Merry Christmas!

Flu Bug Contest!

So Far, Graci is in the lead!
We have been fighting a "bug" (assuming we've all caught the same bug) for the past 10 days. Graci brought it into our home and is still batting off whatever has "bitten" her. :( Poor thing. The only member who is not yet in the running is Opa. We're hoping for a healthier Christmas! We have had some fun along the way, but I only have a few photos as my camera battery is dead and my charger has gone missing?! Bah-humbug is what I say!

Leftover Pavlova!

For our Christmas Party, I made Pavlova!
AND we had a few leftovers!!! Wa-Hoo!
So it was a super tasty dinner of pancakes, whipped cream and fresh fruits!

Fun Times!

A visit from Auntie brought a lot of Christmas cheer!
The girls (auntie included) played in the tent all day long!

A walk around the lake with luminaria lighting our way. Carolers were singing, dogs were in reindeer costumes, hot chocolate and cookies were served and almost every stroller was outlined with lights. Lovely evening!

Last Weekend!

DOWNTOWN!

Crepe Orders!

Gingerbread Houses at the Sheraton!
All the gingerbread creations were famous train stations around the world.

Guess Who's 18 Months!

A push car becomes a scooter!

Just helping out, mom!

You bring such love, laughter & opinion :) to our home!

We love you dearly, baby!

Rain Boots, A Must!

We snuck out between rain showers to rake our front yard. I wasn't sure I wanted to attempt raking with toddlers & soggy leaves. Turns out, it's super fun to play in the leaves... wet or not! We laughed, explored & even managed to clear some leaves!

I'm not certain that Ben could see the "progress" made, but there were three gals quite pleased with their front yard project!

Hide-N-Seek

"If I can't see you, you can't see me!"

Dinner Gone Bad!

Let's just say that squash soup was NOT served for dinner this night!

I don't admit mistakes easily. This was my own fault... just not thinking.
I decided to add a little moisture to the squash and poured some cold water into the pyrex dish. Upon contact, the dish EXPLODED! Thankfully, I had the quick reflex to slam the door with my foot and only a few glass pieces escaped the oven cavity! Clean up was the pits!
(to compost or not to compost?!)

Loving Memory Activities!

Today is my Grandma's 96th birthday and I think we're all missing her a bit. My Mom & Aunt both posted photos of things my Grandma has made over the years.
I wanted to do something with my girls to commemorate their GG. The activities needed to carry stories of my Grandma and her amazing life. So, I picked flowers and doughnuts! :) My G was an AMAZING gardener! When we were kids, she would often "convince" us to the garden and we'd spend time with family there... picking berries, weeding, digging LOTS of potatoes... whatever needed done. Somehow, it never seemed like a chore. Her garden was always HUGE! Way more than needed, but never wasted! She & Grandpa shared with neighbors, family, friends and even provided produce for a local Bible Camp.
So, in honor of my G we planted 3 perennials and some flowers.
Beautiful! Just like she was!

Grandma was a great cook & baker!
She made amazing doughnuts and she didn't even own a Kitchen Aid... all by hand! I remember waiting for the dough to rise in big stainless steel bowls and being thrilled to help or even watch it get punched and kneaded. Mmm... I can still smell the yeast! Eventually, the process would be complete and we'd get a warm sugared doughnut. Except me. I didn't like sugar on mine and she always remembered that detail and saved some without for me. It was the small things that made us (20 grandchildren) feel special. She took the time to know and remember us! So, when my mom was here, we made doughnuts and remembered my G. I ate mine without sugar and the others enjoyed cinnamon and sugar! I got a little teared up watching the doughnuts sizzle in the oil... such fond memories with my G. I think it will be a tradition we'll do every Fall... a loving memory activity.

Miss You G! Love You!

A Swarm!

Graci, determined to pick up a pumpkin...

...removes the lid, but still too heavy!

...small break for a photo-op!

...if you can't beat 'em, sit on 'em (and laugh)!

Super Oma!

Oma's been gone a week and we miss her. Below are final photos from her visit!

CoCo was riding behind Oma here and said, "Look her's a Super Oma!"
(note: she's wearing a 'black cape')

Graci, is a crack up! She rides with her hands in her cup/snack holders. Maybe it's her way of communicating her Christmas list: "Black net gloves"?!

CC made it all the way around the lake on her bike (2.8 miles)!

Snacks!

Joke of Our Day!

BOTTOMS UP!

The Patch !

Opa and Oma were here to join us this year! Fun times!

Corn Pit = Therapy

Another amazing & funny family photo!

Mom's still got her twinkle-toes!