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!

Happy Halloween!

Yummy!

Ladybugs hugging - Lucy and Alayna Hill

Yes, that is a cooler of beer being pulled and our son walking

The Rudolphs, all in character!

Before leaving the house, the best and very typical Patrick face

For the second year in a row, we met up with friends and trick-or-treated around Oakfield subdivision. It is the perfect amount of homes for our kids. The first house, Patrick ran away when the door was opened and we could hardly get either of them to take the treats offered. Another difficult concept was the idea that the candy doesn't ALL have to be eaten immediately, we can and should take some of it home. I suggested bringing the wagon FOR THE KIDS, but Brian had a different idea...and was the hit of the afternoon with the Daddies.

Halloween Party!

Getting ready for the St Mary's Halloween Party

Girls table at Resurrection Preschool Party :)

Enjoying the Halloween cupcakes

Patrick and friends Camden and Landon getting ready to "mummify" with TP

Patrick, Landon, and Camden making "candy corn guys"

Today was Patrick's Halloween Party at preschool! Myself and a few other mothers organized the party, everything from crafts to games and then snacks. My part was the craft, and the kids seemed to enjoy making the little candy corn guys. Lucy was one of the two siblings there as well, she really enjoyed all the toys and activities in the preschool room. It was neat for me to see Patrick engaging with his friends and interacting with his wonderful teachers...and also special for me to be able to be there helping with his party. It's something that my own mother was always a part of, and I feel lucky that I am able to give that gift to my own children. Enjoy the pictures!