Christmas festivities

A big day here in Oregon--OSU vs. Oregon. As you can see, our kids opinions differ on this one.
But they still love each other.

Ari wearing Kyler's funky hat and dancing.

She decided to sweep for mama. I love this copycat stage. Her personality is adorable.

Her new rocky horse

She loves it

She loves grandma so much!

We made ornaments. I mixed the dough, the kids shaped them, I baked them and...

the kids painted them. Such fun!

Finished result. The red foot print is Ari's foot I molded.

My mom helped me so much, I miss her already.

The Grinch!

Gingerbread houses

Ari loves this singing puppy.

Picking out our tree. One of our favorite family traditions.

Ari loved being in the trees, it was hard to contain her.

7 foot noble fir.

Decorating with grandma

Yes, Kyler is almost my height--yikes!

Thanks to my mama, we have a rare family photo

The finished gingerbread houses.

My mom insisted she buy me a sewing machine. I disagreed for a week (too costly and I was intimated as I've never used one). Finally I caved. She bought me an awesome machine and guided/helped me in sewing and assembling the kids their own huge blankets.

This one is Ari's. I call her monkey, so it's suiting.

Lexi's

Kyler's

One side is fleece, other is cotton, batting in the center, tacked down with yarn. They are not perfect, but the kids could not be happier with them!

My mom and I worked on these for nearly a week while the kids were at school. I loved every moment. Such bonding, I will forever cherish that time.

Now I'm ready to tackle some more things with my beast of a sewing machine!!

Wrapped up in their blankets, dressed in their jammies and slippers from grandma and Ari has her toy kitty from grandma. (Ari is showing her slippers cause sissy is)

They love grandma so much. Hard to say goodbye

Today was our town's Christmas lighting ceremony. Lexi performed right after this photo.

My dad was awesome and joined us, which meant a lot to us all.

Dancing

What can I say about the last 3 weeks? Well, for one, they flew by! We were so busy. We loved every second spent with my mom. She is such a giving loving person and we appreciate her so much. Today was very difficult to say goodbye. But we were glad my dad joined us as we hadn't seen him for about a month and missed him. I feel very lucky to have such great parents.

So now...Jared is off on another work trip tomorrow. Before we know it, Christmas will be here. Yikes! I do love this season and it's incredible to watch Ari experience Christmas's beauty and magic for the first real time.

Hoping everyone is loving the season.

November fun

Disc golfing:

My dad and aunt Ruth came for a visit while Jared was out of state for work:

Lexi was giving aunt Ruth a tattoo.

The kids, aunt Ruth and grandpa

Aunt Ruth, my dad, myself and the girls.

Aunt Ruth and my dad

Lexi set up an 'awards ceremony' for grandma Pam and dad when they got home. (My mom for a visit and Jared home from a work trip)

Receiving their awards

Ari holding a gourd along side Spunky

Our tree

A rose from our garden

Little owl

Grandma was brushing Lexi's hair when Ari decided she wanted hers brushed too. She loved it.

I was taking the kids photos for our Christmas cards this year. These are some of my favorite:

Life has been crazy with Jared having gone on a few trips and us having a few visitors. But we are loving every minute of it. It's wonderful having my mom here. Jared and I were able to go on a date, which NEVER happens! We even had some time to go Christmas shopping together and kid-less. I was able to go out with a friend for the first time in nearly 2 years! Very much needed and so much fun.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween!

While Jared was in Texas for work, Arilyn was sick. I opted not to drive him to and from the airport (about a 4 hour round trip). Luckily a nice friend gave us a ride to Kyler's soccerfest event.

After dad returned, it was pumpkin time!

She was saying "nose". She knows most of her body parts now.

Happy Halloween!

The kids day began with pancakes shaped as pumpkins.

I was able to volunteer at both of their school parties, but didn't bring my camera.

Time to dress up!

Lexi the cowgirl and Ari the ladybug

old lady me and my Ari bug

future us

My dad and aunt Ruth joined us. Aunt Ruth is here from New Mexico. Kyler as Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell video game).

Welcoming November. What a beautiful day it was.

Bubbles!

She was desperately trying to blow some bubbles

She is so busy, always wanting outside (says "bye bye" as she reaches for the door knob), while outside she takes off as quickly as possible!

Lexi fell asleep by the fire place.

And now...all the joys of November! In a little over a week, my mom will be here--cannot wait!

Happy November!!