The Compassion Experience

Last year, Elizabeth told me about 'The Compassion Experience' that her family went to for FHE one night. It's basically a traveling exhibit of what life is like for other children in parts of the world. I thought Luke and Emma would find this interesting. When I learned it was coming to Castle Rock, I reserved a spot for our family. There were only a few spots that scared the kids (the narrator on the headsets was talking about a flood and the kids thought it was a flood happening right then).  Overall, we really liked it. A good reminder to count our blessings.

Library and Moana

As part of Thanksgiving break, Luke requested to go to the Castle Pines Library. We are spoiled with several libraries so close to home.

We made it to the movies to catch Moana. Doesn't everyone look thrilled to be going?!? :) Emma and Luke really enjoyed it. Bryan and Myles missed the last 30" as Myles decided his attention span was reached. We are enjoying listening to the music from it.

Star-Lighting

There is a star on top of "Castle Rock Mountain," as our kids like to call it. They light it every year for the Christmas season and make a big deal of it with a downtown festival followed by fireworks. It felt like so many people were there this year! I loved how our downtown was decked out. We could walk down the middle of the roads that were lined by trees adorned in white Christmas lights listening to live Christmas music. It was a chilly, but not too cold of an evening. After the fireworks, we stopped to pick up hot cocoa, but they were out so our kids opted for slurpees. More evidence that it wasn't too cold of an evening. We love this town and making memories as a family here.

Thanksgiving 2016

We hosted Thanksgiving this year at our home and invited 3 families to join us. Every family contributed to the meal, making it not overwhelming. It was a full kitchen, but I wouldn't want it any other way. We loved sharing this holiday with such wonderful friends. We definitely count friendships as one of life's biggest blessing. We're blessed to know incredible people and call them our friends.

Myles enjoyed watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. He sat like this for some time. It made Bryan and I laugh, time to get to work Myles!

Or, just stand there and be handsome.

We made rolls, stuffing, sweet potatoes, turkey and pies (coconut and banana creme)

Luke helped set up and then was off to play with neighbors. Emma stuck around and helped me out in the kitchen.

Bryan smoked the turkey in the Traegger. It was amazing.

"If this turkey tastes half as good as it looks..."

I spy the two littlest at the picnic table.

 We met up again at Kelly and Devin's house that night for pies and games. I appreciated her offering this and thought it worked out great. The ladies even snuck in some holiday shopping that night. Another great Thanksgiving with so much to be thankful for!

S*N*O*W

We received a decent amount of snow and Luke and friends couldn't wait to get out and build snow forts in it. Emma and Myles will go out for just a little while. Well, Myles goes out for 2 minutes-he won't keep his mittens on and then cries because his hands are cold, it's complicated. We follow it up with hot cocoa and even cookies some days.

Emma's Pre-K Program

'Tis the season for Thanksgiving Programs! Emma's class was a little shy, but I was proud of Emma. She sang out the songs and was confident giving her part. We love Mrs. Kristen. I hope that she'll teach for a few more years so Myles can have her, too!

Luke's Thanksgiving Program

At Luke's school, all of the kindergarten classes combined for a true Thanksgiving feast and program. One of the perks of being a room parent is a good seat since I was there early to set up! Bryan didn't think we were close enough. :) Luke, A.K.A. Bear Claw, did a good job with the actions and doing his part. He told me afterward, "That was so embarrassing, mom."

Luke came home with an assignment to disguise the turkey. He came up with the idea of making him a hunter and having it carry a gun. I know, not the most PC, but soooo my child! I may have kept my phone close by in case the school tried to call me the next day. No phone call, but I did receive an email from his teacher telling me that she loved it (turns our her husband and son are avid hunters) and sent a picture of it to her husband. This teacher has been so good for Luke!