Preschool Holiday Party

Chase and Anthony
Singing holiday songs

Right before winter vacation, Chase had a holiday party at preschool that Blake and I both went to. We were able to have a feast with delicious treats and then the kids sang 3 different songs with their bells for the parents. It is so much fun to see Chase in a different environment where he is used to doing things without me. He seems to be a pretty good listener which makes us very happy. It was fun and so cute!

Polar Express 2009

Standing in front of the train
Waiting for Santa (can you see the hot chocolate on Luke's face!)

Here is Santa

Mrs. Claus and Santa greeting all of the kids

Santa talking to the boys

A few weeks ago we went on the Polar Express train with Aunt Dana, Casey and Cassi. This is our 3rd year going on the train and it has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions. They serve hot chocolate and cookies on the ride to the North Pole. We also sing Christmas carols which is a lot of fun.

Both boys were excited to see Santa and neither was scared. Chase let Santa know that he wanted "The Hulk" for Christmas and each boy got a bell from Santa. I can hardly wait for next year!

Cookie Baking

The grandmas and the grandkids
Mixing the ingredients

Rolling the dough into balls

Chef Luke

Waiting for the cookies to bake

Yummy!

This weekend we had my mom, Blake's mom, Dana, Casey, and Cassi over for a little holiday cookie baking. It was somewhat of a last minute decision so there really weren't that many cookies baked, although my mom did make a lot! The kids had a lot of fun making the cookies and actually did surprisingly well taking turns and being patient. It was a nice, laid back thing to do with the kids and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Plus, now we don't have to search the house for a "special treat" after dinner for a few nights!

Preschool Thanksgiving Feast!

Got to love the turkey hat!

On Tuesday Chase had a Thanksgiving Feast at school. Blake and I both went and it was really cute. The kids sang some songs about fall and turkeys and then they had a feast of yummy treats. Chase was out of sorts because he didn't know that I was coming so there were a lot of tears for the 30 minutes that we were there. Oh well, at least we got to see him sing, he chose not to enjoy the feast!

Bye-Bye Grandpa!

Chase & Grandpa
Luke & Grandpa

Well, my dad decided that he was finished living in the crazy house and went back to Michigan on Sunday. Since August, things have been a whirlwind with my dad and I am happy and relieved that he is able to go home and live on his own again. Although he is doing great, he still has a long road of speech therapy and relearning somethings but all in all, this miracle that he has been given is certainly that, a miracle.

He is very concerned about all of the medical bills that have been adding up and wants to get back to work right away. The people that he works for are amazing and have saved his job for him. They are helping him go back slowly, only working 2-3 hours/day to get back in the groove and feel comfortable with his responsibilities. I know that they will help him anyway that they can.

We're looking forward to his visit in December when my cousin gets married! Chase has asked several times when Grandpa is coming home...I'm sure he'll get it one day but it may take a visit up to Michigan for him to fully understand that he is home!

Casey & Cassi Turn 5!

Happy Birthday Casey & Cassi!
Daddy & Luke

Mom & the boys

Mom & Luke

On November 9, our niece and nephew turned 5, we can hardly believe it! They had a great party at Pump It Up which is a place that has a bunch of "jumping things" for the kids to play in. Obviously a good time was had by all, including the adults!

Fevers and Dust

Grandpa, Chase & Luke working on the floor
Carpenter Chase

Pulling up the kitchen floor

Our house has been chaos this week. Last Saturday Chase woke up from his nap with a fever. It lasted for 2 days, a cold hit, the fever came back and now we are home again for yet another day this week. He seems to be doing better, I just hope he can kick this cough, cold and fever before Luke gets it.

We also have started the next phase of dust at our house by tearing up the linoliem and tile flooring so that we can put down the wood floors that we want. It is a major project, moving of cabinets and appliances and putting another layer of dust on EVERYTHING that is in our house, even upstairs. I almost feel like giving up but I know when all is said and done, the house will feel more like our home and we'll love it. I could definitely do without the construction zone home but we asked for it.