Mike's parents played mommy and daddy for the girls, while they sent us to San Antonio. It was a great trip, and perfect weather for us too! Thanks David and Diana! :)
The palm trees were HUGE!!!
VERY beautiful river walk!
Yummy candy store :)
I got spoiled for my birthday this year.
My sister, Tara sent me my FAVORITE cookies ever! Sisters cookies from Moscow, Id! They were SO good!!
My friend, Jody spoiled me with cake and presents! (I'm not worthy!!!)
Then I drug everyone to Memorial City Mall, that we had never been too. It was a nice mall. ;)
We had a great Thanksgiving this year. It was great weather, so we were able to start the day with a walk.
Such young kids at heart... :)
I was SOOO grateful to have Diana with me this year, since I have never had to cook a Thanksgiving meal before, it was so nice to have her with me in the kitchen! Her cooking expertise was greatly appreciated! :)
Sydney did a GREAT job on the deviled eggs, which she did ALL by herself! :)
Livia helped with the croissants, and did a marvelous job as well!
Our wonderful FEAST!
....and desserts, of course! :)
Master turkey carver right here...
Good thing we didn't go anywhere in public.... can't take this guy anywhere! ;)
This was our "Thankful Tree" this year. Turned out pretty full :)
HOPE EVERYONE ELSE WAS AS LUCKY AS I THIS THANKSGIVING!!!
We took David and Diana to the Houston Zoo Lights, which is pretty remarkable.
Love this pic that Mike captured of Brooke admiring the dancer :)
Got photo-bombed by Mike's own mother! HA!
I always knew Livia had angel-like qualities! haha ;)
I kept trying to coordinate a nice fall family picture, but it just wasn't happening. By the time I found us sweaters and boots that I liked, the weather turned hot again, and nobody wanted to wear them, so I gave up! So, one day after church, Mike's mom noticed that we all looked somewhat Christmasy and semi-coordinated, so we snapped a few family pics for fun. :) I think they turned out pretty cute. Sometimes (most times, in my opinion) it's the unplanned pictures that work the best anyway.
I took advantage of the girls willing to pose, and got an individual of each.
Livia:
Smart, Beautiful, Caring, Nurturer, Adventurous, Athletic.
Sydney:
Funny, Pretty, Quick-Whited, Smart, Compassionate, Strong.
Brooklyn:
Playful, Sweet, Fun, Honest, Self-Willed, Clever.
Because the Dean's were visiting, and had to leave soon after Thanksgiving, we decided to have a little mini Christmas with them before they left, so we started decorating, and bought the tree, the very next day, after Thanksgiving! :)
Brooklyn LOVED playing with my nativity set! It's so cute watching her play so gentle with something she knows is very special. :)
I put Mike and David to work outside with the lights!
(It was so nice to have Mike home for the break for 2 weeks!)
The girls and I decorated the tree.
I love Brooke's concentration here. She's being so careful not to drop the ornament.:)
Diana made me a beautiful centerpiece for my mantel!
Here's fake Christmas morning! :)
Livia's whole Christmas was made with Nana and Papa's gift! A giant Teddy Bear! :)
Fake Christmas dinner.
Brooke loved our lawn Santa. She would give it hugs almost daily! :)
Here's some misc pictures from the month.
Here's an AMAZING picture of my beautiful Sydney from a family walk. Love this one! :)
Livia reading to her little sister. Such a sweet and caring big sister!
The girls and I ran a Color Fest 5K the first day of the month! ;)
Mike being the awesome dad that he is, playing headbands with Brooke.
LOVE this picture too of the kids playing outside in the setting sun! :)
One of our favorite family walks; to the duck pond.
Good old Monopoly....
Mike cooking us some grub; like a BOSS I might add!
I swindled Brooklyn to have Papa help her wash my suburban... hehehe, I got a clean vehicle out of it! :)
Lunch date with Nana.
I wanted to try to be as cool as Syd...
Another great shot of my Livi.
Mike and David re-loading bullets.
Mike and David COOKING IN THE KITCHEN!!!!!! WHAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?!!!!!!
I can't remember why he is carrying her, or what brought it on. I do know we were leaving the church building, but this picture just makes me smile. :)
Brooke enjoying the fire.
The girls raking leaves, of their own choice! Literally! That's my neighbors house! They asked him if they could have his leaves to bring to our yard, to play in! haha! :)
