Thanksgiving.....is it really that time of year?????

We had a wonderful thanksgiving this year. We invited a some friends over, John and Marissa Overson, to help us eat our gigantic dinner. Melissa baked all day on Wednesday and Thursday and created one delicious spread! We will have left overs until Christmas. I don't think she planned on making quite so much food. It is still a challenge to cater recipes to just 4 people......
The kids made place mats for everyone and then decorated the table with their beautiful artistic drawings of things that they are thankful for or pictures that remind them of Thanksgiving. Michael did a beautiful turkey, but, Megan spilled her chocolate milk and ruined the picture. Very sad, I know.....

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When we all woke up on Friday, Megan came out and the first thing she said was, "Time to decorate for Christmas. Thanksgiving is over, Pal!" So, we did. We were planning on doing it later in the day, but she would have nothing to do with that schedule. So, at 8:00 AM, in our PJ's, we decorated our humble abode. Michael and Megan decorated the whole Christmas tree all by themselves!!! It is beautiful! They did a fantastic job! We are now full of the Christmas spirit, complete with the homemade stockings Michael and I made.
We are truly blessed. We have a beautiful family filled with lots of love and laughter. We are really doing well and trying to make the very best out of the cold New England weather....Burrrrrrrrrrrrr. We snuggled up to a warm fire last night and listened to Christmas music. It was a wonderful night and a memory that we will remember forever.

Introducing the new master viola player.......

Michael had his very first concert this last week, "Stringerama". He was so nervous! He had practiced so hard and knew all his songs; Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb and Juba. He dressed to the nines, with his suit jacket, red tie and nice slacks. He wanted to look his very best. He was so sick though. But, as usual, he was trooper and went anyway. When he came out on stage and saw the mass of parents, you could see his eyes get bigger and bigger. I don't think he expected so many people. But, he composed himself and went to his chair. Megan and I were in his cheering section, waving frantically to get his attention. But, to no avail....

All of the kids did such a great job! No mistakes! I apologize for the pictures. The auditorium we were in did not allow for great photos. Hopefully, at his next concert, I can get some better ones. So, without further ado, here is Michael........

The Princess celebrates her 7th Birthday!

On a cold, blustery, wet Saturday afternoon, Megan celebrated her seventh birthday with her best friends, Olivia, Hana and Sara. She wanted to have a princess party complete with a castle cake. As a novice cake decorator this was one challenge that may have got the best of me. If any of you have ever worked with fondant, then you know what I am talking about. But, in the end, Megan liked it and it tasted good, so what more can you ask for, right? Megan took her friends to the movie theater where they enjoyed the brand new movie, "The Bee Movie". They all thoroughly enjoyed it and filled their bellies with sour patches, popcorn and recess pieces. An interesting concoction that makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it. After cake and ice cream, we opened presents. Her present from us was an art table that Melissa made for her, complete with every art supply known to man....Megan had such a great birthday and was anxious to play with her new toys. She quickly gave her friends a hug, told them "Thank you," and went to draw a picture on her new table. The many late nights finally paid off. I found a present she will actually use. AMAZING! Only 364 more days until her next birthday. She was already telling me what kind of cake she wants. Hopefully it is one a bit simpler.....

Halloween!!

For 364 days, Megan has told us, almost on a daily basis, she wanted to be a witch for Halloween. I think the anticipation of last night was almost too much for her to bear. I can only imagine how slow the day went in her mind. At 2:00, she told me the sun was going down. I think if she could have wished it hard enough, it would have happened. Michael, and his imaginary Special Forces unit, patrolled the house to make sure all of the ghouls and goblins were within a safe distance. He marched up and down the street, making sure all was well. I hope you all enjoy the pictures. Only 364 more days until the next Halloween. I wonder what Megan and Michael will be next year?