Christmas Decorating

After 2 years in storage our fake tree was ready to get out of the box.

Scotty was more excited about playing with his new light saber. He wasn't too happy he couldn't play with it by the tree.

Macker loved all the fun.

Decorating.

Oh, yeah! One of Scott's friends stopped by so they all went outside for some fighting.

The finished product.

*** The tree has been up for 24 hours and it's already tipped over 2 times. Neat. We might need to find a different location.

Thanksgiving!

It was our first Thanksgiving in our 10 years of marriage that we hosted. It was great. Nanny and papa arrived.

Aunt Karoline and Cousin Lulu were next.

Even crazy Uncle Lee made the trip.

Papa hardly got in the door before every grandchild wanted his attention.

Nanny and I.

Nanny spent most of her time reading books and playing school with Sissy's dollies.

Aunt Karoline and Scooter have a habit of taking creepy pictures together.

Nanny and Junedog.

Tons of sword fighting.

More book reading.

Nice family picture.

Tons of attention for Macker.

The next day was black Friday and we hit the biggest mall in the area.

Lunch at PF's.

More shopping with Kit. When the relatives left it was time for us to get to the Wheaton Christmas Parade.

When we were parking this crazy guy poked his head in the window of our van.

We arrived just in time for special tree lighting.

Keeping warm under the blanket.

More waiting.

Santa

The end. It was a really great weekend. Thanks for coming. We missed you, Kers and family.

Cookie Making

Junie Can Sing

Mr. Wonderful Turns 4

Oh, yeah!! The party was great and I promise more pictures soon but for now we're having too much fun with our house guests.

Cousin Hanker!

Having fun!

Poor Macker!

Haddiecake!

Where's Odog?!

Crazyfaces.

Trying out the new toys.

Cookie Time!

Someone in our house has a birthday this weekend. S's and 4's...

That's right, it's my Junie.

These are the special ones he made for Papa.

Fancy!

S's and 4's...

Man, I love him.

Sissy!

I told Amelia we could practice these and learn them together slowly... she learned them this past week and I still only know the first 6 or 7. Neat.

Iraqi Tea

I had the opportunity to host a tea for some Iraqi women last night. They are actually refugees from Iraqi and have only been in this country for a couple weeks or months. I have to be honest and tell you all that I was really nervous because I've never really socialized with anyone that is Muslim. I know it sounds crazy, but I was a little scared. I WAS TOTALLY WRONG. These women were loving and kind and open to friendship. They knew that we are Christians and they were happy to get to know us. I am so thankful for the chance to get to know them. We're going to do it again. I wish some of you AZ friends were here to be a part of the fun. Makes me miss you guys.

Busy Busy

We've been so busy lately and I've been terrible about having my camera with me.
Let me recap...
*Parenting conference Friday and Saturday
*Bike riding
*Raking and trimming
*More bike riding
*Lunch with friends
*Other stuff
* Amazing Race (or as Junie calls it Racing Rabbits)
*DANCING WITH THE STARS!! (go Kelly)

Dancing...

Dancing...

Dancing...

and a little talking...