"Thanksgiving" - Because I'm too tired to think up a better title.

So it turns out I haven't blogged since Halloween. I really thought I was doing better than that, but that's pretty typical of motherhood in general.

Thanksgiving in all its glory occurred this past week. It was the first time in several years that my brother and sister and I were all together for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was at my parents' house here. Those of you who know my parents will say, "But your parents don't live here". You would be correct. They do however have a house here. Moving right along...

I abstained from baking for two weeks before Thanksgiving. This was incredibly difficult for me, but necessary so I didn't have to buy big girl pants on Black Friday. It was lovely to finally be able to bake. I won't bore you with pictures of my food because, let's face it, I'm not a professional chef. It was, however delicious and it was delightful to cook up a storm with my mom and sister.

In order to work of some of the serious regret after the big meal, we played Kinect sports.

The kids really enjoyed seeing their cousins.

and their grandparents. Here my dad is playing "Sweet Baby Jane".

I apologize to my brother for the dent the size and shape of Jane's butt he must have in his lap at this point, but she really enjoyed her time with Uncle Ryan.

Last night, we completed our annual Thanksgiving tradition with our local Christmas Parade. I must say it's pretty strange, but we go and freeze every year for the local flavor. And the girls love that they get to drink unlimited amounts of hot chocolate in the battle to fend off hypothermia. 

All in all, it was a fantastic Thanksgiving. Thanks to everyone for putting up with us all weekend.

And now the Christmas season begins. Will I be buying big girl pants at the post Christmas clearance sales? Stay tuned.

This is Halloween... This is Halloween

This past week, we've all had a chance to come together and celebrate the true meaning of Halloween (which is, of course, candy).

Chris got super optimistic about the pumpkin carving this year. We made a deal. He would carve up the squashes and I would make some pumpkin pancakes for dinner. It started off looking like a fair deal. 

But long after the pancakes were eaten and being digested in the bellies of our sleeping children, Chris was dremmel-ing away on the jack-o-lanterns. 

The end result (not witnessed by the kids until the following day) was well worth it. At least from my perspective. Darth Vader was Emily's choice. Puss in boots was Jane's.

This year may be one of the last that Emily wants us to attend her school party, so attend we did. It was everything that a first grade party should be.

Later that night, Emily and Jane both dressed up as Rapunzel (Jane idolizes Emily and wants to be just like her. Once again, this year may be one of the last that happens).  Now, all kids love trick-or-treating, but if you watch my kids do it, you'd think their next meal depends on those little bags of Skittles. They stayed out for two and a half hours. (Mommy switched off with Daddy mid-evening. Neither of us have the dedication or the stamina to make it the whole night.)

They were rewarded richly.

It will be interesting to see how their loot increases in the years to come as their legs get longer and their speed increases. This year, we were only able to cover about four blocks. Next year, come what may, we'll make it five.