Cookie time!!

We invited our good friends, Axton and Addy Gamblin, over to decorate Christmas cookies today. After lunch, the kids got right to work. Icing and sprinkles were plentiful on the treats that were made. Yummy!! We briefly had all four kids in the bath after the decorating was done, which was comical. A tradition we would like to continue for years down the road....but this might be the last year for the community clean-up!

Christmas time is here...

We created a new tradition this year, picking out and cutting down our tree at a farm just down the road from us. This farm is one we pass almost daily, and the kids and I always wave at the rows and rows of growing evergreens. So we tried it...and it was a blast! We spent about 30 mins finding the "perfect tree" and the kids enjoyed watching the owner buzz it down and shake off all the needles. We think it might be the best tree we have ever had! All of our Christmas decorations are up, including the New England village and Brian even put lights on the outside of the house for the first year. The kids and I have baked batches and batches of Christmas goodies for giving. Here is a picture of the kids in their Christmas jammies -- Lucy is wearing the ones that Patrick wore the year she was born :)

Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful and very busy holiday up in Indianapolis. Thanksgiving Day was celebrated at Grammie and Papa's, and the party continued later into the evening over board games. Friday morning came early and Grammie, Aunt Molly and I were rushing into Target as the doors opened at 5 am. Eight hours and many bags later, we were finally back home. The next morning we enjoyed Breakfast with Santa at the Indiana State Museum. The food was wonderful and the kids were so excited to ride the train and climb onto Santa's lap. Patrick had several questions for Mrs. Claus, everything from "Where are the reindeer?" to "Why do you like it so cold?". That evening the adults went out for dinner at Bucca Di Beppo's downtown while Bridget bravely babysat all 5 little ones! We arrived home today with grand plans of putting up our tree tonight. We are so blessed, so very thankful for our happy and healthy children and amazing family and friends. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving baking

Lucy and I kicked off the holiday baking spree with some mini pecan pies to take up to Indy next week for Thanksgiving. The boys were outside and it occured to me that she and I had never baked together before, just the two of us. She felt like such a big girl measuring out the ingredients, mixing them up and of course sampling the batter!