Traditions, traditions!

We have lots of Christmas traditions, but I wanted to write down a few I heard of this year that I would love to do--at least some day...
The night the Christmas tree is put up and decorated, my friend and her family all sleep "under the tree". Isn't that fun? I would probably sneak up to my bed, but the kids could stay on the floor.
An international dinner--each person brings some traditional food from another country. So cool! (I would love to celebrate Three Kings Day/Epiphany on January 6th, but it is my husband's birthday, so we never do. But that has some fun traditions--cake with a toy hidden inside... etc.)
A gingerbread decorating contest between siblings and their families. It could get soooo fun and so competitive--but in a good way, right?
Exchanging white elephant gifts as a family--funny things. On that same note, I hear of people who go to "ugliest Christmas sweater" parties. Now that could be fun.
Anybody else has something really fun?

Jon Schmidt Concert

We "bribed" Weston into practicing his piano by promising him tickets to the Jon Schmidt concert (we listen to his CD's often). Well, he delivered, so I took him today (nice, nice gift). It is such a fun concert.


I took the photo from Steve Nelson's website (the cellist) --http://www.stevensharpnelson.com/
I knew Steve back in my single days, and it was fun to introduce Weston to "the funny guy". Their concert is really funny. It was a LONG concert, but Weston did such a good job of sitting and listening and laughing. The music is so much fun to listen to, and if you want to hear a great song, click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfH2BY5pdLw

Thanks Weston for practicing so that we could go to that concert together. Now, continue practicing so that you can play like Jon!!

Santa and some elves...

The kids wanted to dress up for Christmas like Santa and an elf and I found them like this... So stylish. But awfully cute! I am adding the other pic (of me sitting on "Santa's" lap --Brennan is trying to pull me off...) just so ya'll can see my BELLY! Only seven more weeks!We went to see Santa last week (at Cabela's thanks to friends advice) and it was great. He was a great Santa--very engaging and sweet. They took free pictures of the kids and let us take our own photos, too. We waited for maybe an hour, but it was worth it. The kids liked to look at all the "stuffed animals" in the room anyway, so it was a fun trip.

Weston's second book report

Can you tell which book it is? Bad Kitty (a very fun book if you haven't already read it, you should). He drew and cut out a bunch a "scenes"--the kitty ripped up the bed and curtains, he wrote on the wall, paw prints on the wall and a ripped up couch, and dishes being pushed off the counter. What a creative boy (with a helpful creative mom...)

Yearly Photos

We took photos of the boys. Trying to save money, and use our fun camera. Worked out okay... it was just hard to get the boys to cooperate!

We've also been getting ready for Christmas. We have decorated the house, made a gingerbread house, I think we have three different "count downs" going on, music constantly playing, pictures of Santa and reindeer being made, Secret Santa stuff, friends Christmas cards up to show off pics, waiting for neighbor gifts (so I won't make my own treats and eat them...), reading Christmas stories, and even a visit to Santa! Let the fun CONTINUE!!! We'll have photos of the visit to santa and more coming up!

Thanksgiving Festivities

My sister Heidi came down with her kids for Thanksgiving. They came a week before and we did lots of playing! Heidi and I went shopping and found her some DARLING boots (I am really jealous!). We took the kids to Costco (eek--what a trip. Two mom, six kids and on a Saturday!!! What were we thinking?). We took a trip down to the Children's museum and the kids loved it. Another day we went to the aquarium. So much for taking it easy. We were all over the place having tons of fun! So worth it. It was great for the cousins to play together and meet my newest nephew. He was SOOOO good. He hardly makes a sound and just sits there calm and sweet! Heidi and I had lots of fun talking about Brown memories and oddities--a subject that never gets boring...

We baked and cooked all evening on Wednesday and all day Thursday. Scott made the turkey and gravy (way to go hon!), Heidi made mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. I made jumbleberry pie and the rolls. It was a great feast and we had LOTS of leftovers.

Because Weston has been off track, I wanted the kids to do crafts to prepare for Thanksgiving. I had lots in mind, but instead only got these cute "Turkey Nut Cups" done (they took three days...). But, aren't they darling? Made of egg cartons--I took the idea from familyfun.com.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I am so grateful for ... all the normal stuff. :)