Counting Down to Christmas

Making a gingerbread house. He LOVED this! He worked on it for at least an hour, maybe longer!

We went to Chuck E Cheeses with some friends but that didn't turn into Jonathan's idea of fun. The big mouse came out and the fun was over. He was so scared he wouldn't play any games. I snapped this picture before the big scare came. However he has pretended to be Chuck E Cheese for over a week. So it has provided some entertainment after all. =)

We went to Bass Pro Shop and there lots of fun games and the kids got to make a cookie.
Katelyn (our cookie monster) loved this activity.

Playing with marshmallows and toothpicks (of course some snuck into his mouth too).

New gloves

(above) A special breakfast treat, Fruit Loops, but also good for playing with.

(below) Making gingerbread cookies

How many days until Christmas play a little game and see.
Remember Christmas is Jesus' birthday.
He came for you and me!
These words were on our Christmas chart every year growing up. We counted down to Christmas this year with some special activities. Most of them were geared toward Jonny but Kate had some fun too.

Three Months Old

Still a good little sleeper. I am not sure how she sleeps through all the racket at this house but she does.

So strong

She loves to play with her ears!

She still loves her thumb.

Big smiles

Where has the time gone? Here are some pictures of Ellie at three months. She is still a very happy baby. She sleeps through the night (between 10-12 hours). She is smiling, laughing, and cooing. Her brother and sister still love her lots. Sometimes I wonder how this girl survives all her hugs and kisses (and being stepped on, sat on, and who knows what else).

We love you Eleanor!!!

Christmas Number One

Grandma and Grandpa O gave all the grandkids a new sleeping bag. Everyone got a different color and it has their name on it. They are really fun and cozy. Jonathan also got a new game and a toy motorcycle. Speaking of motorcycles he told me he wants a real on for Christmas with a helmet, pants, and boots. Then he said "Don't worry, it won't be dangerous. I'll be wearing a helmet!" PS I am not sure why he's wearing sunglasses in these pictures.

Meeting Great Aunt Donna

My Aunt Donna came to visit us. It was great to see her. She had never met my girls so it was fun to show them off to her. Eleanor is named after her mom. We had Donna tell us stories about my Grandma Elinor. It was very special and fun! I love you Aunt Donna!

Black Friday

Our first stop on Thanksgiving night.

Happy Birthday Sarah!!

Making our shopping plan the night before.

My nieces, Emily and Alise, cozy in the bed (before they were kicked off onto the floor).

Emily and Ellie waiting for our ride.

This was my first real Black Friday experience. My sister Sarah's birthday was on Thanksgiving, so her birthday wish was some Black Friday shopping. My parents live about an hour from all shopping so we headed out Thanksgiving night and checked into a hotel. We slept from about 10:00 until 2:30 and then headed out to hit the stores. Poor Ellie had to come along. She did pretty good but was not to happy to be woke up in the middle of the night. My post was Target. Emily and I waited at least an hour in line. We all found some good deals and had fun together too.

Give Thanks

My brother Matt carving the turkey.

The adult table
(Emily and Alise got to move up this year since there were two empty spots)

Crazy kid table

Every year we take some time to say what we are thankful for and reflect on the past year. Here are some of my blessings:
Eleanor Mae-I realize every time I have a healthy baby that it is a gift from God. I am thankful he blessed our family with her.

Chaun and his hard work so I can stay home with our kids.
God's provision for our family as we go through seminary.
Southern and our church. We have learned and grown so much through these two places.
Most importantly Jesus Christ and the price he paid for my sins.

Family

Of course all the kids enjoyed Grandpa and Grandma.

The boy cousins had fun chasing and tackling each other. Jack was too busy, I couldn't get him to sit still long enough to pose with these boys.

Ellie snuggling with Aunt Sarah

Uncle Dave and Aunt Anita with my kids.

(Above) Uncle Matt with my kids.
(Below) Katelyn and Emily in matching vests.

The kids and I made the 12 hour drive to Meriden for Thanksgiving. It was great to be home with my family. Almost everyone made it. We were missing Chaun and Unity. It was really fun to watch all the cousins together.

Some More Everyday Fun

Looking a little cuter...

Bed head!

Sooo big!!!

Playing in the bubbles (Katelyn kept drinking them).

Snuggling with mommy (that doesn't happen too often).

Katelyn is still our little climber.

Both the kids still love Ellie, sometimes a little too much.

Fun Around the House

Jonathan and his friend Rolen dressed up like knights.

So sweet! She has slept through the night this week!

Ellie has officially become a thumb sucker. Right now I think it is cute.

Katelyn on the other had decided to scoop them out of the pile.

Look at this pile of leaves Jonathan (or should I say Berber) raked up!!!!

Just kidding!
But he did spend over an hour watching the men rake up these leaves, mulch them up, scoop them up, and blow away the leftovers. He was holding his broom the whole time wishing he could help. When they left for a lunch break he quickly took the opportunity to sweep up what they forgot.

Sweet Smiles

Ellie has started smiling and cooing. It is so sweet and fun!