I am Thankful for . . .

. . . Ellie being happy most of the time, and that she and I get to spend everyday together while the big kids are at school. . . . sweet girls that get along and like to play together, and enjoy sharing a room.

. . .Billy, who is as cute as can be, and is always smiling, even when he's upset. Its amazing.

. . . Squishy and her huggaliciousness (I just made that word up, but it fits her to a T.) She's also always smiling- even when she's doing something she's not supposed to be doing. I could squeeze her all day.

. . . having three wonderful kids who are well-behaved (mostly), sweet (mostly), fun to be with (mostly), and most importantly, happy and healthy.

. . . Grandma and Grandpa having a condo in CA so we can spend Thanksgiving at the beach. And 4th of July. And spring Break. We love it there.

. . . that we can relax when needed. And that Hayden has a sense of humor.

. . . sweet Emily. I love that girl. She and Chloe have so much fun together, and I'm glad the cousins get to spend lots of time together.

. . . Chloe's teacher, who has helped Chloe emerge from her shyness shell, and thrive in Kindergarten. She loves school, another thing for which I am thankful.

. . . For Hayden and Chloe's school, and that they do lots of "programs" for the kids.

I'm thankful for our family that we don't get to see as often, and that our kids can be close to Nana and Papa even though they are not geographically close. I'm thankful that AC has a good job, that we can pay our bills, and that I am able to stay at home with our kids. I'm also thankful for our health, our love and our blessings!

Legoland fun!

Part of the Weekend-O'-Fun for Thanksgiving was a trip to Legoland. Grandma and Grandpa gave the kids passes to Legoland this year, and we have had a good time getting the most out of them.

The 6 kids had a blast together, and were very well-behaved. It was also nice having 4 adults to help with the multi-age aspects. Everyone got to do everything they wanted- what could be better than that?

Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa! The kids love going to Legoland, and I know it was worth it to get all 10 of us out of the house at once!

Boo!

Boba Fett, Fancy Nancy and Cinderella/Barbie princess had a great Halloween! My favorite part of this holiday is the Storybook Parade at their school. Chloe was so excited because her very sweet friend Madison was the EXACT same Fancy Nancy and brought the EXACT same book. If that happens at Senior Prom we'll have an issue- in Kindergarten its awesome. Ellie got into the act this year and dressed up as well. She was going to be Dora, but the freakishly cool weather made her change her mind. She proudly held up her Cinderella book as the big kids walked by. Hayden was part of the 2nd grade Star Wars contingent- complete with 3 clone troopers, a couple of Darth Vaders and Boba's very own "son", Jango.

Halloween night was a lot of fun, too. Ellie made a costume change to Barbie Princess. Since our neighborhood is no fun on Halloween, we have to invite ourselves over to friends/family every year to trick or treat. This year we were with our good friends the Meyers. Max is in Hayden's class, and Maddie is on Chloe's soccer team. Not only do they live in a neighborhood with houses that are close together, they live in a generous neighborhood! The kids made out like bandits. One house even gave out Bug Catcher toys. Very nice. The moms sat out front drinking wine and handing out candy while the dad took the troops around the 'hood. Now that's my idea of a fun Halloween. The night ended with Chloe getting a fever, but at least she was smart enough to wait until after trick-or-treating to tell me.Now we are dealing with the post Halloween sugar rush. The kids got so much candy this year that I've been buying it off of them for 5 cents per peice, so they don't eat themselves sick. I'm personally glad Halloween is over- I spent all week planning the kids' parties at school, all day Friday AT the kids' parties at school, and all day Sunday saying, "No, you may not have another piece yet." Boo-humbug.