Thanksgiving - Crafting - Snuggling - Christmas

What a wonderful Thanksgiving, with so many things wrapped up into one weekend!

Thanksgiving morning, we headed to the family cabin to enjoy all of the day's festivities. As an added activity to keep hands busy, I packed up my shirt painting supplies and brought those for whoever felt inclined to craft. It turned out many were eager to try it. There were even wardrobe changes as shirts dried and were ready for wear! You can see Elissa styling her new "Volleyball Rocks" shirt below. It was fun to pass on this fun and simple idea. 

In between and during the fun, Shelley had her own fun snuggling with Carl. We had just gone to the Dr. the Tuesday before and found out he was developing an ear infection in both ears. He had't been sleeping much, but since he loves to be held... he cozy'd up with his aunt and caught up on some sleep! She may have gotten some shut eye too! it was nice to finally see some improvement in him. In other news, I've also gone gluten free again, because it seems Carl is following in his big sister's footsteps.

Here we are, just hanging out, playing games and crafting!

After we ate some yummy food, it was time to celebrate an early Christmas while Dave, Betsy & Justin were in town - and for Brianna an early birthday gift. From D, B and J, Brianna received a very special tutu; it's even reversible. It took her a moment to catch on to what it was meant for, but once we got it on her, she did not want to take it off. I'll try to post a video soon of her twirling in circles! Since Thanksgiving, she has put it on multiple times and played in it. She loves it! Thanks D,B, &J!

We're blessed to have been able to spend time with family and for Brianna to play with all her cousins.

Camera Trials

Two-way Gravel Travel

Rusty Rusk

Focused Friends

Still

Dock's Eye View

Big Sister B

Brianna loves bringing Carl is blanky if he is cold, his burp rag if he spits up, his passefier if he is crying, and on and on. But she also loves to hold her little brother. She'll hold out her arms and say "mease...hold...Carrer" (her way of saying "Can I please hold Carl?").

Coins for Kids

 We are in the middle of a coin drive at our church for Covenant World Relief and Brianna has really latched onto the idea of collecting coins to benefit those in need. I am pretty sure one of her spiritual gifts is the gift of helps.

Raker, Gatherer, Stomper, General Helper

 I must admit, when I think of Brianna, I can't wait to see her beautiful smile and wrap my arms around her! She simply makes me smile. So whenever I get a chance to steal her away and sneak smiles and giggles back and forth I take it!



A few short weeks ago the weather was still mild and had a few leaves to clean up. Brianna couldn't wait, the helper she is, to pick up the leaves and put them in the bin. She actually scoops up big handfuls and then waits for me to pick her up so she can throw the leaves in the bin. It was pretty funny.

Of course, playing in the leaves is an integral part to cleaning them up!

What better way to make more room for more leaves than a 28ish pound 2 year old stomping on them?

Believe it or not, we did get this pile cleaned up...but you can be assured we had a lot of fun doing it!

Rawhide Owl

Remember those word problems on the old apptitude tests in school? You know...

Question: Carl is to Owl as Eko is to __________?
Answer: Rawhide