Happy Thanksgiving

thank*ful:  (adj)  aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.

 

Thankfulness is something that we've been trying to focus on more at home, because some days it seems that our boys just aren't thankful for anything.  I suppose, if we were truly honest with ourselves, we all aren't aware or appreciative of so many of the blessings and provisions that surround us each day.  But in November, our culture attempts to take a day to step back and reflect on all that we are thankful for.  Between now and Christmas, as a family, we are dedicated to trying to maintain thankful hearts during what can be a hectic and stressful few weeks leading up to the celebration of the greatest gift to mankind.     

 

As for Thanksgiving day, we spent it with my extended family at my parents house.  We were surrounded by family (one of our greatest blessings) and a feast of delicious food (we can't thank God enough for creating such yummy food).  We also enjoyed talking with and playing games with our family (hopefully Bunco will become a new yearly tradition).  We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving day wherever you were and hope that you are aware and appreciative of all the benefits and blessings in your life!

 

Festive Feast

Our little Turkey, Andrew, enjoyed some fun with a Thanksgiving Party with his preschool buddies last Friday.  The best part was that Daddy was able to come celebrate with him.  Gobble, Gobble!

Moving on Up

We are happy to see Nathan learning and growing at TopKick.  In the last few weeks, he was recognized for his hard work and was awarded his White Stripe belt.  Way to go!



 

Raingutter Regatta

This year Nathan joined the Cubscouts and Dan agreed to be a Den leader.   So far it has been a lot of work, but also rewarding.  At the Pack meeting in November, our Cubscouts were recognized for earning their Bobcat badge (hence the strange face paintings) and they boys had a blast testing out their boats at the Raingutter Regatta.  Andrew was also able to participate and he had a blast racing his boat. 

Champions!!

Last weekend, we spent a bit of time with Nathan's flag football team.  Despite most of the kids on Nathan's team being brand new to the sport, his team, The Cavaliers, made it to the Superbowl.  The boys and their families were pumped!

 

Unfortunately, the opposing team was the reigning champion and quite tough.  The Cavaliers ended up losing the game, but they were all winners in our book.  We celebrated the next day with a pizza party at Santini's. 

Honestly, this was a great group of boys and families.  Most seasons, Dan and I are ready to say goodbye to the season and take a break from organized sports (probably like most parents).  But the end of this season was bittersweet.  Unfortunately, Nathan will be too old to play on the same team next fall.  However, Andrew will be able to play next fall and we already had Coach Frank add him to his scouting list.  :)

Halloween Fun

This year, the boys were able to showcase their costumes at the South Riding Halloween Parade while we were in California.  Andrew the Boxer has loved showing off his boxing moves and Nathan the Ninja's costume was complete when Grammy bought him a Ninja Sword.  ;)

After trick or treating on Thursday night, the Halloween celebration was not quite over.  The next day, we wrapped up the fun with Andrew's class party and Trunk or Treat.

This year, Lucy and Nathan helped me with our Superhero themed trunk.  Despite a drizzly start to the day, it ended up being a beautiful afternoon outside!

Quick Trip to the West Coast

For our 12th Anniversary, Dan and I flew across the country for a long weekend in Orange County.  It was a great getaway for us, but not the true purpose of our trip.  Dan was a groomsmen in a wedding out there for his good friend, Adam.  While we were there, we were able to squeeze in some fun, including two fun runs together (one from our hotel to Disneyland and one at Huntington Beach) and an awesome evening out with the Korsvalls tooling around Newport Harbor on a Duffy boat. 

Then on Sunday, October 27th, our actual anniversary, we drove Southwest-ish to Temecula, which provided a spectacular setting for the wedding and celebration. 

 

Unfortunately, I took very few photos over the weekend and did not have any good photos of the bride and groom.  Thank you to my parents for caring for our boys while we were away.  And best wishes to Adam & Lisa for a lifetime of love and happiness.  We will never forget their anniversary - we are excited to share the date with them! :)

Fall Fun at Ticonderoga Farms

At last... a beautiful (sunny & dry) crisp fall day!  So we decided to take Nathan and Andrew to Ticonderoga Farms for an afternoon of fun.  Mission complete!

Howl-o-ween Fun

On Saturday, Lucy enjoyed a visit from the rest of her buddies from the Superhero Squad (Charlie, Otto, Uncle Matt and Lauren).  The Superheros won one of the prizes for best pet/owner costumes at  Howl-o-ween, which was sponsored by our vet.  

Dan and I also had fun dressing up.  Check out the awesome tats!!!

The boys were dressed up too, but they were too busy to take a photo, so you will have to wait to Halloween to see their choices of costumes for 2013. 

Lucy's Playmate

Lucy had a really fun time this weekend playing ball with JP.  It was really sweet watching each of them toy with and be gentle with one another.

 

Medal of Honor

Nathan made this medal for Andrew yesterday.

Now, if only Nathan always felt this way about his brother.... but we'll take it when we can get it! 

Celebrating at Cox Farms

On Saturday, we had a really great time at Cox Farms with our friends celebrating Anna's 4th birthday and Julia's 1st birthday.  With so much to do (hayride, rope swing, slides, slides and more slides) and a cool day, no one wanted to the party to end!  

 Julia ate her cupcake like a champ!  It was adorable.

The bus in the corn maze was a big highlight.  The kids must have gone through 5 times.  Once was enough for me!