Picture perfect

Picture perfect...this is what I thought when looking through all our pictures!

*All the cousins minus Camille who was sleeping in the truck.

We drove to Idaho (18 hours in 1 day!) to spend Thanksgiving with the Buchanan's (Suzanne and Pat's family) and my mom. I hate living so far from my sister and her family so trips like this are so cherished! We never have any concrete plans for our visit but everything we do seems to be so perfect and fun! I know that sounds corny but it's true. We all love being together so much and we have fun no matter what we do.

The Buchanan's live just outside Sun Valley, ID and it's gorgeous! I loved walking around this beautiful resort town.

I took this picture of Camille just to show her adorable winter boots from Bobo (my mom)!

We even saw Santa riding around town on a firetruck!

We caught up with him and the kids loved telling him what they each wanted for Christmas, especially Will who just talked and talked. So cute!

It was a unseasonably cold week there but it made it even more magical for us. The kids loved playing in the snow together!

We went sledding on a beautiful hill that was surprisingly empty- we had it all to ourselves. Braden, Julia, Will and Elise were such pros on the hill and loved running back up for more. It was the most fun I have had in a while- I am usually a wuss when it comes to outdoor sports but I had a blast.

Snow bunny!
Pat giving a push for Julia and EliseSuzanne and adorable little Will. Bella on the other hand is not a fan of the snow. She was done after her first run when snow got "in her jacket and her eyelashes". It was actually comical to watch her! She even made up a song about hating snow:
(to the tune of Barney's "I love you,you love me" song)

I hate snow
Snow hates me
We are not a family

She was SO happy to see grass as we crossed the Arizona border!
We also got to cut down a Christmas tree (a first for me and the kids). It seemed like the perfect post-Thanksgiving activity!
When we were back at home, we all just had a blast hanging out.
Chet and Pat enjoying a beer
Camille and her preferred "mama". Camille can now say "Bobo" but still calls her mama.
The kids performed plays for us like Red Riding Hood. Love the dress Mr. Will!

At one point, I looked around and found this:
Braden and Julia reading together

Elise and Bella playing the piano.

They all get along so well, rarely fight and we never heard "I'm bored!"

On the last night of our visit, my mom offered to stay with all 6 kids to let the the parents go out. I can't remember the last time the 4 of us got to go out together without our kids. It was so fun to be real adults and just talk!
The kids all ready for their movie night with Bobo!
My beautiful sister and me!
Out on the town~ Pat, Suzanne, Chet and me
After this trip, I decided that I would love to live in a colder area and absolutely loved their neighborhood. Chet shot the picture of the Buchanan's closet neighbor. I love this shot and the house! Suzanne and Pat's house is equally beautiful, we just didn't get any good shots of it. If I had one of those Dream boards where you pin up picture of things /goals you want in life, I might just add this photo..

Sugar rush- part 2

For my girls- what better holiday than one that combines dress up and free candy?!

Camille the ladybug (all 3 girls wore this costume), Julia the 80's girl (her choice) and Bella as the butterfly.

We kicked off the celebration with the Lamis family annual holiday party- always a lot of fun for all 8 cousins.
Even though we love Trick Or Treating in our own neighborhood, this year we went to Angie and Joe's and TOT'd with them in their neighborhood. We had a great time watching the wonder twins (Brennan and Bella) and Julia bolt from house to house and watching Camille during her first real Halloween. She caught on pretty quick and pushed her way to the front of the group so she could get the first pick of candy. She was a little confused as to why we weren't invited into each house. :)

Happy Halloween! Can I start decorating for Christmas yet??