Christmas Mall Visit

Kathy and I took the kids to the mall last Friday to visit with Santa and to mail their letters to Santa at Macy's. Jackson and Mia couldn't wait to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted. Even though Mia is shy, she didn't hesitate to tell Santa her requests for this year. Grant and Liam were not interested in sitting on Santa's lap, but they did allow Kathy to do a "drive-by" so that they could get a sucker out of Santa's treasure chest.

Jackson mailing his letter

Just making sure it is safe inside!

Thanksgiving pics

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We celebrated twice with my family on Thanksgiving day and then again on black Friday with Matt's family. The whole family (except Matt--not sure how he always avoids the puking) had some type of 24-48 hour GI virus the week of Thanksgiving, but luckily we were all feeling better by the actual holiday. Here are some pictures of our celebrations.

Decorating Cookies

Aunt Pam and Uncle Jack cookies (made by Aunt Pam)

Turkey cookies and free-for-all cookies

The kids next to their pumpkins at Mamaw and Papaw's house

Mia enjoying her cupcake



Matt's mom found an old McDonald's play set of Kelly's in the attic and brought it out for the kids to play with. Needless to say it was a big hit. All of them took turns trying on the apron and hat. It was our tribute to the Corbett's since they weren't able to celebrate with us!

Halloween

We had a good Halloween this year. Jackson and Mia really enjoyed trick or treating, but Mia was definitely scared of all the people in masks and asked to go home multiple times after seeing a little 11-year-old in a skull mask (she practically climbed up me to get away from him!) We had intended to take the twins out this year, but unfortunately Liam was sick with a double ear infection and a sore throat so he was in no mood to trick or treat. They are still young enough to not know the difference, so we left them at home with Matt's parents and they helped Papaw pass out candy (which I think the most definitely enjoyed). Mia wanted to be Dorothy again and her costume still fit so we went with that again and Jackson was a dinosaur.

Jackson and Mia on the morning before their Halloween party at school

Hope everyone else had a great Halloween!

Salt Dough Craft

A couple of weeks ago we made salt dough from a recipe from one of my favorite websites, www.familyfun.com . I had originally made it to make ghosts in preparation for Halloween, but the kids got out all of their playdoh cutters and made various other designs. We got the paint out for them as well and they were able to paint their creations. This was a quick and easy craft and I think the kids really enjoyed it!

Salt Dough

1 cup flour

1 cup salt

1/2 cup water

Combine the flour, salt, and water in a bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Shape into desired shapes or roll out and cut into shapes. Microwave the dough on a plate in 20-30 second intervals until the dough is fairly firm (may take around 2 minutes total depending on the size of the shape). Allow to cool before painting or decorating as desired.

Grant and Liam concentrating on their designs

Mia proud of her dolphin

Jackson painting his creations

Our shapes prior to decorating (I made two snowmen for Christmas as well)

Our 4 little ghosts!

Festive Shirts

I tried to get some pictures of all the kids in their festive halloween shirts when it was black and orange day at preschool. Here are the results...

Grant (paci) was not in the mood for a photo op

I love this one! You can really see how the twins (here it is Liam) and Jackson look alike.

Best Buddies!

Waiting for the big show

Mia being shy.

Jackson goofing around!

Jackson tickling Liam

The boys discussing something important.

Grant is always cheesing it!

Since I had to work this weekend (boo!), we went to the fireworks Friday night. Turns out because of the rain, it was a pretty good idea! We definitely got to the park WAY too early, so the kids were getting pretty restless by the time the fireworks started (not to mention it didn't start until 2 hours past the normal bedtime!) Here are some pictures of them playing on the blanket prior to the big show. Mia was the only one that wasn't totally thrilled about the fireworks. She thought they were too loud, but started getting into it when she saw some shaped like hearts. Jackson absolutely loved them. It was awesome to see his excited face and for him to talk about them while they were going on. Grant and Liam seemed unfazed by the whole event. Glad we were able to take them all!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to a great Daddy!

Happy Easter

Easter Activities

We have been busy with Easter crafts and activities the last few days. We colored our eggs, made edible birds nests, and did another craft I will share tomorrow.

Think the kids are tired of me constantly snapping their pictures?

Enough already, mom!

Belated St. Pat's Day

Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day. We had a good time with some crafts I found online. We decorated a green box I had with rhinestones (since leprechauns like sparkly things).

We put gold painted rocks in the box for their "gold."

Then we left the loot-filled box out to see what would happen (Jackson thought it needed a guard).

The leprechaun's left their green hand and footprints as evidence to their thievery.







In place of the "gold," the leprechaun's left chocolate coins and play dollar bills I printed online. They even played tricks on us by turning our milk green. Silly leprechauns! Jackson and Mia enjoyed their green milk and Lucky Charm's cereal for breakfast.




My little lucky charms with their painted shirts!




I wanted to do a green-themed dinner with spinach pasta and veggies, but it didn't happen this year. I think the kids enjoyed it all anyway. Thanks to Aunt Carolyn for the green milk idea (not as fun as green beer, but I suppose the kids are too young for that!)