Thanksgiving Fun

While we all waited to eat at Katie's, the kids played Hungry Hungry Hippo. How appropriate, since we were all starving and preparing to eat like hippos!

Giving Thanks

1. I am grateful for my family members who live close by. For so long, I was troubled that my kids would grow up without the support of and regular interaction with family. Thank you to Katie and to Stephen and their spouses/children who have done away with those worries and offer the kind of love, laughs, and understanding that only family can provide.

2. I am grateful for my siblings who live out of state. We LOVE visitors and we LOVE unlimited long distance. Thank you to Dave & Robynn who can make me laugh at anything, and thanks to Natalie who lets me walk her dog vicariously with her. I feel so fit and refreshed when we're done.

3. I am grateful for my dad and his wife and for the way they make all of us feel loved. Thank you, Bonnie, for always remembering us on your travels, on our birthdays, and as you work your creative, crafty magic.

4. I am grateful for Daryl's family--for their kindness and enthusiasm about our lives here many miles away. Thank you for entrusting us with this crazy, happy little soul.

5. I am grateful for blogs and how they keep extended family connected. I so much enjoy checking on Brad & Melissa, Jenny & Rod, Nate & JoLee, and Aaron & Brooke. You guys always inspire me and make me wish we could all get together more often.

It's time to pull out the Christmas decorations and move forward into the frenzy that defines the next few weeks. I just thought to take a moment to let y'all know how much I love and 'preciate ya.

Let Me Explain

. . . the previous post. My kids made that JibJab video and surprised me with it. I laughed so hard and thought I'd share the hilarity. Believe me, I would have probably NEVER done that on my own. (Um--at least I never would have admitted it.) Notice they used my 80s flashback face. Nice.

Tami + Troy = T-R-U-E-L-O-V-E

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Ana's Halloween

Katie invited Ana to trick-or-treat with her kids while I took my older kids to a late-night party. (Teenagers!) Ana had way more fun with Katie than she would have with us, so THANK YOU to my wonderful sister. Ana also got a sleepover thrown into the bargain. She came back oh-so-satisfied with her loot and her fun, fun holiday memories. Thanks, Steve, for taking these pictures.

Flashback

I needed a last-minute costume for a party I attended with the older kids. Katie and her nice neighbor Allison helped me put this together. It felt very familiar and comfortable. I think I'm making a permanent wardrobe change.

Pumpkin Lighting

Eliah was in charge of lighting the pumpkins this year.

Playing Dress-Up

Meili has the greatest friends! I caught them walking home together after school and made them pose for me.

Peace, Matey!

Ya and Mei on their way into school on Halloween. (I had just dropped them off and took the picture through the car window.) We had a cool, spooky sunrise that morning. Nice effect!