Advent Calendar

They were so proud of themselves!

This year we want to start teaching and help our children learn and understand the TRUE meaning of Christmas! Last week I sat down with them and I explained to them that this year we would make an Advent Calendar or Chain, (they chose the chain) and come up with a list of things we would add and do each day! It IS better to give than to RECEIVE, I told them! We would do fun things together as a family, BUT we would also think about those NOT as lucky as us and give...

I then asked each of them to come up with some ideas of their own to add to our Family Advent Chain...

Mady's Ideas..."give more than a quarter to a homeless person...invite one of my after school care friends over for a play date, so they won't have to be alone until their Mommy gets off work...leave a snack or drink for the mailman...take some of my toys to a little girl that isn't as lucky as me"

Zach's Idea..."take the firemen some cookies, and drinks and thank you cards to thank them for their hard work, and buy them new helmets, hoses, and axes in case theirs break"

Today we made and hung our beautiful chain!

The kids are so excited about all of our ideas, they can't wait to start...I am so proud of them!!

A quick stop by the ZOO!

We were almost home from taking a drive through Mount Vernon...When Zach announced he had to pee NOW! So into the ZOO we went to use the potty...and take a peek at a few animals!!

What I feel like today!!!

Natural Museum of American History

Of course Miss Mady wants a pair!!

Today...along with TONS of other people with the same idea...we went to see the newly renovated museum! It was way to crowded!! It is beautiful and full of some very cool things!! We will have to go back...when all the tourists go home!!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I love waking up on Thanksgiving ready to spend the day cooking!! This year I had willing helper!! I remember the first year my Dad had me in the kitchen prepping the Turkey...I was actually scared to stick my hand in it's cavity!! Mady was an awesome sous chef!! We enjoyed the Macy's Day Parade, Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Jay(even though they weren't feeling well), watching Football, playing games, sitting by the warm fire, talking to family and friends on the phone, and most of all...spending the day together and counting our blessings!! My Sous Chef!!

Mady BASTED our Yummy TURKEY!!

US with VERY FULL Tummy's

Mady set most of the table herself! Grandma and Mommy helped very little!

Mady handmade every one's place cards...each included a personal message and picture!

Grandma and Mady played games while the Turkey Roasted!

After Dinner we burned off some calories by playing outside and riding bikes!

Mady was shocked when she saw Daddy was riding HER bike!!

Zach getting in on some racing!

Mady riding FAST!!

The sun began to set...

And a beautiful sunset it was...

We are so Thankful for all our BLESSINGS!

Thanksgiving Eve

MOMMY DOES NOT COOK on THANKSGIVING EVE!!! Pizza it IS!

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Love this time of year!!
Tonight we snuggled on the couch and watched one of my childhood favorites!

Mady is such a wonderful BIG Sister!

She read to Zach while they waiting for the show to start!
So Sweet!!!

Coloring with Grandma and Grandpa!

Grandma and Grandpa Lewchanin came for Thanksgiving!!! They have unfortunately been under the weather...so we have just been hanging out...but still having fun!

Madyson's Thanksgiving Day Feast

The Kindergartner's at Lafayette Elementary Celebrated Thanksgiving Today! I spent the morning with 17 FABULOUS kids making STUFFING to bring to the Feast! What a HOOT!! They had so much fun, MEASURING, POURING, STIRRING, and BAKING! Each class brought a TURKEY and a dish to share! Then they sang a few songs and celebrated with their friends!

A few of my Sous Chefs!

My FAVORITE one!

Mady's Place mat!

All 5 Kindergarten Classes Sang for us!

Mady and Peter!

Zach loved hanging out with the BIG kids!

YUMMO!

Happy Thanksgiving!