Happy Thanksgiving...Gobble, Gobble!!!

We spend every Thanksgiving now in Austin visiting my Mom's side of the family.  It's always good food and good company. I look forward to our family traditions.

One of my favorite's is Dad's Thanksgiving devotion where we all gather round in the living room to hear what he has prepared to say. Thanking the Lord for the incredible love and blessings He has generously showered on this family and His ultimate gift of Jesus.

Then its tradition to sit down together for a great big meal prepared perfectly by Mom and her kitchen helpers.

A long standing family tradition is when Dad carves the turkey.  Mom stands at his side to help with anything he needs. Now these are the simple things... that as I get older... I can appreciate.

Of course we can't forget the family tradition of taking group photos.  Here we have "the cousins." It's always fun to see them and how they have grown. 

Then its tradition to all jump into vehicles and head to the movie theater where we catch whatever popular movie is playing at that moment. Last year was Harry Potter. This year...Jack and Jill?  Well, let's just say it was funny because it was about twins. And we get how funny twins can be...right Nathan and Philip?! Ha!

 

Our newest (but rapidly becoming one of the sweetest) traditions is the "buddy" relationship blooming between Philip and James. For the past couple of years now they hang out and play all day. The two are inseparable pals...priceless!

Another one of our family traditions that I look forward to the most is relaxing with my sister and husband. They are two of the most amazing people. Not only in their professional life, but personally too. My sister and I can be ourselves and talk and laugh.  I miss her and love them so.
This year Thanksgiving was extra special because of two beautiful people, my Grandparents. Oma is the sweetest, caring person I know...hands down!  And Opa is the most knowledgable, experienced person that I know!  I love sitting and listening to stories about his life in the military, travel, and education. I have learned so much from my grandparents and I can only hope that one day, I can give the same beautiful legacy to my own grandchildren and great grandchildren.

And here is where it all started, my family!  I am so thankful to be a part of THIS family.  I love you!

But wait...one last family tradition...A BIRTHDAY PARTY!

 We always get to celebrate Mom's birthday with her because it falls so close to Thanksgiving. This time she had a great idea to take the kids to a bounce house in the neighborhood.  Let's just say Grandma's birthday party was AWESOME!

 

Right down to the birthday cake that Dad "surprised" her with.  Happy Birthday MOM> GMA!!!

Fall Into Season...Happy Halloween!

So what's Fall without PUMPKINS!!!  It's a family tradition to visit the local church's pumpkin patch (along with the rest of the town). So about a week ago we met up with some fine pumpkins and had a blast.  The kids love picking out just the right batch...each one unique in its own way.

 This year James tried to grab the biggest pumpkin he could pick up. Every time I turned around he was stumbling down the walkway carrying a pumpkin that probably weighed more than he did.

 "James! I think that one is a bit too big for you...

 Ahhh, yes! That's more like it!"

 Sydney looked for the ripest pumpkin...good for the pickin'!  "Hmmmm, does this one sound ripe enough?"

 And Ashlee looked for the perfect round one. "This is it, Mom!"

The church had a little portrait seating area where parents were taking advantage of photo opportunities...me included!  "Say Cheese!"

The pumpkins stacked up nicely next to our addition to our Fall family this year...our homemade scarecrow!

Halloween was a blast this year too.

Who is this jailbird? And what is she doing out in the night wandering around?  She looks innocent, but probably up to no good!

We better call a Policewoman to come save the day!

We got her now!

What?! Wait a minute!!!! She is breaking free!!! Ahhhh, catch her!!!!

 HAHAHA!  Ashlee and Tori had a blast reenacting their costume duo for all that came to watch.

Sydney was our very own Camp Halfblood's, Annabeth!  If you read any of the Percy Jackson series you would find that Annabeth is his sidekick that helps him save the day.

And we can't forget our very own...Spiderman SLASH Superman!!!  Yes, we got not only one but TWO Superheroes for Halloween...priceless!

And we can't forget our token black cat.  Note the two glowing eyes next to Sydney's left leg.  Tate didn't miss out on his guest appearance on Halloween night.

Time to trick or treat!!! 

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Over 100 trick or treater's visited this Halloween night. Cars and people covering the neighborhood. Neighbors hanging outside visiting together and nice cool Fall air. So much fun!  It was over before we knew it!!!

The Superhero House!

Well summer is over and fall is definitely underway, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to blog about the Superhero Party we had for James' 4th birthday.  Since his birthday falls during the first week back to school, I knew I had to plan it way in advance if this teacher was going to be able to do anything at all.

So about a month before hand, James told me he wanted a "Superhero" party which got me thinking. Wouldn't it be fun to have superhero capes?  Wouldn't it be fun to have a Batcave? Wouldn't it be fun to...???  And that's where it all started.

When James' friends arrived, they each received their very own Superhero Cape, Superhero Energy Fuel (bottle of water ;) and Superhero Energy Snack to get them ready for the Superhero Academy.

First stop of the Superhero Academy was the BATCAVE (James' room) where they had to find all the Kryptonite (glow sticks) to save Superman!

Next, they lined up to go outside...

to walk across the HOT LAVA PIT which my dear husband placed dry ice in and plywood on top.

Once each Superhero made it across they were able to go LEAP TALL BUILDINGS IN A SINGLE BOUND!

James' friend, Stone, (aka Superman) was ready for the action!

The Superheroes then took turns showing off their MIGHTY MUSCLES by lifting balls of steel!

 

James, especially trying to impress this sweet superhero friend, London.

The Superhero Academy ended with VAPORIZE THE VILLAIN!!! A huge silly string fight!

 The posters on the back fence were of the Joker, Cat Woman, the Penguin and other evil villains but what could be more fun than attacking each other. Cousin Aidan understood!

Once all the Superheroes accomplished the Superhero Academy it was time to come in to refuel.

My girlfriend, Melissa, has a love and true talent for making cakes.  They not only look fabulous but taste amazing! She made this Bat City for James and it was the talk of the party!

 James was soooo happy and proud of his cake! Thanks Melissa!!!

After the cake, James was ready to open his presents. He received so many wonderful gifts, including trucks, remote control cars, balls, transformers and superhero action figures. One of the most sentimental gifts came from Grandpa and Mimi Powell...

 a fishing pole and line, handmade by Grandpa Powell himself.

 

Another sentimental gift came from Grandpa and Gma Hoenerhoff, a monster truck quilt with matching truck pillow case. It was made with love by Gma.

And another highlight of the gifts... HUH?! ...balls with bells in the middle?

 ...big bag of kitty litter?

 ...what could be in this box?

 My very own KITTEN!!!

 

Meet our new kitten, Pumpkin.  She is the gift that keeps on giving!  Thanks Aunt Jojo and Uncle Chris!