Santa Parade

It was cold...but we always really enjoy the Santa Parade in Brooklyn. The boys love the doughnuts that the church passes out. This year, Ryan really wanted to wait in line to see Santa. We had to stand outside and boy....Brrr. Tyler didn't really want to see Santa. He told me he didn't want anything. Luckily, when Ryan jumped up to see Santa, Tyler followed along. I couldn't really hear the conversation....but I could really see Santa questioning Tyler when Tyler told him he didn't want anything. I did overhear Santa say he could at least bring him a rock from the North Pole. Ryan asked for an XBox. I don't even know what he knows about XBox, but he really thinks he's getting it. Only Santa knows!

Lights are up and other musings

We picked a warm day just before Thanksgiving to put up our Christmas Lights. They look really pretty and we actually ran outside at dusk with no coats on to enjoy their glow.These are some of the masterpieces we worked on with Grandma Ellen and Papa. Let me tell you...they didn't last long. Now Tyler wanders around asking about cookies and when he is told they are all gone, he asks when Granna, Grandma E. and Papa are coming over. Think he wants to make more? Ryan has been helping me in the kitchen for quite some time now. Almost daily. He's pretty good with pizza burgers, cupcakes, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now Tyler wants to be the little helper. I'm so glad they like working in the kitchen. It's really cute. They are pretty good at washing their hands...but they can't help themselves from taste testing.

Thanksgivings.

We spent an enjoyable day at Dave and Jen's for Thanksgiving this year. The dinner was delicious and everyone enjoyed the day. I made mashed potatoes and these cute little pilgrim hat cookies. They are made from Reese's Peanut butter cups and Reese's cookies. We also enjoyed ham, turkey, corn pudding, stuffing, green bean casserole, rice pudding, pumpkin pie, Eli's cheesecake, oreo pudding, strawberry delight, and more! Everyone had their fill. Thanks Dave and Jen for the hospitality. Hope Dave didn't suffer to badly as he had to be to work very early!

On the way home, we stopped by 2 Meijers to try to steal a deal. It was raining and cold and Ryan wanted to run in with me. Oh boy, he ran right between my feet, launching me to the ground on my hands and knees in Khacki pants. Should I say soaked pants and skidded up hands and knees? Ouch. Kinda comical now that I'm thinking of it. The little stinker never even fell. Worse yet, we didn't get a deal. Sold out.

Behold! The Power of Flour.

We had a fun Saturday while Jim was at the Michigan Beating. Papa Ralph and Grandma Ellen came over for some cookie making fun. While we waited on the dough...Gma E and Ryan made the sweetest little apple pie with apple cut outs for a peek-a-boo. Ryan has been asking to make an apple pie since they studied apples early last month. I've been hesitant b/c I knew he wouldn't eat it. He promised. He didn't eat it:( But it is good and it was pretty.

Next, we moved on to making a variety of mini cookies and miscellaneous cookie cut outs since we didn't really have a huge selection of fall/thanksgiving cutters. We're definately ready for Christmas cookies though.

We took a break in the afternoon do so some shopping at the local holiday open houses. It was a nice day!

Jackson Parade

It was a cold night but not unbearable for the Jackson holiday parade. Ryan got lucky and ran into a friend from school and we all stood and sat together. It's super hard to get a picture in the night lights while everything is moving. But this picture of Ronald was fun surprise. Tyler was sad b/c he didn't get a high five. Later, the smiles came back as Santa waved to all the boys and girls. (Don't forget the highlight of the night....The Sheriff Horse Patrol led the parade and the horseds poopied right in front of us. The crowd waited for someone to step in it, which added to the nights entertainment:)

MCCourtie Park

We spent an awesome autumn night running around the park without jackets. The boys really enjoyed running from bridge to bridge and stopping to get silly and to take a couple of pictures.

Candy Makers

We spent some time after school one day finishing up the Wilton chocolates. I decided to give the boys a little more space as they worked on the project and they did remarkably well. we like to eat them too!!!!!!!!!!!!! (typed by Ryan:)