A New Tradition!

In the past we've always had artificial trees.  They are easy to set up, are pre lit, and look great.  Last year ours died half way through the season.  With two new babies I didn't take the time to replace it during last year's after Christmas sales so we were in the market after Thanksgiving.  Instead of heading to hobby lobby we decided to do something different and go the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm. It was the best time!   We were able to cut down the three small (tiny) trees that Oliver, Will, and Grant chose, take a hay ride, and play in a hay maze. Our trees may not be big or fancy, but they were chosen with love and will always be remembered.  

Loving the hay ride!

Getting a lift from big brother.

Working together in the maze

Where's Will?

Bad Bad Bunny

We have been having some gorgeous weather lately.  One morning last week I decided to take advantage of it and let the bunnies and babies play in what was left of our garden.  This went well for about 30 minutes.  Then the bunnies figured out that they could slip under the gate and made a break for it.  I was able to catch midnight, but bunnicula took off for the ranch that is directly behind our property.  The fence is barbed wire and strong.  I could see the bunny, but could not figure out how to get over to the other side.  So frustrating!  My neighbor came to the rescue and worked together with Grant and Will to catch him.  TWICE.  Yes, that's right... he was safe and sound in my arms and I dropped him.  I could have died of embarrassment.  Luckily my neighbor shares my sense of humor and was able to laugh and start the chase again.  I don't think I'll be letting anyone play in the garden any time soon. 

 

Can you find bunnicula?

Thanksgiving 2014

This year we continued our tradition of having everyone to our house for a potluck dinner. Frank was on call, but his patients were kind to us and he didn't get called in to the hospital. Mammaw and Grandpa, the Frey Family, and the Pinsons were able to join us.  It was such a fun time!  

Sweet cousins

Thanksgiving is exhausting

Love!

A sleepy looking Frank

 

 

All the cousins!

 

Slowly But Surely

When I was pregnant with the babies I worried a lot about how involved I'd be able to
be in my oldest boys' school.  I really enjoyed my position in the PTA as the teacher hospitality chair and loved being in their classrooms.  It was hard enough to entertain Oliver during these times I couldn't imagine adding two babies to the mix.  I knew I wouldn't be able to continue hosting luncheons so I gave up my PTA position and crossed my fingers that I'd eventually be able to make it to their classes. 
 
When the babies were new I wasn't able to visit the school.  I was too afraid of them getting RSV and our non schedule of nursng just didn't allow it.  That semester was hard for me.  I felt out of the loop and missed seeing my boys in action.  As a former teacher one of my greatest joys has been watching my kids learn to love school and blossom as students.  By the spring I was able to take all the kids to the book fair and attend an ARD for Grant.  Neither of these outings were without tears from the babies and sweat from me, but I did it. 

Yesterday I took the littles to school to have Thanksgiving lunch with Will and Grant.  Nobody cried, we all ate, and afterwards Oliver got to play on the playground while I chatted with another mama.  It's taken a year, but we're in a groove. I still can't take on a big position in the PTA and can only volunteer in classrooms on Friday (when Frank is home to watch the little kids), but I'm getting up to school on a regular basis and the bigs know I care.  Things are good. 

 

 

New Friends

Our family expanded by two this week (no, not twins again!)

Meet Midnight:

and Bunnicula:

Eventually I'd like to make them a bigger exercise area, but for now this is their home:

They are adorable and so so sweet!