THANKSGIVING CONTINUED

Devon - warming up in the sauna

Julie and Logan getting into the pool (not very warm pool)

Marissa and Tanner hanging out in the sauna!

Since we had driven up to see my grandma, we decided to continue up the road to visit Mark's niece and her family. We love getting together with them.

As soon as we got into town, and checked into the hotel, we invaded the pool. We were the only ones there. Julie and her twin boys joined us there for a great time. We hadn't seen Julie or the boys since July last year (1 1/2 years). As much as we love to play in a pool this one was just a little too cold. We actually had more fun hanging out in the sauna.

Betsy and Mark at the Christmas Farm

The next day Scott, Julie, and both sets of twins (Tanner and Logan, Preston and Mallory) went out to a Three Cedars Christmas Tree Farm. It is a magical place dripping in Christmas spirit. We had such a fun time there. Devon and Robert attached themselves to the two older (4 years old) boys, while Marissa and Jessica enjoyed every minute of being with the baby twins.

Jessica and Marissa bundled up for the first snow of the season!

Robert, Jessica and Marissa dowding over the babies.

Devon playing with Logan - Logan being fiesty.

We then spent some relaxing time hanging out at the beloved "McDonald's Playland". It was the place to go so that the kids could run around and play and the adults could hang out and talk. In reality it reminded me of the numerous (more than numerous) times I would take my kids for play dates at the McDonald's Playland in Ohio, and Virginia. Great memories.

Back at Scott and Julie's house the kids played all afternoon while the adults hung out. Devon had twin snowmen for the twin boys. He worked very hard on them all by himself. He did it as a surprise present. It was so precious to see his excitement in showing the boys their snowmen. After making the snowmen, Devon invited the boys and Robert to help him dress them and decorate their faces. They had a great time together!

Logan and Tanner giving their snow friends a kiss.

Jessica adores Mallory as Marissa looks on.

At the same time, Marissa and Jessica were in heaven playing with the 1 year old daughter (their cousin once removed) Mallory! They ooohhhhed and googooed all about her. She eventually fell asleep in Jessica's arms. So precious!

WE ARE SO THANKFUL

Robert with his Great Grandma
Betsy, Jessica and Marissa with my grandma

Devon loves his great grandma!

After eating at Cracker Barrel for dinner!

This Thanksgiving season was very different for our family. Usually we have Kevin's family and or Tami's family come for Thanksgiving since they are the closest family to us. Last year we had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my father, Alison and my sister Kirstie in Hilton Head.

This year was very different. We were thinking of my 89 year old grandma being all alone this year, since my grandfather passed away, so we decided to drive up to visit her and take her out for Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, that's right. She lives in an condo/apartment complex for seniors. Her condo is only one room plus her bedroom. Having six people decend on her isn't a good idea. My lovely grandma is going blind and can't do too much for herself. Usually she eats in the dining hall, but it's closed on holidays - go figure!

Thanksgiving morning we loaded up the car and headed out on our five hour drive. We were all so excited when we finally arrived. Grandma is so special to us! We met her at the door. Charlotte, Grandma's cousin came over and then the eight of us went to Cracker Barrel restaurant for Thanksgiving Dinner. The funniest part of this story is that Marissa was so excited to be eating out because she could order whatever she wanted - and DIDN'T have to have turkey...too funny.

Grandma, Mark and Betsy had traditional turkey, but all the others had the dinner of their choice. Everyone was happy! After dinner we went back to grandma's place to talk and share memories. What a wonderful Thanksgiving!

TWILIGHT IS AWESOME!

Jessica and I went to see the Twilight Movie last night. We got there around 10:15 for the 12:01 showing. Yes! The very first showing!!! We saw so many of our friends there - that was such a nice surprise. We would have been there earlier except Jessica had two basketball games in Frankfort before she could go to the game.

Wasn't it awesome?! Jessica has read this book 10 times (like she has nothing to do with her time). Can't you tell by the condition of the book. Actually, she has two copies - both are well used.

I personally really liked the movie, although there was A LOT left out that I thought should have been included. I think hearing what Edward could hear would have made it better (like in "What a Woman Wants").

Jessica was texting and talking to her friends at 2:30 am about the movie. Jessica said it was the talk at school - all day!

Jessica lucked out a little bit. Mark and I said she could miss seminary but she could not miss any school. Then, I was reminded by the doctor's office that she had a 8:40 a.m. follow up appointment for her finger. What a lucky girl!!!

The good news is she got an extra 2 hours sleep, and her finger is healing nicely.

I hope you all enjoy Twilight as much as I did -
Remember, Edward isn't real!

Robert's Literature

Robert #26

The important thing about me is that I play soccer.

There is a soccer ball that I dribble.

When I get close to the goal I look up and I shoot the ball.

I pass the ball when someone is open.

I get subbed out when I am tired.

I feel good when I score a goal for my team.

I am sometimes goalie for my team trying to save the goal.

I practice soccer outside my house in the backyard.

I practice with my team also.

I like how my team plays.

I like to watch professional soccer,

but the important thing about me is that I play soccer.

Twilight is Coming

Jessica and I are going to see the Twilight movie at midnight on Thursday. She and her friend, I and her friends mother are going to start Friday at 12:01 in the movie theater to see the most anticipated movie since the Harry Potter series.

Jessica has two games earlier that day, so she'll be exausted, but she doesn't care.

She deserves it - she doesn't get into trouble, she is an honor roll student taking an AP class, plus she attends early morning seminary every day, and plays basketball on two teams. I'm so blessed to have such a responsible young lady for a daughter, but I'm even more blessed because she is such a loving and caring person as well. She is pure joy to our family because she makes us all laugh and have fun.

Jessica's team

Jessica's team looks really good. They had a great scrimmage session yesterday. She played every quarter of JV and Varsity. She rebounded, got some steals that converted into points and put points up herself. Since the scrimmages were only one quarter long and then it switched (JV/Varsity/JV, etc) I don't have a final score for either team. However, one of the JV quarters they won 10-0. The others were closer 9-9, 6-6, etc.

Way to go Mustangs - Way to go Jessica!

BASKETBALL SEASON IS OFFICAL

Let the games begin!

If you can believe it ... tonight is the start of Robert's basketball season (Mark is his coach), and the start of high school basketball. Jessica is playing JV and Varsity tonight against North Bullitt, and Robert is playing at BA. Robert's team are the "Future Mustangs" and Jessica's team is the "Lady Mustangs". It's really cute!

I'll keep you posted as the games commence...

More Soccer Games

Robert's team had a super season. Their record is 7-2-2. They came in second in the division. The only team ahead of them had only one loss and that was to Robert's team!

Today Robert had another scrimmage tournament. They were undeafeted after playing three games. They have really learned how to work the ball and find the open player. Robert loves this sport and his team.

Cross Country State Meet

Saturday, November 1 was the STATE Cross Country Meet.

Marissa ran in the 4K open run for the middle school. She did an amazing job finishing 9th in the race with a time of 18:05 - averaging a 7.24 mile for 2 1/2 miles. She finished in the top 10! WOW! She took 47 seconds off her previous time to secure a new personal best. She was presented a medal in the award ceremony.

This was a huge accomplishment for Marissa. She had never participated in this sport prior to this season. She was able to accomplish all her goals this season - of which one was improving her time each meet.

Way to go Marissa!

Haunts for Halloween

Carving Pumpkins is a family tradition.

Reflecting back to a year ago, we feel so blessed to have our family together for Halloween this year. Last year Mark was in England, and I was recovering from major surgery. This year we were all together. We loved carving pumpkins together - each with their own design. Marissa and Mommy on one, Devon and Daddy working on another, and Jessica and Robert designing the third. In the end - they looked great.

Jessica finally decided she was "too old" to trick or treat so she invited a friend over to help her pass out candy. Devon also gave candy out. They both stayed home with Mommy while Mark took Marissa around the neighborhood. Robert went around with his friends Aaron and Kevin.

Happy Halloween!