Thanksgiving & Pictures

We have so much to be thankful for! We had a great week spent with both sides of the family. Monday, the boys and I went to see Chuck's mom. Tuesday, we traveled to the ranch where I dropped off Patrick to spend the night with his cousins, Reagan & Chloe. Wednesday, we had Thanksgiving at my mom's house when Chuck & Russell got off work. We also managed to get a game of glow in the dark golf in as well as Christmas shopping and a trip to the park. Oh, and Nicholas had peas for the first time! They were a big hit. He was ready for some real food. Thursday, the boys and I went with Chuck's mom to Chuck's aunts house for Thanksgiving. I think there were 20 of us this year. We were all happy to have Chuck's cousin Lynn back from China after 2 years of mission work. Friday, we came home. Chuck worked on Thanksgiving cooking all of the turkeys for the hotel. I believe there were 100 turkeys and 20 prime ribs. Friday through Monday, we had four relaxing days with Daddy as he was off from work.

Here are a few recent photos of Nicholas and one of Patrick. Patrick's face is painted like a tiger. I took him and Rainey to Kid's Clubhouse awhile back. I wish I had taken my camera. They had a great time. I didn't take our camera with me during our travels. Sometimes traveling with two kids is enough to deal with.

13 Things I Am Thankful For This Week

1. I have lost 13 pounds in a month!
2. Nicholas is finally eating cereal off of a spoon! He gets impatient if we aren't fast enough.
3. Healthy, big boys. Nicholas was 18.8 at his 5 month check up on Monday.
4. The nutrionist I am seeing has helped me feel better with a new diet and supplements. I am getting to the bottom of a lot of health problems I have been struggling with for years.
5. Patrick still loves Kinder and has a great Christian teacher.
6. Patrick likes to help others.
7. Nichloas giggles all of the time. He is such a joy! He is a very happy baby.
8. Chuck has a good job and takes care of us well. The hours are tough, but we keep positive.
9. My grandmother is really happy at the retirement place.
10. We have a great chuch family.
11. My brother started a great new job & today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, Russell!
12. Chuck went to the allergist and isn't allergic to anything.
13. I have everything I need - a happy family, supportive parents and in-laws, a roof over my head and food to eat. We are blessed!

The Arboretum was so beautiful. The pumkin house behind us was made with 1500 pumpkins. I love all of the gorgeous colors in the Fall.




the Chuckwagon

At the Trunk or Treat at church, we won 1st Place!
Patrick was a Power Ranger this year. We went trick or treating on Main Street with Patrick's friend, Edie, on Halloween.

Pumpkin Patch

The corn maze was harder than I thought. I started out leading Patrick down the wrong trails determined to get my $10 worth. Well, that backfired and we ended up alone in the corn maze for quite some time. It was unseasonably hot that day. We were in the corn maze for so long that Nicholas started getting hungry. Lucky for me I had left the baby bag in the car. I was beginning to wish I had a machete or at least a whistle. I kept my cool and we finally made it out. This is at the exit.


















Chuck's Birthday! He is so excited about his grill cleaner!












STATE FAIR

We had lots of fun with Grandma. (Note: Before we go places, Chuck always has a little talk with me about how we can't see everything and just to relax and have fun.) We saw the card stacker, the bird show, the model trains, the butter sculpture, the parade and the 1200 pound pig. We also went to the petting zoo, Patrick & Chuck rode the giant ferris wheel and Patrick & Grandma rode the swan boats. We had a great time!