin's grandparent's farm.  It was the most GORGEOUS November day (felt more like late September) and we were lucky to spend it outside at the farm. 

Kevin was able to spend some time helping add to Grandpa's wood pile...

Brynn spent all of her time exploring the farm and riding and feeding the horses hay (one piece at a time!)...

and Molly even got some fresh air snuggled in her Bjorn! 

Can't forget Ben...I think he's the one who slept the best after our trip to the farm because he got to run free all day with his favorite 4-legged cousin, Jake!

We all enjoyed Grandma's good cooking and getting that always appreciated feeling of relaxation.  It's amazing how great it feels to get out of town (even if it's only 40 minutes away) and spend the day outside with family and no time constraints or worries.  Too bad life can't slow down more often to allow us more of these days! 

Twas the Night Before Black Friday...

And all through the house....the floor was covered with store ads!  Brynn sat and picked each ad up, took a quick look, and moved on to the next one.  I took a few to her room as we got ready for bed because she didn't seem to want to be done looking.  Although we read a story, like usual, she kept reaching for the ads before I tucked her in.  Wonder what deals she'll be dreaming about......:)

Thanksgiving #2..... A Little Reflecting

We celebrated Thanksgiving today at Grandma & Grandpa Addington's.  We shared the day with grandparents, great-grandparents, siblings, cousins, and great aunt and uncles...how lucky we are.
The kids loved playing together and fighting over Grandma & Grandpa's attention.  The adults loved the great food, conversation, relaxing with full bellies as the kids continued to play! 

Cameron and Brynn sharing Grandma's lap for a story!

Grandma & Grandpa with the girls!

Why is it that when we look so forward to special days like celebrating holidays with family, that they have to fly by so fast?  Maybe it is just a reminder that I need to slow down and enjoy every day the same way that I do these days with family.  Too often we look to what is coming down the road instead of slowing down and just focusing on the moment...today.  I have so many reasons to be thankful and make everyday worth looking forward to and celebrating!

 

Thanksgiving #1

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Grandma & Grandpa Landherr's over the weekend.  The cousins got to spend the day playing and wore each other out, we ate lots of great food, and we sprawled out and relaxed...all things we are thankful for everytime we're with our family!

Madi, Brynn, and Uncle Bill playing outside.

 Madi holding Molly...looks like she had too much turkey!

Brynn coloring with Great Uncle Mark!

Another day reminding me of how lucky we are...surrounded by family and great memories.

Picture Day at the Farm

On Sunday we spent a few hours at the farm trying to get a few family pictures taken by Uncle Matt.  It was a fun day of playing with cousins, having lunch together, and then enjoying the beautiful fall weather.  Of course, the sun decided to come out right when we decided to start the pictures, interfering with our lighting.  We knew we couldn't complain though, as the sun felt great & helped the kids from getting cold!  Although we're still deciding on pictures for our Christmas card, we did get a few cute shots of Brynn enjoying the freedom of being out in the country (Molly was inside where it was a little bit warmer!).

A great day with family!

Tuesday...

"Mommy, what's our password?"

Grandpa Gary stopped by for some quick stories....we love his visits!

Madi came over for a little playtime...the girls & Ben wished they could go outside and play!