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??

Sugar rush- part 1

My work schedule is slowly going back to part-time (20 hrs). While the prospect of a new position was enticing, I am definitely glad that I will be home more for days like today. I LOVE going to the school to help and just observe. Both girls had their class Halloween party today (same time, that was tricky) and the school Halloween parade.

Bella as a butterfly

Julia as an 80's girl.

We all had a blast. Especially Camille who had her own party....
*This was not even our cupcake. Some poor child left his/hers unattended and within seconds, Camille had swiped off the frosting.
*Camille and her first juice box. I am sure she wants to come back to school very soon! :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Hall of Fame

Just 2 months into Kindergarten, Bella was chosen as Student of the Month for her class! Way to go Bella- we are so proud of you! Her school really focuses on character so the Student of the Month recognition is a big thing. Each student of the month gets to have their hand print and name on the wall. Bella is so excited to have her hand print added! She is reading so well now and loves school. She is friends with everyone- it's so cute to walk down the halls with her and have her say "Hi" to everyone- even school staff. According to Bella, her favorite recess activity is chasing the boys. Oh BOY!

Boo at the Zoo!

Chet has been out of town since Wednesday (at Grandma Lyn's 80th birthday party in South Dakota) and we have been busy!

My mom stayed with us for a few days which is such a nice treat! Not only do we all love having her here and her company, it also allows me to to help at the girl's school and have lunch with them- something I don't get to do easily with Camille. It was so fun watching Bella in her class and finally seeing what she does all day. She loved having lunch with me but as soon as the recess bell rang, she took off- no good bye or hug! :) She definitely has a one track mind! Julia still loves having me come to school and gave me a few kisses and hugs as I left. It's funny how they can be related yet so different!

We attended the school fall festival and did the usual "carnival" stuff- games, bounce houses, cotton candy, etc. We did the Cake Walk (I used to love this game) and we came home with a yummy chocolate cake! Julia and Bella dragged my mom to the Haunted House (which I was surprised at- the girls aren't that brave yet). Bella bolted half way through and came running out by herself- straight into my arms. Poor thing- it was too much for her.

Today, we were off to the zoo for Boo at the Zoo.

We had a blast as usual but today was neat- every hour, a different animal got to "Stomp and Chomp" a pumpkin. Our favorite was watching the elephants eat their pumpkins.

Camille spent most of her time in the sling- good for her (better view) but bad for mommy's back! But, she LOVED the petting zoo and brushing the goats! She tried to kiss one (like she kisses our Bulldog) but luckily the goat wasn't interested.


We finally renewed our zoo membership and can't wait to go back!