It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

WE went out and the kids helped us to pick out the wreath for our front door. It ttok a little while because they couldn't agree on the same one, but in the end, they found one that they both liked. When we got it home, it was much bigger and heavier than we thought:) The wreath magnet for the door slid right off and the wreath landed on the steps. No problem, I went out to Target and bought an over the door hanger:) Except, it was too thick for the door to close! Anyway, it nows rests hanging on our doorknocker. Hey, it works!

Colin and Tatum had so much fun decorating the house. Their favorite part was choosing where to put all the ornaments. We got new ones for this years photos and we picked out a panda ornament for Brookie. Next year, her picture will be on the tree and she will be home where she belongs:)

We have been reading the Polar Express in school and doing some fun crafts about it. We also made a Nativity scene with stickers. They came out so cute!!! Tomorrow, we will attempt to make cookies with our new cookie cutters:) It won't be the same without our friends Julie, Josh, Aidan and Liam though:(

There is snow on the ground and music in the air:) Can't wait for this weekend!!!

Brookie and the Fundraiser

Tatum has been asking for a sister for over as year now:) Dennis and I have talked about it and thought that we would eventually adopt again. Well, the time is now:) Brookie has found her way into our hearts and we cannot wait to bring her home! She turned 5 in September and is one month younger than Colin. She is 16 months older than Tatum. The kids are so excited to welcome her into our family:) She has a repaired heart condition and a great smile:)

I have made some necklaces to help fundraise. They are handpainted glass hearts on velvet rope chain. I will be selling them for $15.00. Please consider a little Christmas shopping to help bring our beautiful girl home. She has waited 5 years for her family.

The Big Catch Up Post

Okay, the time has certainly gotten away from me! So, here is a recap of the highlights of the past 2 months.

We went to Yo! Gabba Gabba Live and that was so much fun! The kids were given a free juice box and snack on the way in and that kept them happy until show time. They each chose a key chain of their favorite character and then got a CD of the music. Can I just say that it has been playing non-stop in the car since that day:) They sang all the songs right along with the character and had huge grins. At one point, balloons fell from the ceiling and they charged to grab one. They held on the whole time and even got them home! I loved seeing their faces as they recognized each song:)

We had a great time apple picking. We went to a small orchard that they had just opened! The kids could just reach up and grab big juicy apples. They had many varieties and we just meandered through as there were only a few other couples there. When we had picked a peck, the kids plopped down on some hay and enjoyed a juicy apple that they had just picked:)

Dennis and I went down to Naples Florida for a friend's wedding. The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed hanging out on the beach. The ceremony was right on the water and was beautiful! We are so happy for Pat and Michele:)

We went back to Confreda Farms for pumpkin picking. The weather was pretty good for the time of year. Farmer Brenda gave us a great, bumpy, hayless hay ride through the farm. We saw various vegetables being grown, a corn maze and a giant scare crow. The kids loved how bumpy it was and kept giggling. I told them that they could each pick one pumpkin, but they had to be able to carry it. Tatum went for a cute little one, but Colin had to make sure he got the biggest one he could carry. I love the look on his face as he struggled to bring it back to the tractor ride. Later, we decorated them. Tatum made a pirate and Colin chose a monster:)

Halloween was fun. The day before, we went ot the party at the dance studio. Both kids had fun. They played twister and ate too many donuts. Freeze dance was a hoot:) It was a bit chilly for trick or treating this year. We met down at Sue's house for the annual group shot that the kids joined in for the first time:)

Hamilton

We had breakfast in the dining room and then took the ferry over to Hamilton. It was a high speed ferry and the kids thought the wind in their faces was hilarious:) Coming into this side of the island was spectacular. It has to be one of the most beautiful island we have ever been to! We got on a bus to tour the island. On the way, our driver pointed out different aspects of the island. There are over 125 Churches and 95% of people attend church weekly. We also found out that they have zero unemployment and a average 2 bedroom house is about 1 million dollars!!!

We arrived at the aquarium and zoo and began to look around. The aquarium had many different types of fish that we had never seen before. It was very cool! The zoo part had the most amazing views of the ocean. The little playground was a hit and Dennis and the kids got to play a musical instrument kind of like a xylophone. There was this gorgeous waterfall with bright coral colored birds walking around.

On the way back, we stopped at the crystal caves. There were 88 steps down and 88 steps back up. The caves were beautiful!!

Back on board, we went down to watch a little bingo in the lounge. They let Colin yell BINGO and gave him a cookie as his prize! Too cute:) After dinner, we found an elf in our room made from our towels. Once again, the kids crashed!!!