Pre-Thanksgiving

What?!? Tomorrow's Thanksgiving?  We better go to the Festival of Trees to get into the holiday spirit!

Come on guys!

Can you believe all of these TOYS?!?

I want....that one!  Do you think they'll miss just one? Have you ever played Jenga? Dad says we shouldn't play with this stack of toys...

Choo-Choo trains are so cool!  I could stay here and watch this all night...

no really, mom and Carson, go ahead and look at the trees...dad and I are good here.  

You didn't tell me there was a SPIDERMAN tree! 

I got my picture taken with daddy, Carson and the "Go-Bears" tree.   

We made one last stop at the train station before we left the main hall.  It was sooo cool!  The train was even cooler than the "barn" (the gingerbread houses) although I wanted to see the barn again too, Mom said no. :(

This crazy tree talked to me on the way out.  I didn't know what to say.  I wasn't sure if I was amused or bewildered.   

But, by the end of the conversation I had made a new friend and I told her "See you later". 

She said, "See you next year"

I hope so, I had a lot of fun at The Festival of Trees! 

My brother, Carson, however, was ready to go...we had overstayed our welcome according to him.

Festival of Trees Parade

Last year we went to the festival of trees parade...photo left.  This year we made it a tradition by going back..photo right.

It was another great weather year and we had a lot of fun.  Making new family traditions is as good as keeping old family traditions!

  

This year Grandma Kay joined us.  We got to the parade almost an hour early.... 

So Parker entertained himself acting silly... 

and it wasn't long before little brother joined in!

Big Tuesday

Today was a big day of firsts at our house!

Today was Parker's first experience at "pre-school"

OK...not true pre-school, but that's what we have told him.  Our local pre-school has a Try it on Tuesday program where children pre-preschool age can come on Tuesdays to play games, read books, and make a craft.  Luckily it goes until 5PM so even working families can take advantage of it! :)

I wish there were more things that went into the evening for us!

So tonight right after school Travis, Parker, Carson and I all went to Pre-School.

Parker was definitely taking it all in.  He didn't wander far, but before we left he had already made friends with the instructor and was talking all about the toys and the craft.

Today's craft was noise shakers...

Look what I made!!! Look how they move!  

Listen to the sound!

Next week...Turkey hands.......with PAINT!!!!

The other Stecher boy also had a big day...tonight was his first experience with cereal.  After weighing in OFF the charts at his 4 month visit on Friday (19lbs. 4oz.) we got the approval to start cereal.  Tonight was the first chance we've had to play with it.  

I'm ready mama! 

First bite... 

YUM!  I like it! 

After a little while, and most of the bowl...Carson started to get full...however, he ate the whole 5 tablespoons full! 

I get to have this again tomorrow?!? 

Ugh...I'm full

He is now sleeping...I wonder how long he will sleep with a belly full of cereal...

Happy Birthday Mommy

My birthday was last week...however, I spread the event over a two week period. 

We had dinner with friends the Friday night before, Adults only at our favorite causal restaurant...SOOO FUN!

Then we had a family dinner this past Sunday with my family.

And on my actual birthday Travis and the boys cooked dinner and cookie cake for me. 

What a fabulous birthday!

Carson must have done something funny here...I'm surprised and Parker is cracking up!

 

Happy Birthday Mommy!  Let me help you blow out the candle. 

I WANTED TO HELP BLOW OUT THE CANDLE TOO!

Grandma and Parker coloring  

Everyone just hanging out at my dad's.  I loved this!  Just hanging out together on a Sunday evening.  No on rushing here or there, no one leaving to go meet friends or having to run errands.  Just being together as a family on a non-holiday.  LOVED IT!  Hopefully we can do it more often, but if not, I know what I'm planning for next years birthday....

The exact same thing as this year!

Random weekend shots

  

Kitchen Help

On Saturday afternoon in an effort to multi-task, Travis jumped in the shower while I cut vegetables for a dinner party we were attending that night. 

The boys decided to "help" me in the kitchen.  I believe Parker's exact words were "help cook mommy"

Parker gave Carson some Montreal Steak seasoning to "play" with while he helped "power rangers" which is code for help with the dishes...don't ask...I have no idea where that came from!

Dad came out of the shower to this... 

The vegetables got chopped (with taste testing), the dishes got washed (some were done twice), and no one fell off the counter or chair...

Successful mission accomplished!

Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween 2011!

Two pictures, In each one a different child is giving the same look...

"come on mom, really???!!!??"

At the Church for Trunk or Treat. 

Carson ditched his Peanut, it was too warm and neither Travis or I could carry him with out the carseat while wearing it.  

But I want to be carried at Trunk or treat!

This little Peanut got his way! :)