Thanksgiving

We had a lovely Thanksgiving break this year. We drove to Arkansas and the kids get 5 stars for the drive, they were amazing. Brooke had zero accidents (we sure are lucky she doesn't mind going on the side of the road like her mama :). Once we got to Little Rock it was busy, busy, busy spending time with family and eating great food. 

At night Grandpa read stories to the kids. 

And of course Yoga with Grandma. 

The spread. Our old pool table doubled nicely as a large serving table for everyone. 

The food this year was pretty amazing. 

Grandma let the kids build her a fairy garden for her backyard. The kids had a great time. 

Other highlights were going to the movies with Grandma and Grandpa, playing games with cousins and late nights with siblings, running outside in Maumelle (one of my favorite running spots), watching the rain, and having Aaron home with us all the time. 

Then it was time to make the drive back home. Again the kids did great until about the last 30 minutes (always right!). We were worn out and happy to be home but we had a great trip. The kids had been counting down the days to go and so sad that we had to leave. We sure are grateful for such a fun family. 

Fancy Night out

It was our friend Suzanne's birthday and we knew her husband was planning a surprise party. Well he convinced everyone that he would pick them up and when they got to our house (we were last) we were shocked to see a limo outside our house! It was such a fun, special night to ride around town in a limo with all our friends.

We went out to dinner and then dessert and then back to hang out and play games. I sure love these people and am so grateful we have such a fun group of friends. 

Thanksgiving Feast

We had Thanksgiving feasts this week. We surprised Carson for his and the girls were excited to eat lunch in his cafeteria and to watch the big kids who were in PE. 

The next day was Millie's. Oh my cuteness!! It was so adorable. She was a Wampago Indian and had head dresses, necklace and vest. Her Indian name was beautiful flower. 

We got to sit at her table with her handmade place mats. She had made a turkey with everyone in her family's handprints. Then she wrote I am thankful for family. That is something I will keep for a very long time. 

And we finished with cupcakes...aww just like our ancestors who came over on the Mayflower. 

Piano Lessons

So a big part of Brooke's little life is attending her siblings' various activities. We drive back and forth to school and preschool, swim lessons, piano lessons, dance, gymnastics - nothing for sweet Brooke. But she goes to everything so happily. She loves it. I am so grateful that attends activities and just watches and sit with me. She cries if she doesn't get to go for some reason and if I try to leave Millie's dance class to run an errand she won't have it. "watch millie dance." I am just so grateful for her easy going personality. 

During piano we often head to the park near by. Even if its wet the girls love this time of the week. We get to play with the Baldwins and they look forward to it all week long. 

Veteran's Day

I am grateful to live in a country where so many men and women fight to protect me. I am proud to be an American and proud of the people who sacrifice so much. Carson was able to go to Camp Mabry and learn about soldiers and ways that they participate in combat. 

And me and Brooke and her friend Cadence got to enjoy cake at HEB. :)  

Happy Veteran's Day! 

The end of Soccer

Carson and Camilla have finished their Fall soccer seasons. It was a fun season and both kids had fun and want to play again. So their last game was cold, me and the girls bundled up to watch Carson's game. 

Carson was on a great team this year, just nice kids and two great coaches. He had a lot of fun. 

Then we headed straight to Millie's game. We were in charge of snack and I stopped by Krispy Kreme on the way to get donuts for the team. They were a big hit. So were the medals. 

Aaron loved coaching this great group of kids. I hope they all play together again in the spring. 

And if the day wasn't enough fun already, Aaron took the kids straight to a birthday party at a trampoline park. The kids had so much fun. It was a super hero party and these masks have continued to make daily appearances. :) 

Dinner with Dad

So Carson's school had a spirit night at The Catfish Parlor. I told him that we weren't going to go and he was so sad about it. That's just how Carson is, he feels like he is supposed to go to these things. I told him it would be fine but he said he wanted to call Daddy. Well what do you think Daddy said?? I told Aaron that I wasn't interested so he took the kids all by himself. The kids were thrilled and had so much fun. 

The spread. 

The kids all got root beer floats. 

Daddy with the girls. 

And just because I loved Millie's outfit. And I love her. 

Aaron told me after they got home that the kids saw an old "5 cent dances" neon sign in the corner. Carson and Camille thought you paid 5 cents to be able to dance, and they were very interested in where they could dance and if I had 5 cents. As we were leaving they were sad they never found the dance floor. So we went in the waiting area and there was music playing. So they decided that was the dance floor. So we danced and danced in there, and then Carson said "let's dance out the door!" And we all danced out the door and into the parking lot. 

Guy's Weekend

Aaron was lucky enough to spend the weekend bonding and having a blast with his brothers and brothers in law in Dallas. It was a quick trip but they ate manly food, went to a Mavericks game, stayed up late, went shopping and went to an indoor surfing place. He had a great time. 

Aaron really liked the surfing. I want to try this some time. 

Good Reminders

 Just a few quick reminders to myself of how sweet my kiddos can be sometimes. After being gone all week Aaron went to a guy's weekend with his brothers. I was happy for him to go but missed him being home and getting a break from the kids. Well Sunday morning came around and I was pretty tired but I heard the kids wake up and they didn't come into my room. Next thing I know they are bringing me breakfast in bed. Such a sweet thing to do and completely their own idea. A big plate full of strawberries and yogurt. Yum! I was very grateful.  

And whenever I get frustrated with Camilla I can look at this picture. My sweet, sweet girl who wants to help with everything she possibly can and is the absolute best picker upper.  

Happy Halloween!

This year our Halloween started off with Carson's Fall Fest at his school. The kids were so excited for this and they had a blast. They did the bounce houses, the games, ate all the crummy food and Carson did the giant ball. Carson said his favorite part was the haunted house and Camilla said her favorite part was the cake walk. This is the only picture that I took... not my best performance. 

Then we went to the Baldwins for dinner. It is so nice to have friends who do all the cute Halloween stuff that I don't. :) Jeana made mummy pizza, eye balls, apples with teeth, blood punch, and frozen banana ghosts for dessert. Kids LOVED it. 

Then it was time to get door knocking. The Dads took the kids and the big girls handed out the candy so the Moms got to just relax. Loved it! 

Millie and Jane. Elsa and Elsa. 

The cutest owl there has ever been. 

My heart can hardly take this picture. 

The whole crew. Carson did not want to dress up. He didn't put on his hat, refused to carry his club but you know what...he still got candy from everyone so I think he learned his lesson :) 

These two held hands the whole time. It sure is nice that my kids are best friends with my best friends' kids. 

This pony tail. 

It was a successful night. Candy buckets filled. 

So I had heard of this idea called a switch witch. Where the kids write a note and she comes and takes all their candy and leaves them a present. I talked it up big time to my kids. They weren't so interested. I had to make a few gift suggestions and suddenly they were ready to write her a note. 

Carson's:

Dear Switch Witch,

I am Carson Pierson. I am 6 years old. My address is , Austin, TX. I got lots of really good candy when I went trick-or-treating with my friends. I want to keep 6 Laffy Taffy's. I will trade you all the rest if you bring me a Mario Brothers action figures.

If you agree to my trade, leave my present in my living room after I go to bed on Monday. I will leave my candy there. 

Sincerely, 

Carson Pierson 

Camilla's: 

Dear Switch Witch,

My name is Camilla Pierson. I am 4 years old. I live at , Austin, TX. I would like the Cupcake Celebration Playset that has cupcakes and Playdoh and a fancy holder. I will leave my candy in the living room. It is in a bowl and it is very good candy. 

Thank you

Camilla

The Switch witch delivered in full. Plus some big girl undies for Brooke. The kids loved it and you know what, they haven't mentioned their candy since it went away. Now Mamma knows best and kept all the good stuff and Aaron took a bunch to work and of course with potty training coming up I'll be needing a decent stash. 

Also Carson lost a tooth at school and so the tooth fairy came the same night! The kids are not sure if the two know each other or ran into each other. :)