Gingerbread House

Alex and Aubrey had fun with their Gingerbread kit this year.

 

At first they each took turns.

 

 

 

 

 

Then we had a little crossover action going on.

 

 

And the finished product.

 

 

Santa Claus

Santa Claus came to our local YMCA and Alex and Aubrey had the chance to say Hi.

Alex and Aubrey's Michigan Cousins

During our trip to Michigan we attempted to get the cousins all together for a picture.   This sure was a challenge.   I am so thankful for digital cameras.  I was just able to click away with about 100 pictures total and I think I got a few good ones.

 

First off, we started with the three oldest ones, Aubrey, Olivia, and Alex. 

This was a challenge in itself.

 

 

Then we added Johnna to the picture. 

 

 

Then we added Simba and there you have it.

 Alex and Simba were done with the pictures, so only the girls were left.   Cutie-pies!

Of course, snacks helped them stick around.

 

 

Trip to Michigan to meet Johnna and Simba

In mid December, we all took a flight up to Michigan to meet Johnna (my sister, Kendra's new baby).  I had previously met Johnna in October, but Dave, Alex, and Aubrey had not met her yet.  

 

Dave had a chance to hold Johnna  and Alex got to read to her from his new Pokémon comic book.    

 

 Aubrey had the chance to read from her Elephant and Pig book to their cousin, Olivia.

 

We also go to meet my sister, Andrea's new dog, Simba.   Alex loved taking Simba for walks around the neighborhood.   He was a great dog and can't wait to see him again.

Hike up the Mountain

Just after Thanksgiving and before Jamison, Jessica, and Marissa left, we took a drive over to Pilot Mountain.  We went there to check out their hiking paths.  We were so lucky to have such wonderful November weather.  The hike was great.  Some of the paths were very wide and others were narrow with rocks to climb over.   It would be a great hike to go back to someday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science Center Fun

We tend to go to the nearby Science, Museum and Zoo quite often lately....especially with our visitors.  We took the trip there when Marissa, Jessica and Jamison came to visit.  It was fun to spend the day together and share our local treasure.

 

Jessica and Alex enjoyed brushing the sheep and goats.

 

Aubrey enjoyed it too.

 

All five of them following the wing movement of a bird.

 

 

I think it looks like Alex is ready to give the Gecko a kiss.  : )

 

Thanksgiving Family Picture

Since all of Dave's kids were together with us for Thanksgiving, I gathered everyone together to get a family picture.   Thanks to our photographer, Deanna, for being patient with us while all of us attempted to look and smile in the right direction. 

 

 

 

 

Dave's brother Chuck and his wife, Deanna.

 

Thanksgiving Dinner

We were so glad to open up our home for a Thanksgiving Dinner with Dave's family.  It was nice that we were able to all eat at one table.   Well it was really three large tables put together.   I hope that we can all do it again next year.

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Dinner included....

Dave, Alex, Aubrey, and I;

Jamison, Jessica, and Marissa;

Dave's mom, Jerry (Nanny);

Dave's brother Chuck and his wife Deanna;

Dave's niece Jennifer and her husband, Justin, and kids Braeden, and Addison;

Dave's nephew, Bradley;

Justin's parents John and Jane;

Deanna's Mom, Fay.

 

We are so thankful that we could all be together on this wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Terrific Kid

Aubrey received the Terrific Kid Award from her Elementary School Principal.  There is only one child chosen from each classroom every month.  We are so proud of her.  

 

 

 

Fortunately, Jessica was visiting us and she was able to join us at the ceremony.

Swimming and Basketball

This winter, Aubrey wanted to try swimming and Alex is trying Basketball. 

 

Aubrey is doing great with swimming and really likes her teacher.

 

 

Alex is trying his best at Basketball, but I am not so sure that he gets it. 

But he has time to get better....he is only 6.  : )

The main thing is that he is having fun and really likes to go.

 

 

Alex and Cub Scouts

Alex is having such a great time with his Cub Scout Pack.

 

 

Turning 40

Back in November I turned the big 40.   I had a wonderful birthday with the four of us. 

Dave made a delicious pumpkin cream pie to celebrate.   When we were growing up in my family, we always had to hold up our hands for how old we were.  I am so glad we did it because now I can look at old pictures and see how old we were.   The tradition continues. 

 

(by the way... I am not sure what Google is doing to my shirt in this picture....the stripes are supposed to go across and not wiggly.   I tried to upload it multiple times and they turned squiggly.  Ugh.)

 

Cub Scout Fall Camping

Back in the middle of November, Alex and Dave went out on a Cub Scout camping weekend.  It was a really cold weekend, so just Dave and Alex went this time.   In fact, they only stayed one night instead of two because of the cold weather.    Aubrey and I stayed home and went to the neighborhood chili cookoff.   All of us had fun.

 

Here are some pictures from Dave's and Alex's adventures camping in November.