Turkey with our turkeys

Thanksgiving was quite eventful as always this year, and a lot of fun! We managed to keep fairly organized with all the bouncing around from location to location and even enjoyed some relaxation! And boy were the kids troopers!!

We headed out Wednesday evening to stay with Cici, and woke up Thanksgiving morning, continuing our annual tradition (9th in a row) of doing the Run for the Hungry . I love this tradition, and it makes my heart smile to know my boys are learing to give back on the day of being thankful. After our turkey trot, we headed over for a fabulous thanksgiving gathering and meal at Auntie Court's and Uncle Kris' house. They really outdid themselves, and we were sad to not have a bit more time with them. On to dinner #2 at Pa & Noni's with all the aunts, uncles, great grandmas, and cousins. It was a chaotic (in a good way) time, and one that the kids totally enjoyed. (It was a hoot watching my cousins whom I once babysat, play hide and go seek with my littles...). Friday morning, we headed up to Mount Laguna and it was then, that I could feel myself breathe the clean air and relax in to a nice weekend of calmness and peace, knowing we'd be staying put for 2 days in our cozy cabin. We played games, went to Julian to shop the craft fairs, watched movies, did crafts, and ate everything turkey (Turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey chili...!) And although I personally have decided I might have hit the end of the road with doing the dual celebrations, it was a fabulous weekend and I am so thankful for all the good memories!

17 months

It's so interesting to watch a child who really does embody 2 opposite extremes: fierce independence, confidence, and curiousity and yet also a totally and completely loving, cuddly and angelic nature. These last 3 personality traits have been present since the day he was born exactly 17 months ago, and in the last month or two, our little Lo Lo's has really come into his own as he tries to keep up with his brother and explore the world around him. He wrestles with the other 2 boys of our house, no longer walks, but RUNS, and although is a man of few words, communicates clearly (and loudly!) what he is after. I love this age because it is such a turning point. The best part is that although he is getting to be a bigger boy very quickly, the sweetness that everyone knows and loves is still ever present. And I simply can't get enough. He has a smile that makes all around him smile back, and his coyness and cuddly nature shows his sensitivity. I love seeing all the layers of this little boy, and I sure love him BIG!

Grammie time

Grammies bring fun to our lives!! I think the fort they built in our living room may not be going anywhere in the near future!! :)

Thomas the Train!

Today we and the Caudill family headed to "A Day with Thomas" - a Thomas the Train exstraveganza that tours the country. We were first timers, and had a total blast. There was a lot more activity than I anticipated, and it really was a mini amusement park, totally devoted to Thomas and friends. The kids (and adults too) had fun checking out all the historic trains, the tent filled with trains and interactive Thomas activities, the bounce houses and a 25 minute ride on a real train complete with Thomas music. What a fun day!

GOAL!

Colin continues to love his Jr. Sports! And we have come to enjoy the early Saturday morning ritual of making our way to the park for 50 minutes of hilarious 3 year olds sprinkling the field as they kick, bat, run randomly as 3 year olds do. Yesterday was soccer day, and I must say it was pretty darn adorable. The girls and boys practiced "dribbling", shooting into the nets, and even balancing by sitting on their soccer balls. I can't quite decide what is cuter: watching the determined kids learn this sport, or seeing them stare obliviously at the sky in their own little worlds. In the end, they are having fun, and I love seeing that!