busy bees

Like all of you I'm sure- we are busily preparing for the Thanksgiving Holiday tomorrow.  Amidst all the preparations (I am responsible for: pickles, olives, rolls, and pies) we continue to keep the day's true purpose in sight.  Yesterday evening when I braved the crazy madhouse that was the grocery store with my three children (who were hungry and tired) the giving of thanks did not flow so freely. I came home to find 13, yes 13 catalogs in my mailbox.

 

The thought of ordering every Christmas gift from my cozy computer chair crossed my mind.  I am not much for crowds, and after the grocery store was completely frazzled.  I only wish that I had gotten the early start that I had intended to on all of my gift-making. Don't worry Carl, I was just browsing :)

After watching the movie we were inspired to try some Ratatouille (above in my bowl).  I used this recipe and added some pasta shells for kid appeal. I didn't seem to work.  We liked the movie better than the actual dish.  Oh well, now we can say that we have tried it.

Lots of baking for me this afternoon.  Plenty of pies to be working on.

Carl is finishing up at the office.  The ski resort opens this weekend and their website has to be up and running.

Emma was getting a jump start on her ornament making.  She has been working on some fabric scrap balls.

Right now, Hannah is working on a nap  (a bit jealous of her).

And Laurel baby, well, she is busy working on her 2 year molars.  We will all be giving thanks when they finally arrive. Poor girl.

First Snow

It started falling last night. We were so thankful that it stuck around until morning.  It is so pleasant to be greeted by the cheery bright white glow of snow.  Even as an adult there is a sense of giddiness that comes with the first flakes of the season.  Laurel Baby couldn't resist get some real hands on action.  The gloves game off almost immediately.  She was only 8 months old this time last year, so she doesn't remember. One of the best parts about being a mom is watching all of those discoveries that your children make.

Ems did her best to start a snowman, she was really scraping it together.  I was glad that I planned ahead this year and dusted off the old and ordered new winter gear.  It was at the ready early this am (8 freezingish cold am)! 

We enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood and had some warm cocoa later.  It is so nice to be on vacation!  Everything is much more relaxed.  Including our choice of clothing (kid's choice).

Non-matching stripes were perfect for our first snow day (a little lazy movie watching too!)

Meow!

The "Biggs" and I had a little date last night. They let me come along even though I didn't have a matching red coat.

They did great....a few wiggles (mostly Hannah) but all in all they were a great audience. 

It was a practice run for this.  We have 5 tickets and outfits (of course, they are on sale now), and lots of excitement.  I think Laurel Baby will like Mother Gigogne. You know, she is the lady (or man perhaps :) with the big dress.  From under her dress come her silly little children. PNB's production was too expensive. $90ish x 5= too much (not including a hotel.)  So, we decided that we could get better seats, prettier dresses, and a yummy dinner too, if we saw Ballet Northwest's version instead (my alum).  It is our Christmas Gift to Ourselves. The girls agreed this would be more fun than any new toys this year. Memories last longer than material things right?