giving thanks

we had a full house for thanksgiving! all 17 people packed in and we still didn't have enough space.....i guess we need a new kitchen.....just kidding! it was tight but not too bad. great time with lots of family members from both sides of the family. carrie took on the task of cooking the bird and it was delish- not to mention absolutely beautiful as you can see above!

the kids ran around like turkeys and laughed & squealed until they had no more energy. we decided to pull out the new Christmas pj's & model them for everyone. why not start a little early? i think the elf on the shelf might be making an appearance tomorrow!!

more blogging to come....today someone has turned 3 so we have been busy celebrating and have lots more to do this afternoon. we just can't get over how grown up he has become.

i hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving. we feel so blessed to have a healthy family and great friends. love to everyone!

surprise saturday

so a few weeks ago the whole family (grandparents, aunts & uncles too) got this email from uncle J saying he had a surprise planned for us. we had to pick a saturday that would work for all of us with about 5 hours open in our day. with many emails back & forth we came to the conclusion that this past saturday afternoon would work the best. the only hints he would give us were "dress casual, bring a plastic cup, hat, change of underwear and your camera". well- i knew right away that none of those "clues" were really clues......he has been my big brother forever so i know how he works!! but anyways- we were excited about the family adventure and he sure did have us guessing. we all met at stephen & carrie's house at 11:30 & waited & waited. then all of a sudden, this loud honking van comes flying down the street!!! here is uncle j!!! the kids are just screaming they are so pumped for their "afternoon surprise". everyone loads up & we are off to the unknown. we take a lunch pit stop at the "chickalay" (uncle j's fav) & continue on up highway 77. take a look at the photos below from the awesome adventure!

the arrival of the van.....his two biggest fans run to meet him

of course Hen goes straight to the drivers seat

the whole family (hard to see) all loaded up & excited! (doesn't brett look soooo excited)

and this is where we ended up! the LAZY 5!!!!!

it was perfect trip since none of us had ever been before. tons of laughs, screams and plenty squeals from the kids of fright & laughter at the same time (they weren't quite sure if they should be scared or silly!!)

the famous "tongues" that henry kept talking about...."eewww nasty mommy"

i wish i had a better picture but the one that showed his perfect expression was blurry. here is a small sample of what his face looked like most of the adventure. he was mad/scared/laughing....face turning beat red & screaming at the top of his lungs. i wish i had the flip with me!!!

one little guy just decided to come all the way in

"hmmmm.....i really do think i want to ask santa claus for one of those little piggys for Christmas."


THANKS uncle J for the best surprise day!!!! you sure do know how to make the family come together and have a great time. these two never pass up an opportunity to be with their favorite crazy uncle! we love you so much!!!!!!

candy candy!!!!

lighting mcqueens pit crew driver and princess belle were in full action for some trick or treating this year! we had all the grandparents in tow to see it as well! the night ended with buckets full of sugar. thank goodness mine didn't even want one bite of his candy so that was all the more for mom and dad!!!