Preschool Musical

Everett had the honor of being a wiseman in his preschool program.  He was amazing!

Reeve surprisingly went on stage but didn't do much else except sway back and forth.

And Because...

...I couldn't get a good pick with Santa at Daley Plaza, the real deal was a couple towns over and I just had to see him.  Also, he was visiting one of my favorite places to take pictures.  So, the field trip began.  Santa didn't go as smooth as I thought.  Reeve wouldn't smile, despite a candy bride, Elias freaked and I was sweating from being in an actual greenhouse.
But alas, a Christmas pic was born:

We wandered around the greenhouse snapping some pictures.  All of that ended suddenly in the cactus room.  Can you guess which child touched a cactus?  We spent an hour with glue, duct tape and hot water getting hundreds of fine needles out of Everett's fingers.  Field trip over!

Speaking of..

...the Christmas Spirit.  My dad came into town for the month of December and was able to share in some pretty special moments.  He joined us for our annual Macy's windows extravaganza followed by a mosh pit of Daley Plaza where we almost didn't make it out alive.  We weren't able to enjoy much there.  We did wait in line to see Santa but even that was a bust.  Reeve refused to get a picture taken and we were all worn out and cold.

 We warmed up at a nice hotel for the night were the kids loved playing with the radio and putting on quite some crazy dance moves.  We even let them jump on the bed for awhile.

the next day...Navy Pier Winterfest which is always truly a highlight on their year.

Kicking off the Holiday

The weather was mild and the kids were anxious to get into the Christmas Spirit.  We headed on over to Tinley to see their annual parade.  I heard they had horse and buggy rides so we sprinted on over.  Well, we took a little too long to get there and the line was really long.  What turned out to be a nice, leisure horse / buggy ride turned into a quick ride around a u-shaped drive.  The entire thing lasted about 33 seconds.  ah well.

While Eddie was securing us a place in line with the horsies, I took the kiddos exploring.  We saw a big gingerbread house.  Reeve pretended to be interested in it to avoid yet another picture taken by his mama.

The kids decorated some cards to ship to the soldiers that are missing Christmas at home this year.  :(

 The second the sun set, the light parade started.  Not too shabby.  We didn't have enough time to see Santa, or get hot cocoa, or eat dinner, or get any sort of treat or do Christmas crafts.  I know to get there earlier next year,

 This is best picture I could take with my point and shoot camera and moving children.  Luckily they were all in it.  dumplings!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.  It is very easy to be thankful for my family.  My precious gems and my superb husband makes every day bright and sunny.  Of course I am most thankful for my Eternal Father and my salvation.  That He is patient and never gave up on me and gently brought me closer and closer into His grace where I will never leave.

Thanksgiving Feast

Everett & Reeve had a Thanksgiving Feast at their preschool.  It did include performing on the big stage in the sanctuary which freaked Reeve out.  I caught him, in his pilgrim gear, before he went onto stage.  Well, he never made it.  He panicked and sat with me watching his older brother perform like he was on American Idol.
I had a lot of fun helping decorate the shirts for Everett's class.  I spend so much time and energy at Trinity's school that is was a nice way to feel like I can contribute to the other kids in school.  Soon, I will not be able to balance each of their activities and will start to pull my hair out.  Until then, loving this time.

Halloween

I usually like to have a "theme" for Halloween and have some sort of unity among the kids' costumes.  I did not have the fight or the energy this year to organize it so they were what they were.

Everett and Reeve had a little Fall Fest at school with songs, games and a parade.  Everett refused to wear the Power Rangers costume he demanded I buy in lieu of the spiderman costume he wore last year.  Reeve was happy with his $5 costume I found at a resale shop although we had some issues with the hood.

 Trinity had a parade and class party as well.

 In the end we were a Power Ranger, a Tiger, a Monster High Doll and a Little Lion. roar!

Konow's Pumpkin Patch

Every year, we Americans believe you cannot have kids and not go to a pumpkin patch.  If I do not get this on the calendar, I get stressed.  We made it but it was chilly and one of the last days they were open.

 Reeve on lap 1 of first pony ride.

 Reeve on lap 2...

Elias 10 months

I know these mustaches are silly and annoying to a lot of people but on tiny babes, I think they are hilarious!

Elias finally figured out how to crawl on his hands and knees.  This makes for cleaner onesies and the need to not wash the floor as often.

He loves to clap and has started to pull himself up and hang onto the crib and couch.

He is still easy as breathing!

Crazy. Busy.Fall

I have always wanted to start my own photography business.  I thought I would organize a mini session in a forest preserve and see what happened.  Not only was it a huge success but I had to turn people away.  Thus Tiny Bubbles Photography was born.  First, I had to practice on my kids...