High Five

The Xmas card photo shoot. Yes, the boys really were happy riding on an old wooden sled inside that was being slide on our bathmat!



Christopher, one happy cleaner! I will be saving this picture for his future wife someday to prove that YES, he really does know how to clean and was raised to be a hardworker!



Brotherly love. Taking a break from playing for a group hug.



Goof ball Aiden, LOVES wearing his PJ's on his head.



Aiden's busy prancing around all dressed up while Chris is quite entertained with a toilet paper roll. It's the little things.



Who knew that toilet paper rolls could be so much fun?!?



Happy 35th wedding anniversary to my amazing parents!

Wait for it... Next week at this time you will hopefully be hearing Christmas music on our blog. I am truly excited to be able to "officially" listen to Christmas music without no aftermath from anyone. Anytime after Thanksgiving is fair game, right?

Keeping in the holiday spirit, we started the Christmas card picture process. I say "started" for a reason and yes it is a process. We had two photo sessions this weekend and I am not in love with the outcome but depending on how turkey day preparations go, what we have may be what we learn to love. I shared a little preview of the "process" above so that you can appreciate what it takes somedays to simply get two smiles.

Mike has solved a mystery! I had mentioned that with the boys expanding vocabulary, there were a few words that were being said on a regular basis and with definiate purpose, but ones with which I had yet to uncover. What sounded like "amour" turned out to be "Elmo!" Thank goodness for Dadda because I was beginning to think that the boys were picking up some french with "amour" (meaning love). I do have to admit that I secretly would have been happy if they were indeed saying amour as I can NOT wait to have them say "I love you" back.

Onto more exciting news. In addition to "elmo," the boys are also saying "poop," "moon," "amen" and "light." They also know how to point up and down. We have two little smarty pants in the works.

It's no surprise, but we have had a great week. On Thursday we had a really fun play date with our friends Calvin and Megan. The boys played great together and loved free roaming and running around and Megan and I had a nice chance to catch up and chat. I love Mommy dates! I guess it could be considered "double dating." A play date for the kiddos and some mommy chat for the adults. I also got together with my friend Gina for some much needed adult conversation and crafts. It was so nice to relax and enjoy her company. It was a great day all around.

Friday we had a day of nothing at home. It was relaxing and fun and the boys were in a great mood which is always an added bonus. I started my Thanksgiving prep and have my nights lined up to do a few small things each day so that I don't have to run around like crazy the day of. I can't wait to see everyone!

Saturday afternoon we packed up and headed to visit the Locke's in Southampton, Ma. Livia was so great about sharing her toys and we had a super visit and delicious meal. The kiddos played great together despite A & C's curiosity to check out EVERYTHING in their house! Aiden took quite a liking to Livia and by the end of the visit, it was pretty evident that he had developed a crush. Their youngest, Kameron was very busy crawling around, trying to keep up with the big kids and did one heck of a good job!

This morning we headed to church and after naps we brought Aiden and Chris to the playground in town. They had a blast! They were very interested in the other kids playing and loved the slides. Mike and I enjoyed the other adults as everyone was very friendly and seemed to be loving the day!

Is it really almost Thanksgiving time already? And then onto Christmas? Now... I can only hope that the bitter months of January and February pass just as quickly!