decorations...

we finally got our tree this year. yeah!!

it seemed like it was a long time coming. we usually get it the day after thanksgiving, but we were gone, then we had a ton of things going on. 

we got it at costco. probably one of the weirdest places I've ever bought a tree at. but it works. and it's a beauty. and smells oh so good.

 c had  a good time decorating herself with the tree skirt.

 the kids always love finding their own ornaments and putting them on the tree

this is one of my kids favorite christmas decorations. 

it's a carousel. the horses move up and down and it plays music. they are always playing with it. it's so sweet when we pull it out ever year and they all love it.

 we went to the festival of trees here. 

its a much smaller scale than ones I've been to in the past, but still fun for the kids.

 there was hot chocolate and they got to make an ornament. they sat on santas lap and had a fun time looking at trees. afterward we took the kids to a restaurant that has been around for about 40 years. kids loved it.  i love christmas time and creating new traditions and carrying on old ones.

Gingerbread

We got to do gingerbread houses with grandma this year. she had all the toppings and fixings. 

it was so much fun.

We went down to my parents later on that night an roasted hot dogs and smores over the fire. kids thought it was great. i have so many memories doing this.

at one point it turned into a small wrestling match between uncle G and about 6 kiddos. kiddos lost.

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving. It was the first time in about 9 years 

that we were in Utah for thanksgiving. we loved being with family.

My sis and sister in law crafted this turkey out of salted caramel rice crispy treats, complete with candy stuffing. it was a hit with the kids.

The kids stayed busy making apples with candy toothpicks. it was fun to see their creations.

My oldest brother and his wife hosted everyone this year. It was quite a group. 

Kid table. the kiddos ate first. it was fun seeing them toasting with each other. great time.

Here's the adult table. they did such a great job. 

My brother handmade the napkins and table cloths. nice job!We had quite a group. It was pretty awesome.

Last but not least. dessert. we had an apple, pumpkin, pecan, autumn cheesecake, crustless pumpkin pie, chocolate coconut cream, pumpkin roll, and razzleberry. All delicious. 

We loved being with family. After dinner, my sis in law, had us all tell a memory of growing up and also something that our parents taught us. It was fun laughing and remembering. 

Afterward, we went up with corey's parents and spend some time with them. We loved being with them.

petroglyphs

we took a great hike and saw some amazing petroglyphs.

it was pretty neat to see and a great day to get out and explore NM.

 what better way to end the hike than with snow cones.

daddy also tried showing the kids some sick skills and ended up on his back

spelling bee

how do you spell fulfilled.

g will never forget ;)

This awesome kid of ours was in the school spelling bee. 

he did amazing. he was confident and so excited.

he got out on the 4th round. there were 28 kids. a lot of them got out on the 4th round.

i was so pleased in how well he did. 

really proud of him.

great job!

SNOW

here we are, freezing and getting snow in buffalo.

WAIT! this isn't buffalo, this is NM! What?! snow in november. 

i didn't sign up for this.

as sad i was, C couldn't have been happier.

She ran outside as soon as she saw it. then she realized it was cold, and came in for her hat to keep her warm (sun hat ;)

i picked her up from preschool. she walked out the doors and automatically started trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue. i love how this girl loves life and embraces it

a couple random pictures

i love that i get this girl all to myself in the mornings. 

she is so funny, sassy and so full of joy.

 she loves having little tea parties when the older kids are at school

 the other day i got to have a little date with my 2 young ones.

we got sonic and headed to a park.

they played and played and had an amazing time. 

love that we have had so much sunshine lately.

 the other day c got all these cups on her feet and said, look, i'm a moose

 i loved the pattern in these clouds.