Demo Day

Our wood floors were schedule to be replaced while we were visiting Florida. We decided to pocket the money and did the demolition part ourselves and tear the old floors out. For the most part, it went well. Luke looooved helping out with this project. We made sure to remind him that this was the only floor he could do this to.

Our friends even helped us out.

Party Time

Within a 24-hour period, we attended 3 Christmas parties/socials. One of the highlights was arriving at a nice country club with Luke wearing his rain boots. Somehow, that one got past both Bryan and I until we were walking into the clubhouse. The hour drive back home wasn't going to happen. 

This was at Nielson Wealth Management's Christmas Brunch for their clients. 

Pam and Lura (office receptionists)

Mike * Bryan

Bryan arranged to have the young marines there for a toy drive. They received some very generous donations. Emma and Luke kept trying to convince these guys that the toys were really for them.

Keeping it classy.

Party Animal.

This girl loves to get dressed up and head out for a party. I'm right there with her!

Our church did a great job with the Christmas party.

I couldn't believe that all three were sitting on Santa's lap, let alone all three smiling! Next year, we'll work on looking in the same place. 

Deck the Halls

Emma and Luke really look forward to decorating for Christmas each year. Their enthusiasm and excitement is contagious. We cranked up the Christmas music and made a royal mess setting up Christmas. Myles even crawled around in the chaos with a big smile on his face.

Myles was extremely helpful putting the lights on the tree.

We put the binki in his mouth so he would quit trying to taste each ornament! :)

Early Christmas Gift

We surprised the kids and let them open an early gift from us. They each received a ticket with Minnie or Mickey on it. We then showed them some clips of where these tickets would let them go. Luke clued in immediately and was going bonkers. Emma took a few seconds of watching Disney World clips and then she was full of questions and excitement. Myles kept sleeping. :) Knowing my children, I decided to make a countdown chain. Some of the ideas were to write your favorite Disney character a letter and let them know you're coming, have "Mickey" pancakes, play a new Disney match game, pack your bags, pick out treats at Dollar Store for plane ride, etc. This was a hit and helped to pass the time until we were off on the airplane.

Getting haircuts wasn't part of the paper chain, but a necessity before the trip!

This was Emma's first professional haircut. She's given herself several trims. 

Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving, we took Luke and Emma to see 'The Good Dinosaur.' Luke loved it. As long as the popcorn and treats were flowing freely, Emma thought the movie was "awesome," too.

We hosted two families for Thanksgiving. I put a few emails and phone calls into Japan for some pointers in the kitchen. My mom encouraged me to make some of the dishes ahead of time and then just warm them up. Everyone contributed to the meal and made me feel like I really got off easy for hosting! It worked out perfectly doing it this way. For the dressing, I made my Grandma Munns' recipe. It smelled and tasted almost exactly like how I remember it. I felt quite a sting of homesickness and missing my family when the familiar smells started to fill our kitchen. I have such tender memories of Thanksgiving out on my grandparents' farm. I am thankful for those memories. It is fun to start making new memories with my own family here.

I had some cute helpers in the kitchen.

On Thanksgiving Day, Emma and Luke were beyond excited to have fiends come over.

I think there were 16 of us, 6 adults and 10 kids.

Apple and Snickers Pie were our contribution for dessert. Others brought banana cream, vanilla and chocolate cream and a pumpkin dessert.

He was digging the turkey and peas.

Love me a man that looks good in an apron!

A few of the kids headed to the hill behind us to go sledding. It was chilly and not much fresh snow. They enjoyed a few runs before coming inside to warm up.

Bryan and I both reflected on some of our blessings. Last year at this time, we were told that Emma's MRI results were normal and within just a few days her seizures stopped. Praying that she continues on this seizure free path. This year, we were especially grateful to be in our home. It was a bumpy ride, to say the least, closing on our home, but we feel content that this is where we want and need to be. Happy Thanksgiving.

Preschool Thanksgiving Program

Luke's program was short and sweet. We love his teacher and are grateful for this time he has with her. He also has lots of buddies in his class that contribute to this great class.