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!

Vibrant Violist (video)

At the end of every orchestra concert, parents are permitted to get close to the musicians and take pictures while they play a song from earlier in the night. Here is Meili close up during the chaotic encore of the 9th Grade Halloween Concert. (I do not have Meili's permission to post this.)

Construction Zone

We are finishing up a bathroom and a family room in our basement. Yippee! It will be great to have a place to send the kids and their friends. Here are a few shots of the current mess. The sheet rock just went up yesterday, and it really helps define the area, but it is sooo dusty! I'll be glad when this stage is over.

Corny Kids

One of the last things we did was let the kids roll around inside the corn shed. It was almost more fun than a sandbox!

Princess Penelope

Princess Ana and Princess Scout with Cornbelly's Pumpkin Princess.

Face Painting

More Craziness at Cornbelly's

A Day at Cornbelly's

Natalie & Abbie came out for a visit and we spent some time at Thanksgiving Point. They have a great pumpkin patch and fall festival. Here are a few pictures from our day. Debbie was able to come with us. Sadly, Stephen missed out this time.

Meili's a Fashion Model

Thank you, Debbie, for using Meili as her model for the past few weeks in preparation for a big event at her cosmetology school. Debbie practiced on Meili's hair and makeup--to the MAX--once a week then Mei got to show off the fancy hairdo at school the next day. Well, the big fashion show was last Saturday. I must admit, it was strange to see my 14-YEAR-OLD in a bridal gown, but she looked just stunning. Debbie asked for Ana at the last minute to hold the train and complete the ensemble. Ana was a trooper and nearly stole the show with her charms.

Maple Mountain

It was one of those beautiful fall days you get in Utah. Look at our stunning view. (Meili took this picture.)

Temper Tantrum

Last weekend Meili was brooding in the car with her feet up against the windshield. Frustrated, she kicked at the window with her heel. You can see the result below. She's gonna have to mow the lawn clear through Februrary (over the snow, I guess) in order to pay the deductible. Wait, isn't Ya still mowing our lawn to pay off his own crime of passion?!! (He accidentally hurled the remote control at Daryl's brand new flat-screen back in May! We can almost laugh about it now.) Needless to say, they both felt terrible about their respective mistakes. Who would've thought our mild-mannered kids could be so impulsively destructive?! What's Ana gonna destroy? I shudder to think.

Ana at the School Fair

Our elementary school puts on this fundraiser every year. Ana had a lot of fun playing carnival-type games, but mostly she enjoyed the Kindergarten playground--preparing for recess next year.