Thanksgiving Wrap Up

We're back from our week long visit with family. It was wonderful to spend quality time with our families. Although we're really tired from all the fun. Here's just some of the fun the kids had over the week.

Artwork

Marlee loves art. She loves to play with playdoh, color, draw, paint, and anything that has to do with glitter. I don't do as much as I would like with her because keeping the paint and markers out of Cooper's mouth takes up a lot of my time.

I tackled painting and glitter today! What was I thinking? HA HA HA Well Marlee was free painting while I finished up with Cooper. She painted a blue blob first. I said that it looked like a pond and that she should paint a sun on top. So she did. Then I said she should paint a tree, and she did. Then she added grass at the bottom.

Needless to say, I was so impressed with her abilities. I think this is one I will keep and frame.

Tis' the Season to be Busy!

I'm sorry for the lack of posting lately. I helped out a friend last week and stayed super busy. I now know what it would be like to have twin 3 yr olds and a 20 month old. It took me all weekend to recover!! :) I forgot the camera, so I didn't snag any pictures.

This week we're hanging low and trying to get back in a routine of sorts. Then we're off to a Princess Birthday party and Thanksgiving with family. Since the next couple of weeks are going to be busy, I went ahead and got the house decorated for the holidays. It makes me so happy to see the sights, hear the sounds and smell the yumminess of the holidays.

Marlee is so aware of what is going on this year. Cooper is right on her heels. Just the other night they were getting milk and cookies ready for Santa. They each had a saucer, cookie, and mug in their hand. We've even brought out a few holiday movies. Marlee's current favorites are The Polar Express and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. We've got books set out to read at night, now all we have to do is wait! LOL

I hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thankful

After my crazy pregnancy, painful birth and crying newborn, I was convinced that I would not have anymore children. Then surprisingly 8 months later I found out I was pregnant. Initially, I was shocked but quickly grew to love the idea. I was nervous about the kids being 18 months apart, and how I would love another child as much as I love Marlee. It was very difficult in the beginning but like most things it took time to adjust and establish a new routine.

Cooper is such a joyous addition to our family. He giggles all the time, runs to get everywhere, and adores his family. He is more of a cuddle bug than Marlee ever was at this age. He loves his paci (still) and he won't go anywhere without his blanket.

He and Marlee adore each other beyond anything I could have imagined. They love to play together, whether it is cars and trucks, or kitchen and horses. Now granted, they do fight over the same toys or Marlee will do something to make him cry, but for the most part they play well together. She's always calling his name to include him in whatever she's playing. I credit their close relationship for Cooper's excellent vocabulary.

So, I am thankful that God saw fit for Cooper to enter our lives when he did. I'm thankful that Marlee and Cooper will grow up together. And I'm thankful that I'm their Mom. I couldn't imagine a better family than mine.

Exploring

We're trying to explore different, inexpensive or free places around the area. Last week we went to a wonderful and environment-friendly park. It is actually a playground for a local church. We were the only people there for a long time. I wish I had taken the kids back in the summer. There are 2 misting stations for super hot days. Click on the collage for a close up of the neat areas.

Monkey See

Monkey Do. I think Cooper's trying to tell me something? No, he's not ready for potty training, but he definitely knows what's going on.

Fall Beauty

We have had some beautiful fall weather here and there over the last few weeks. Marlee has really been in "tune" with the chaning of the leaves and what fall means. Here's some pictures of the fall beauty around us.

Beautiful trees out behind our house.

Halloween

We had a quiet Halloween around here. My parents came in for the weekend and kept the kids entertained for us. Marlee wanted to be a butterfly and Cooper was a clown. They were both very excited about carving the pumpkin and going trick or treating. The weather didn't cooperate with us. It was cold and rainy. We did manage to go to a few houses though.