Thanksgiving Day

So many things going on this Thanksgiving.

One of the best things was Michele and Bruce making the long trek from Colorado across Kansas to join us. 

It was also Goldie's first Thanksgiving.

While I was frantically trying to finish cooking dinner, Michele did what she does best and played games with the kids.

We then had an opportunity for a couple of photo ops. First was all the girls.

Then the boys. It may be chaotic but I love having my family around for holidays.

Michael Runs the 5K Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving Day is the annual 5K Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot held at Berkley Riverfront Park near downtown Kansas City.

Michael decided to join a group of his friends from Harrah's and brave the not so bad weather conditions and run the 5K.

He's not used to doing so much exercising but he did finish. 

Christmas Lights

What comes with a new house? According to Jamie, a new set of custom fit Christmas lights.

His friend Cody is starting a new business hanging Christmas lights so Jamie and Cody traded labor and I didn't have to help hang the lights.

Jamie used a red, red, white, white, red, red, etc. pattern and it looks really good. Now I need to get busy and put out the rest of my decorations before the weather begins to change again.

VIP Day with Violet

Schools have become politically correct and now call Grandparent's Day - VIP Day.

Lincoln was sick so it was just Violet and me. To stay away from the crowds, we decided to proceed backwards and visit the bookstore first. Then we did a craft together (a turkey puppet). Before heading to the donuts we stumbled across the photo booth.

On the way to Violet's classroom, all the previous activities were extremely crowded. I guess everyone was concerned they run out of donuts. Violet showed me her classroom but was very concerned about my leaving before the bell rang. Later Melissa told me it was because Violet likes to go through her folder to prepare for her school day. What a studious little girl!

First Snow of the Season

Not only was it Lincoln's birthday but we got our first snowfall of the year.

According to winter folklore, the date of the first snowfall determines the number of times it will snow during the winter season. If that's true, then we're in for 14 snowfalls this winter. Now how hard or light that may be, I'm not sure. I'm not crazy about 14 times but it's better than 30. Only time will tell. 

Happy Birthday Lincoln!

Today Lincoln turns 7 years old.

I made a collage of pictures taken through the years. It doesn't look like he's changed much except looking a bit older.

After a breakfast of donuts and opening family gifts, it was off to school until our birthday dinner at Red Robin. He must have liked the clothes I bought him because this is one of the outfits.

Even though I got my "blow out the candle" picture at his birthday party, I couldn't help but try and get another on his birthday. Lincoln was a little hesitant to have the candles lit and everyone sing happy birthday to him. So we made a deal that we'd just light the candles and no one sang. Happy Birthday Lincoln!

Lincoln"s Football Watch Birthday Party

Lincoln's 7th birthday started on Sunday with a football watch party.

The garage was set up with games and tables for the kids while the adults could watch the Chiefs game in the living room. A wonderful idea until the kids got bored with outdoor games and decided to invade the living room.

But kids are kids and their attention spans run wild. So there were several moments when the house was quiet.

There was a good mix of adults and kids but it still seemed as though there were more kids than adults. What did I expect for Lincoln's birthday party?

Then the house was invaded again with kids to open gifts. It was funny to watch Lincoln open gifts and gush over those he really liked and toss aside the ones he wasn't quite fond of. That's why I had him open my gifts before the party began. I bought him clothes and made him a new afghan, red, white, blue and green just as he asked. That was 2 minutes of excitement...for me that is.

Cupcake and cookies were the birthday treats and I got my yearly theme picture of Lincoln blowing out his candle.

I must say Jamie and Melissa do put on a great party. I just wish there weren't so many kids!!!