Our annual winter trip to Tahoe!

We are lucky enough to own a couple of weeks a year up in Tahoe at the Marriott.  We look forward to it each and EVERY time it is our turn.  This year was no different.  We did everything from sledding to swimming to even building a snowman while we were soaking up the warm "bacuzzi"!  This was the first year that Griffen and Avary really got into the fun of everything.  Jackson looks forward to going downstairs to the Kids Activities Center everyday and with them being 4 years old G & A got to go too!  Craig and I were even able to have a night out thanks to the Center!

 Please, make yourselves comfortable ;)

 G & A had a "homework" assignment while we were gone.  It was to decorate a Christmas tree.  They brought one for Jackson also, so it was fun by all!

 Enough with the pictures, lets go tubing!

 Lunch break!

 He is getting SO big.

 It was so warm.  Had we known, it could have saved us about 30 minutes getting ready before we left.  None of this gear was needed.  :)

 "YYYAAAAYYYY"

 I just love that smile :)

 Our view!

 Our view at night.  It doesn't get much better.

 Heading down to the pool!

 Griffen collecting snow for our snowman!

When I grow up......

So tonight at dinner Griffen was in deep thought.  After a couple of minutes we asked him what he was thinking about.  His reply, "When I grow up I am not going to have a job.  I just want to stay at home with you guys all day."  I felt a little love and fear at the same time.  I tried to explain to him that he needed a job to pay for his bills.  "Nope, I would rather just stay with you." 

YIKES!

Um, no you can't.....

Avary, "Mom, can I call 911 and tell them Happy Thanksgiving?"

Thanksgiving Memories!

 Craig being taught the ropes by Gumpy!

 Kyle doing the honors of the 'first pour'.

Let's EAT!

This year with Jacksons school schedule changes, we were unable to make our annual trip down to Palm Springs for Thanksgiving with Craigs parents.  So, they made the trip up to see us!  We had a great visit and a delicious feast!  It was our first ever turkey cooking experience.  I must say, it went very well.  No fires, no smoke and barely any leftovers.  All a good sign if you ask me :)  Lots of laughs and even more memories.  We all have so much to be thankful for.

Our first annual Rockmont Circle Food Drive!

Like many, I have my best ideas in the shower.  I am happy to say that this was one of my best ever.  Griffen and Avarys preschool was doing a food drive to help a local food bank.  It is called The GreenHouse Project.  I knew that any time of the year these days some sort of assistance is needed for so many families.  I got in contact with the director of the charity and asked if we would be able to do a little neighborhood drive of our own.  She was thrilled that we wanted to be a part of it.  Thats when the wheels started turning.  I mean a FAST TURN!  I called our AWESOME neighbor next door, Laura, and she was happy to help.  Wham, Bham, Thank you Ma'am a flyer was made and we were well on our way to making a difference.  The charity had a goal of being able to feed 50 FAMILIES a traditional Thanksgiving feast.  I am only responsible for feeding one and have already broken out into hives.......needless to say,we had a huge task ahead of us, but deep down we knew that what ever we were able to help with would be appreciated!  WOW, our neighborhood, family and friends came through in a big way.  At the end we gathered over 300 cans of food, 8 turkeys and enough money to purchase 5 more turkeys!  It may not be enough for all 50 families, but it still feels good knowing that this year at least 13 families will be thankful for the meal that is on their table.  I know I am extra thankful for being a part of that.

 Last call for food!!!

Every preschoolers dream.......maybe even a couple moms ;)

Griffen and Avarys preschool had a fieldtrip last week to our local fire station!  They were super excited.  While there all the kids got a tour of the house, checked out the inside of a fire truck and even got to spray the hose.  

 Griffen spraying the hose!

 "Ah man, that was zooper fun!"

 Avary giving the hose a try.

 Griffen, Avary and Justin aka Gustin :)

Avary, Justin, Haidyn and Griffen.

Fairy Avary!

Aren't these two just the CUTEST little fairies you have EVER seen? 

Avary's friend Haidyn had a Fairy Fun 5th Birthday Party!  It was

absolutely A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.



Perfect Attendance Award!

Jackson received the Perfect Attendance Award today during the first trimester awards assembly!

Sometimes I just don't know what to say about this guy.

So as we were leaving Griffen and Avary's school today he stopped and turned around and said, "Hey, guys, if you need anything from me, just send my mom a message.  I will get back to you."

"MOM, there is a ball stuck ON our house!"



Trick or Treat!

I have no idea who these kids are.

 

 Avary deciding on how to decorate her pumpkin.

 I think this was the first year that our

 kids actually de-gutted their pumpkins without gagging.
 

 Jackson helping Griffen make his final decisions.

 Dressed up and ready to go!

Griffen was Wolverine, Avary, SuperGirl and Jackson, ARF Clone Trooper!

 Avary and her friend Bella hitting the streets!

 Bella, Jackson, Dorin and Zack waiting for the "little ones".

The Trick or Treaters!
Bella, Griffen, Eden,Jackson, Dorin, Avary, Eli, Julian and Zack.

This Halloween was a lot of fun!  We had some friends over for pizza before hand and then got all the kids dressed up in their costumes and headed out the door.  We went all around our big loop and then came home and checked out all the yummy treats they were given.  Now the fun begins.......... 

"Can I have some candy?"

"When can I eat my candy?"

"I want some candy."

"Just one?"

"Um, where did my candy go?"