Gator turns 7

Our little Gator is 7! It seems like only yesterday we were at the hospital watching an ice storm! Her day began with breakfast in bed served by her brother...donuts & milk. She then opened her presents and we made party favors. We headed to the mall for lunch at Moe's (the birthday girl's favorite), then it was time to party! It was a puppy party at Build-a-bear. Everyone made their own puppy....we had Spruce, Joshin, Josh, Spot, Hannah, Scruffy, Brownie and Handsome Puppy...what a birthday litter! She had such a great time. We had dinner at the Captian's Table in PF Changs with Aunt Debbie, Uncle Jay, YaYa, Granddaddy and the Treichlers. It was interesting to see the cooks working in the kitchen & the fried green beans were a delicious surprise. YaYa even brought 2 little puppy cakes for the birthday girl! Alli what a blessing you are to our life. You are our giggle full of sunshine!

Early Birthday Celebration

Aunt Aishe & I helped the kids make a gingerbread house for Gran & PaPa. We put together puzzles and on Saturday we celebrated Alli's Birthday with her cousin Anna. We took the kids to the mall to Build-a-bear. They visited with Santa and we ate lunch at Andy's favorite Mr. Dunderbauk's!

Thankful

So many things to be thankful for...this year we spent Thanksgiving with Andy's family. We hit the road on Tuesday to try and avoid the traffic...no luck! Wednesday should have been renamed Electronics Day. With Andy in town his was able to shine in his element...he helped his sister get a computer, his parents a monitor, and even a few Christmas surprises! Thanksgiving Day was full of yummy food, laughter and family. Alli helped Gran with the "most delicious" stuffing with a recipe from her Great-great grandmother. Caden & Papa made a hurtin on some smoked turkey! We all took a walk after lunch and did a little geocaching! Andy even found one that Jane & Dennis had been looking for for months! Go Andy! We earned our pie...take your pick...cherry, pumpkin, chocolate, or pecan! Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up going to my Grandmothers with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. I feel so lucky to be able to go visit my Aunt Frances and other family since they live right around the corner from my in-laws. It was early to bed for me! Another tradition...Black Friday! I headed out on my own at 4:30am to take on the stores! I had so much fun & Scored 6 door-busters! The rest of the crew joined me for some deals of their own! Unfortunately, Dennis came down with the flu but the rest of us stayed healthy! What a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Autumnal Neighbors!

One beautiful fall afternoon the kids had fun gathering the leaves in the yard and took time out to smile for a few photos!

Backyard Photos

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors and just being outside. We wanted some photos of the kids and Rachel offered to come take someof the whole family! Thank you~