The train

My grandparents came into town last weekend and we had such an amazing visit with them. They had not yet met Quinn as they are snowbirds and we have missed each other several times. It was such a joy to see them and even more fun that the kids warmed right up to them. We had plenty of meals, great conversation, and a lot of fun! The first morning they were here we opened up a train set that has been passed on to our family. My great uncle is convinced that this train he found in an antique shop was the EXACT train that he and my grandfather played with growing up. He bought it, boxed it up, and mailed it from California to my grandfather. We are the only ones with little kiddos now so we gladly inherited it! Grandpa, Grandma, and the kiddos spent the morning setting it up in Canon's room. It was so exciting to watch it run (Grandpa is an engineer and after some sandpaper got the train running like new!) It was a fun way to spend the cold day in together.

My great uncle wrapped each piece in bubble wrap and had it all labeled as to exact locations and uses of the parts.....so we had the fun job of unwrapping all of it. I think Quinn liked this part the best!

After it was all unwrapped we had this....

Time for the set up

I just loved this picture....something about seeing them play together that's so sweet

The first time around

Had to add Christmas presents to the cargo car

Thanks for setting it up Grandpa and Grandma!

Chef Quinn

This morning Quinn was up and cooking! What a cute little chef!

Not so jolly Old St. Nick

I heard that Bass Pro Shop (yes, redneck central!) has a great Santa area in Nashville, so I thought why not dress up the kiddos and go see here in Memphis. Wow! It was quite an experience! The Santa was like a machine, getting kids in, on his lap, and out. He didn't even ask them what they wanted!!!! It was kind of funny because even though the kids are excited for Christmas, but they didn't seem to care all that much. They were more into all the games they had...monster trucks, a hunting game, and a bow and arrow game were their favorites. Aidan told me later that God would tell Santa what he wanted because God knows everything!

Quinn was not at all sure about it, quite nervous in fact....

She pouted, but no crying!

I believe this not so jolly old st. nick was giving Todd the stink eye! haha

Oh what fun!

We may have to try this again, somewhere else :-)

America's next top models

I may be biased, but man, aren't our kids CUTE? Todd is always trying out a new photo gadget/method and often our bedroom becomes the "studio" The kiddos all shower in our bathroom and so they often get asked to pose for daddy once they are snug in their pj's. They oblige, but often get tired of it, luckily, we have 3 models in the house, so no child labor laws are broken!!!!! I love going through cards and finding gems like these. Their faces crack me up, their daddy can always bring out the best in them!

Thanksgiving

Stacey and Mike were so kind to open their home to all of us this Thanksgiving. We had some great food, great company, and great times! While they were cooking away, the kiddos played outside, collecting berries with Nina. There is so much we are thankful for everyday! Thanks Stacey and Mike!

Thanksgiving Eve

So we loaded up Wednesday afternoon and headed to Nashville. I had never been to the Grand Ole Opry Hotel and they have just reopened it since the floods. The lights outside were enough for us! It was amazing how covered the trees were out front. We went inside and met up with Beth, Carey, Matthew, Louie, Granny, Will, and all the kiddos! We had a good time wandering around, but wandering it was. The place is huge with lots of steps and ramps and with kiddos, it was definitely an......adventure! We enjoyed spending time with them, as always, and talked the night away with Aunt Beth. It was a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with great people!

Turkey Shirts and Pops

I was feeling crafty before Thanksgiving, so I attempted my first applique shirt for Quinn. I just did it on my regular sewing machine, no where near professional, but it did the job! Here she is modeling her Turkey shirt!

I am Canon's room mom this year and the Thanksgiving Celebration had to have some pizazz, or so I thought! These grand ideas of mine are always so well played out in my mind, and then I have to actually follow through!!! I am a huge fan of Bakerella. If you don't know her, your life is lacking.....I think I am Bakerella, but I am NOT Bakerella. I like to imagine that I am though. Quinn and I attempted to make 50 turkey pops (no meat involved, they are cake pops, dipped in chocolate) for Canon's class, all the kids teachers, and for my co-workers. She was such a good helper!

4 hours later, yes FOUR, I had a gaggle of Turkeys. Are they gaggles? Well, I had a bunch. (Had to google it, it's a rafter of Turkeys although gang is acceptable, I knew you were wondering....HA!) Each one painstakingly hand made with candy corns for the tails, an m&m for their face, drawn icing black eyes, a small sprinkle candy orange nose, and a red fall leaf sprinkle for their waddle. Todd encouraged me to get the real camera, but after 4 hours of pretending to be Bakerella I could barely get my phone out!

My rafter of turkey pops ready to go! This is the last time you will ever see these!!!!