snowdays & Thanksgiving!

This is what our first Oregon snow day looked like. However, this tiny amount of snow was enough to cancel school for two days. The kids had a blast playing until it melted the next day.
Arilyn enjoyed the snow day nice and warm inside.

I made pumpkin whoopie pies...2 "pumpkiny" cookies with a creamy filling topped with powdered sugar. So delicious. The kids had fun helping as always.

My baby is getting so big. As of Monday, she weighs 11 lbs 5 oz and is 22 1/8". My baby, who was born in the 50th percentile for size, is now 85-95th percentile.

Thanksgiving:

In keeping with my family's tradition, the kids had pie for breakfast. I made a homemade pumpkin and chocolate cream pie. It's the only day of the year that pie for breakfast is acceptable.

The kids made drumstick hats. We had so much fun making them and of course, acting goofy in them.

Lexi wanted hers pointing down...

...Kyler wanted his pointed up.

Thanks to my awesome aunt Ruth for sending this outfit for Arilyn, along with 2 other outfits, a toy and a bib. So sweet of her. And I must say, Arilyn looks adorable in it!

Dinner is served...

Another one of my family's traditions, saying what you're thankful for before digging in.

Kyler said "my family and home."

Lexi said "my family and friends."

Jared said "family and my job."

And I am thankful for a wonderful family, our new addition and the honor it is to be their mom.

Arilyn making kissy faces. She is such a baby talker, smiler and laugher. So adorable!

Pretty blue eyes.

Kyler is always holding her. :)

This Thanksgiving was our first one solo. I have to admit I was hesitant about the scenario. However, it proved to be wonderful. Every Thanksgiving in the past, we've had to spend half time at one family's and half at the other's. Which was great to be swarmed with loving family. But this year it was nice to stay home, in our pjs, doing whatever we wanted (i.e. the craft, baking, keeping with our traditions, etc). It was a wonderful bonding moment. I am so thankful for the life I lead. Hoping everyone else had a great Thanksgiving and is able to really appreciate the little things in life that truly matter.

SMILE!

My angels.
Talking to her sister.

My cutie, 6 weeks old. Thanks to uncle Joey for this adorable dress.

Lexi took this photo of Arilyn and I rocking.

Arilyn is such a happy baby always. She loves her baths. As a matter of fact I caught her first on camera smiles and first giggles on film in the bath tub. I love bathing her and just chatting with her. She has such a calm, sweet personality.

(not sure why 2 of them didn't rotate)

Here come those smiles!

Baby talking to daddy.

Today we decided to take our family photos at a nearby park. I think they turned out well especially considering we did them ourselves and had 5 people to pose, 1 being 6 weeks old.

Afterwards we took a drive and the kids played in snow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

this week in photos

A pretty simple week here, so I'll let the photos do the majority of the talking...

Lexi is nearly over her cold (Jared and I, too).

Kyler was 1 out of 2 students in his class of 24 to receive this award. He is the top reader and writer in his class!

He was also 1 of 3 students in his class to receive this "special assignment". He had to make a poster all about the Cherokee tribe. He did an excellent job!

Baby talking daddy.

We loved this fire truck from the Veteran's day parade.

Kyler's troop was in the parade! He had a blast.

All in all it was a pretty quiet week. Our baby is growing so fast, as they always do. She is now a month old! I'm so proud of my kiddos for being so great and just in love with our family we have created. Hoping everyone had a great Veteran's day and a wonderful week!

Halloween and everything in between

Arilyn in her new car seat.
Our tree with it's gorgeous fall colors.

We made homemade caramel apples.

They were delicious and lots of fun.

My sleeping beauty.

Our pumpkins, only a few were not homegrown.

In order: the owl was mine, the skull was Kyler's, the face was grandma Pam's and the kitty was Lexi's. Daddy helped the kids with theirs.

The kids painted pumpkins as well.

Happy Halloween from Luigi, the cheerleader and the burrito baby!

Doing the Luigi walk.

Lexi cheering!

Kyler holding Arilyn on his pajama day before school. His favorite morning activity.

Kyler snapped a few photos of myself with my little girl. I love her so much!

Today was a gorgeous day so we went to the lake.

Daddy and Kyler fishing.

It's so beautiful here.

Lexi loves to play and get dirty.

My sunshine.

Such a beautiful fall day.

Today was parent teacher conferences...
First up...Lexi. She is far exceeding all of her kindergarten goals. For example, on sounds her goal is 3 and she is at 43!! And this continues on everything. Her teacher said she is an absolute joy, very positive and optimistic (calls her her little cheerleader), said the girls fight over Lexi constantly.
Next up...Kyler. He too is far exceeding all of his goals. He's in 3rd grade, reading at an 8th grade level! Wow...amazing. She said he is such a great student, gets along wonderfully with everyone, enjoys being challenged and learning. She has had him grade his own work and said he grades harder than she does. She has been giving him 'special assignments' in class as well.

I am SO proud of my babies. Words cannot express the pride I have in them. Not just in school, but in every aspect of life. I have always had high expectations and hopes for them and they have never once disappointed. Arilyn is right in line with them as she has been copying us already--something she should not be doing this early. Wow I am a lucky mom!!