Happy Thanksgiving!

As you gather with family this week to cook the turkey........

Prepare the vegetables and side dishes..........





Add secret spices to the cornbread dressing.....









And bake the pumpkin pies......

Remember to give thanks to the Lord for all the loved ones in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Birthday Campout

Our oldest wanted to go camping with some friends for her birthday, so why not? It was going to be a cold weekend, and most had never camped before, so we packed the gear, bought some groceries, and away we went. Except for the cell phones (so each could call home to assure they hadn't been attacked by a bear), it was an electronic-free weekend!

They each received a "camping pack" upon arrival. This contained a bandanna, whistle, glove & sock warmers, and a plastic bowl. Each item would be needed during the outing.

For dinner, we brought chicken breasts with a variety of spices and condiments. We prepared our meat to each individual preference, then wrapped in foil and placed over the fire. While they cooked, we enjoyed salad and dinner rolls baked in our box oven.

After dinner, dishes, and a hike to the restroom facilities, it was time to get all snuggled in 200 lbs of hats, gloves, sleeping bags & blankets. But at 35 degrees, they were all needed.

It was a cold night, but the warm egg & cheese sandwiches made a perfect breakfast. Since we woke up early, the girls had time for one more nature hike while Mom got everything packed up.

On the drive back, still wearing bandannas and smelling like campfire smoke, the group decided we needed to eat again (teenagers!). So, we stopped off at a pizza buffet.

Happy Birthday (my not so) little girl!

Spirit Week

The little one had spirit week at her school. Each day of the week was a different theme. Not only was it a fun activity for the school, but the parents really enjoyed it. All the kids hopped out of bed each morning and was excited about getting ready for school!

First was "crazy hair day". We teased her bangs and put in 5 poney tails.

Day 2 was PJ day. Her big sis braided her poney tails the night before so that all she had to do in the morning was potty & brush her teeth.

The next theme was sports day, and she had plenty of soccer & gymnastics outfits to choose from. But, like her big sis, she wanted to wear volleyball. Those knee pads were so big on her they just kept falling to her feet.

It was a fun week, and as you can tell, she wasn't shy about posing for pictures! :)

Mature Decisions

After the trip to Carowinds, our son decided to make the best of a long week. It was a 5-day weekend where the kids were out of school, but with no TV, no friends, no electronic games, and no cell phone, what is a kid to do?

Since computer use for educational purposes was allowed, he learned to play piano. He plays not by reading music, but by listening to the notes and watching his hands. The songs are amazing!

He also decided to take up running for exercise. Even in the rain, he was diligent with his workout. All this training gave him his best time ever in a 5K: 25 min! Awesome!

And the best for last- he now loves to read! In just one month, he has gone through three 400+ page novels and is asking for a fourth for Christmas! I have never seen him so excited about books!

Once it was time to play outside again with friends, he definitely made up for lost time. But, the new hobbies he gained that week are still a part of him, and I couldn't be more proud.

Carowinds

In October we made our annual trip to Carowinds in North Carolina. The weather was perfect, and so were the crowds! No waiting in line and you could even stay on the ride over & over again!!

The two youngest enjoyed kiddie town while Mommy, Daddy, & the oldest rode roller coasters.

By the end of the day, we were all ready to leave, exhausted, head spinning, and feet sore. We're good now until next year!