TURKEY LEG !!

Turkey good, left overs better!!

My digital friend- ready with the back up pics

Here were are arriving at the bizarre(1st thing we did) . And riding the carousel(last thing we did) Much LOve Mikell, can't wait to hang with you again. I hope my driving didn't scare you too much

World's largest Christmas Bizarre..

so here the girls with their surprise tree

early morning - where the heck is that Mikell?
We're not sure we understand this tradition, so take the pic of the creepy bearded guy quick

ready and waiting on Mikel- let the joyousness begin!

in Portland anyway. This was the second time Mikell and I went, so I think I can now call it a tradition. The kids were really good in the truck both ways. Our directions were screwy but we got their with no arrests or citations. I Did help Joshi pick out an appropriate xmas gift for her daddy. There was a carosel that I don't remember being the last year. We took a few spins and I hope Mikell will send us pics. But the biggest surprise of all was running into our neighbor Ken. He had a Xmas tree in the back of his truck and asked us if we need one. SCORE! Beautiful trees are easy to find around here but right at you door step when you in the need of a little extra Xmas spirit. Thanks Ken Cook and family

Giving Thanks with the Sheehans

We just got back from a very Happy Thanksgiving with our good friends the Sheehans. I made my very first pie (Chocolate Chess).

Which definitely brings me to want to venture farther into pie land. But the main crutch of the holiday meal-Turkey, gravy, stuffing,

squash. mac and cheese , bread, etc was all done by MiIkell and Keith. As usual the kids had fun playing with each other, they did

a beaded craft necklaces, we took an after dinner walk. And now were really ready to head into the Christmas holidays with GUSTO

Back from The Road

I drove the girls to Everett, WA on Sunday night to see Daddy. The next day ZZtop was playing there. The ride went very smooth especially since there was a 2yr old and 5 yr old in the back seat for 4 hours. Todays ride back was a bit more painful. Elwood arrived in the hotel room at 4am Monday morning. So there wasn't much sleep for anyone. Then next we went in with him, Joshi stayed and helped him "work" while Billi and I hit the outlets. The when we came back Billy finally got to meet Billi. Of course everyone was so impressed with how well behaved they were and how polite. Billi wanted to run up the stairs to the stage constantly and dance. We didn't stay for the show. The girls really don't like the super loud music and the had a full day of sound check, catering , dressing rooms and tour buses. Elwood took a lot of pics on his camera for their Dadday/daughter work day. I'll post those too.

Braids

Ok you really can't see from the photos too well. But I was so happy to finally get braids in Billi's hair, I had to post the non-descript pics. While she was busy going thru the bathroom drawer, I snuck in one tiny cornrow in the middle. While she was becoming wise to what I was doing, I managed one to the right. Then the jig was up and she was on the floor with her head near the toilet- screaming, while I tried to get one in on the left. A good first attempt. While everyone loves her curls, I still want to be able to braid her hair from time to time. It looks so pretty and those curls add to her overall crazy appearance (and demeanor)

Poor Kitty

Luckily this little kitten doesn't seem to know his life is in danger daily. Billi is constantly trying to pick him up, and she usually uses the choke hold. Then when I see it and start to freak out she throws him to the ground. Joshi is much gentler but I still catch her trying to see if the kitten will fit in her purse, refrigerator, etc.

making snow globes

I have yet to perfect this but, we're on our way. I got the idea out of a silly girlie handbook and the directions were LACKING. They didn't even say what kind of glue to use. I'm using a hot glue gun and I've since found it demonstrated on youtube that way. The first time we used way too much glitter and didn't fill the jar enough with fluid. I'm still working on the right ratio of water and corn syrup. I want to do this project at Joshi Christmas part so hopefully we'll get it down. The little one with the frog is a baby food jar. Thats the size I'm planning on doing at the party. But jar hunting was a great excuse to empty out condiment in my frigde that were just taking up space =0)

Yes I did it again!

I brought another living thing into the house. I can't stop myself, I might need to join another 12 step group for this. But how cute is he? A little too tiny. Its now my full time job to protect this kitten from the girls and the other cats. We named him Noki. (No Elwood were not calling him Prison Break -no matter how much you love the show) Joshi's SUPER excited. As soon as she opened her eyes this morning, she thanked me again for letting her have this kitten. I'm bringing him to Joshi's preschool in a little bit so she can have him at 'Show and Tell'.

More Sunday Fun

Here are some photos from the party. And your first glimpse at my blonde hair. Not the best pic, I think its actually lighter then it looks in the pic.

Sunday Fun

We just got back from a really fun birthday party in Gresham. Twins (Allison and Isiaha) from Joshi's pre-school class turned 5. It was at a pizza parlor that had a big indoor play area. The photo of Joshi with her new stamp set (thanks Mikell) is from this morning when she made the kids cards. Notice Joshi is in the Cinderella dress we bought her for her birthday. She wears that ALOT.

And the other photo is of the girls and Daphnee in a box. Because life is just so much fun when you can fit into a box.

more birthday pics

Barb just e-mailed me the pics she took on her camera at the birthday party. The one of Joshi and Rileys is pretty cute. He was the only boy who came to the party as a prince. We had a couple knights. I'm planning a Christmas party for the girls now. Less people hopefulyy ledd chaos. That way we can do crafts, decorate cookies.

Starting to Talk

Well its just a few words, that most people would understand. But Billi is starting to talk. She says please, up, get down, book, kitty and probably some others I can't think of right now. She still very far from saying Joshi but she tries to say sissy. She walks up hands me clips now because she likes her hair done. Well, she doesn't want it combed, she just wants one big clip quickly put in the front. If I'm making dinner and its taking too long, she scales her high chair and sits in it. Yes, she still a dare devil. We put a bunch of pillows in front of the tv to watch movies together. She starting climbing to the top of the nearby cat climber. turns around backwards and jumps off, back dives onto the pillows. Shes crazy!

Daddy's Visit

Well it was short but enjoyable. Elwood is back to work tomorrow. We get to see him in Seattle for a show in a few weeks. He has 3 or 4 days off for Thanks giving and then the tour is officially over Dec. 4th. Lots of time at home for the Xmas season!

Halloween

I was worried it was going to rain last night but it was fine for trick or treating. A group of kids were going to meet up and go together but most of them were home sick. Luckily we've avoided all the bugs going around (knock on wood) Elwood was home to help out with the trick or treating. And the girls really enjoyed it. And of course they were super cute!