Thanksgiving

Virginia doesn't get much snow so I thought I'd have the girls make their own. Nicali, Hannah and their wonderful Aunt TeAnna happily cut snowflakes and hung them in their room. TeAnna was helping them hang the snowflakes while I was downstairs working on some of the Thanksgiving meal. Pretty soon, Nicali comes running down the stairs, "Hurry mom, you've got to come see the snow before it all melts!" Of course I didn't want the snow to melt, so I hurried after her to see the snow! Great job, girls! (Thanks TeAnna!)

They're happy to be together and excited because it's just about time to eat!

When we have guests visit our house, it's always an issue as to where they will sit at meal times. Usually I have them switch sides with each meal (one meal on the girls side, one on the boys side.) It's tough to be loved and wanted. Thanks for being willing to switch sides. For Thanksgiving, I had Phil sit with the boys and TeAnna and Tim to sit on the girls side. Thanks TeAnna, Tim and Phil for coming to join us and share your time and love with us.

. . . and our after dinner entertainment is the Terrell Trio! Hannah started blowing into one of the bottles and discovered it made sounds. Then Philip and Nicali joined in, it was quite entertaining.

I am thankful for my wonderful husband, four awesome children, my family, Philip's family and great friends. I am thankful for the health we enjoy, for the bounty of the earth and for the country we live in. I am grateful to be a stay-at-home mom (thanks Philip for providing well for our family.) I am thankful for my knowledge of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

Hit the Ball Out of the Park!

Phil came to visit this week for Nicali's birthday and for Thanksgiving. He spent some time playing Wii with the kids; a little billiards, golf, bowling and baseball. How's that for being talented in lots of sports? We have so much fun together.

Monticello

Father and Son in front Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello!

A little bit of snow and some wind, but we braved it and had a great time.

Take Me on a Ride, Daddy! (aka It's the Klingons!)

Nicali and Hannah quite frequently attach themselves to Philip's feet and giggle "Take me on a ride, daddy!" Philip obligingly takes them on a ride until his legs can take it no more. This happened to be one of those moments.

Nicali's 7th Birthday!

Today is Nicali's 7th Birthday! On our children's birthday's they get to take the day off from school and spend it with Philip and I. They also get to choose what we eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So for breakfast we had German Pancakes, for lunch, we went to CiCi's pizza buffet and Dairy Queen for dessert. Then for dinner, which we had during the party, French Toast.

Here is Philip and Nicali at lunch at CiCi's. MMMM, MMMM!!

Nicali's party was Princess themed. The girl's played Kiss the Frog and Kiss the Prince, played like Pin the Tail on the Donkey. They decorated a tiara and made bead bracelets. They had so much fun. (L-R back row) Sara, Hannah, Ally, Jaden, (L-R front row) Marley and Nicali.

Here the princesses are with their decorated tiara! Don't they just look the part.

Grandma and Grandpa Hansen sent Nicali some money and she promptly went out a bought this dress. She loves dresses. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!

The Suitcase Conversion

Philip came home from Michigan on Friday night. I just finished emptying the suitcase and Hannah quickly converted it into her bed. She has a pillow underneath and a beach towel on top and is very snug.

She was so warm and cozy she fell asleep. She's so sweet and cute!

Carving Pumpkins

The kids had a great time carving pumpkins. We took the seeds and roasted them. Yum, yum!

And they came tumbling down. . .

Just last week, Nicali and Hannah came home from school and started tumbling down the hill and had so much fun. I ran into the house, grabbed my camera and took this little video. The sounds in the back are the bus driving in and out of the neighborhood and our neighbor blowing the leaves in his yard, but I hope you will be able to hear the giggling of the girls. I love to watch Nicali and Hannah have fun together.