Christmas surprises....

My 3-year old (who thinks he's actually 4)...Josh took matters into his own hands when it was halfway through December and our tree still wasn't up. I came downstairs one morning after getting the older kids off to school to find he had pulled this little tree inside the house from the garage and was trying to put the legs on it. I helped him out and then he pulled it into the front room and placed it where we usually put our tree. Later in the day, he managed to find these bulbs I had put aside and took matters into decorating the tree himself.

The finished product.....


Later in the week, we did manage to put up our BIG tree. He's thrilled. I love 3 year olds at Christmas!

Oh as a side note...Josh remained attached to his Santa throughout all of this year...having to sleep with him every night! After pulling out the Christmas decorations, he was so excited to find a bunch of 'ho ho's' (his name for Santa). Starr took these pictures when he discovered them....

Thankful moment.....

My favorite cousin, Mignon, hosted Thanksgiving this year...as she does every other year. I love it when it comes around -- I get to see so many family members from out of town -- even ones IN TOWN that I don't see often enough. It was a good day.....

Mignon, Bruce, Austin and David.....all more like my siblings than cousins....

My aunt Jackie and Uncle Jim. I love that we get to eat outside. The weather was simply gorgeous!
Steve, Terri, and Jessica...
Bryce, Heidi and Heidi's family....


Turkey taking it's effect on David and Bert.
Me and my sister Katie.
After dinner -- it's off to play games...
And other's playing Rock Band....
What a great day!!!