Oh Christmas Tree

My men in my life endulged me and helped me decorate our tree. They were just as excited as I was. Last year I got all stressed about everything being perfect. Perfect time, perfect place, perfect atmosphere, blah, blah, blah. This year I took a step back and decided being with my family and doing it together was perfect. Don't get me wrong, I still had a few cringes when the ornaments that I thought needed to be "safe" (from the footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, the like)were low down for tiny hands to touch. But, it's their tree too. They are making their memories. I always loved listening to my mom tell stories about the ornaments. I try to do the same with the boys. I need to remember they are BOYS and things that I think are way fun, they think...hmmm... how can I turn that into a ball?

They stayed interested for the entire time this year! I will consider that a success.

I think the tree turned out beautifully.

I had to throw one of the mantel in as well. I am getting 8 x 10s of the boys in their Santa hats for next year. Melia had to "twist my arm" to get me to do that.

Black Friday + Hockey

We spent the Friday after Thanksgiving in "the big city." I know. I can't believe it either. My mom said she'd never go there and do that. Hmm... proves my sister and I can be convincing. We took Kate, Gav & Leo with us up to "the big city." We ran around for awhile and then met up with the rest of the family at BWW. The kids were excited for... not wings... mac & cheese. Oh well, more of the 100, yes 100, wings for me. My brother is being deployed in early December, so we all wanted to get together before he left. He picked the venue. BWW & Hockey. Not a surprise. After we ate, we headed over to watch a local team play. The kids were having a blast. Well, almost all the kids. Leo had gotten a fever over the afternoon and spent most of his time on Justin's lap. The crew at BWW.

Poor Buddy

I have a feeling that these 2 will give us a run for our $$ when they are older...

Our team won, and a good time was had by all. Tomorrow Jus and I are heading up north to watch Nate's team play in a playoff game. Go Cats, Go!

Great Minds

Think alike. Jus and I didn't pack at the same time. We didn't use the same bag. We didn't get dressed at the same time. But it sure looks like we did! Happy Thanksgiving!

Bobby {Bearcat}

Justin and I again headed south to watch Nate play. It was so much fun! Eli said before we left, "Mom, you need to get a picture of Bobby, and Nate has to kick a field goal." Well, Eli, is one out of 2 ok?

A Blast From the Past

Many, many moons ago, all of my neighbors on Leland Street would spend hours playing Super Mario Brothers. Snowdays, hot days, any day was a SMB day. Melia and I were a bit more addicted than anyone else. Many memories of playing it in our "adult" days as well. So, when Leo started liking Mario Kart. I was all over that! I bought him shirts, games and stickers. I loved listening to the songs, reminding me of my childhood. It was only the next logical step to have the boys be Mario and Luigi for Halloween. I had the main two covered; I needed a Princess Peach and Toad. I looked to my niece and nephew. I figure we only have about 1 more year left of being able to talk Jaina into dressing with the boys... We have to milk it while we can! Jaina had other ideas. She wanted to be a witch. Thank goodness for Auntie Mindy... She casually said, "Witches are gross." And Jaina was convinced to go along with our plan. Leo was on board right away. However, I thought he'd want to be Mario. I was wrong. "Mom, Luigi is taller than Mario. I am taller than Eli. I have to be Luigi." Well... ok, duh, Mom! I got the kids from school and daycare and brought them home to get them ready. They were ready for the candy, but not super excited about the costumes. I did manage to get a few pictures of the 4 of them together. We went through the Halloween Parade, and Jus and Mike took the boys to a few houses in our neighborhood. I couldn't believe all the trick-or-treaters that came to our house! I had to "borrow" some candy from the boys' bags! (They didn't need it all anyway!) The boys had a great time and looked so good.

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