What (NOT) to Wear

So as we are ready to leave for church, I tell the kids to go downstairs so we can get in the car and head out. I, myself, had dressed Katelee and knew she was looking cute and ready...her ensemble looked like this:
Grant, however, had insisted he get dressed himself. This was no surprise, he does it nearly everyday. I just lay his clothes out. So, I was a bit shocked when he came out with this little ditty, as it was not what I had prepared:
I am afraid the poor child has some fashion issues, probably inherited from his mother!

Turkey Time

We had a great time with Dave's family over the Thanksgiving holiday. We are so blessed to have such amazing families whom we love and love to be with! Here is Katelee chillin with her great-grandpa. We spent lots and lots of time eating and laughing, watching Katelee chase around Aunt Anna and Uncle Curt's dog, Droopie...affectionately referred to as "Poopie" by Miss Kate. While the kids were completely worn out a few days into the trip, we kept them running.
We went to the World's largest Aquarium and the Coke Museum one day. Both were a lot of fun, although Grant was not impressed with the 4D film at the museum because he was squirted with water, it pretty much ruined the next few hours for him, such a travesty.

The next day we hit a civil war battelfield and Stone Mountain where we rode a train that made the entire trip a success for Grant. Here are the little monkeys enjoying their caroling train car excursion.

Grandpa McArthur came around with us and enjoyed the festivities...and the hot chocolate! Like Father like Son!

We don't kid around when it comes to the Thanksgiving Feast, we counted over 20 items to eat on Turkey Day! So, after a night of recovery, we took the kids to the mall, where we shopped til we dropped, or they did at least!
I wish I would have taken more pictures of the family and at Megan's baptism, but it was a fantastic trip. We returned home at least five pounds heavier, and ready for Christmas. Grant told Grandma McArthur he wanted Santa to bring him a dumpster. When she asked what else, he said,"Toliet paper to go with it." I will see if I can talk the jolly fellow into throwing that into the stocking for him...as if my house isn't already covered in plenty of shredded tissue bits for the garbage man to collect...

Caught Red Handed!

My little mischief makers have hard evidence against them now! Katelee always sneaks under the computer desk, tugs on the cords and flips the buttons on and off on the power strip. Well...I caught her! Actually, Grant did, as he took the photo, thus incriminating him with the accusation of playing with my camera! Here is the act itself:

After hearing the charges, her plea was innocent...with a sideways head glance, indicating, "who me?!"

And the photographer of the incident, when confronted with camera play, responded with these remarks : "Mom, I have to tell you the truth." (That is a great way to start our conversation I would say.) He continues, " Sometimes I like you and sometimes I don't." Hmmm....that didn't go exactly as planned, but it did open up a great dialogue!

Costumes and Coladas

We had surprising success with the costume wearing this year. Katelee, at first despised her grass skirt to her hula girl outfit, but lasted our entire trunk or treat. Then, we were lucky enough to get this little cheerleader outfit for Halloween night, so she could rah-rah the night away! Some of you may think, boy, Grant's costume looks familiar. Well, that may be because it is his second year appearing as Frankenstein- hey, if the shoe fits, uh I mean costume still fits, right?

And, I thought I would share a couple photos from the Dominican Republic. Dave and I got back just in time for Halloween and pumpkin carving, so it worked out perfectly! We had an amazing time, the sand was white, the water was crystal blue-it was breath taking. I was attacked by a small lizard, well it just fell on my shoulder, but it was a disturbing experience.

We really enjoyed horseback riding on the beach. My horse kept whipping his head back to rub against my calf-is that normal? It felt like he was crossing a line there, but we seemed to bond by the end of the ride!
Thanks to my mom and sister for staying with our little ones! We didn't have to worry a bit. We just enjoyed our pina coladas. I did come home with 57 mosquito bites -that I can see! It all happened in a 15 minute period one night, those little buggers. I am now on the lookout for malaria and west nile symptoms!

Halloween Hoopla

Who knew the spooky season would have so many fun festivities?! We have been pumpkin patch picking, barnyard boo-ing, cookie creating (eyeball peanut buttercups, if anyone wants to try them, they are a devilish delight), and witch hunting...thought we would share some pics. The question is, will Katelee "be" anything for Halloween? I have tried various costumes on her and each one ellicits the same response-screams and tearing at the apparel. Hmmm...so we will either try to be tricky with the costume, or go for the tears and force it on her!

I am triumphantly heaving our perfect pumpkin into the air! Katelee saw this photo and in her man voice said, "heavy!"


Grant enjoyed the witches this year...Kate was a bit freaked out. We asked Grant if he had fun and he said, "Yea, I had fun. But, it smelled like poop." (there was a petting zoo, ride the pony place) After he said this, we got to listen to Katelee scream "THE POOH, THE POOH" the entire drive home. (Notice the spelling, she is so enthralled with Winnie the Pooh, he brings her great joy!)
The treats were probably their favorite parts of each excursion! So, bring on the candy next week!