Plaza Lighting Ceremony

Another one of our family traditions (since we moved to KC) is to go to the Plaza lighting ceremony. After our delicious dinner we bundled up and headed out to join the 500,000 other crazy people! Scott and Grandma were wiped out from cooking and they opted to stay home near the cozy fireplace. The kids and I found a good parking spot and made our way to the KCP&L stage. The kids wanted to get as close to the stage as possible so we kept making our way to the front...there were sooooo many people that it became a little uncomfortable squeezing in between strangers...when there was no space in between bodies...it was just plain crazy! We ended up near the stage and had a great seat for the fireworks and lighting.

When we first got to the Plaza we got coffee at Latte Land and sat down next to Benjamin Franklin...and I captured this lovely moment before they were paying attention. In case you don't know what life is like with 3 boys...here is a glimpse...of Eli picking Ben's nose...

And the cleaned up version....they look so cute when they are behaving, don't they?

Great view right? This was our second night of FIREWORKS and it was a great display!

My brave little trailblazers who made their way to the front. It must have been the coffee that gave them that extra push...cause they just kept on going! They are such great kids!

Did I mention I LOVE fireworks? :)

Notice there is NO PERSONAL SPACE between people...can you believe a lady tried to push a wheelchair thru this 20 minutes after this photo? It really was crazy!

This is my little man... I had to hold him up a few times to see the stage.

I took about 6 of these shots using different settings on my camera...I see half hearted smiles on 2 of the 4..can you? 

The Plaza is so beautiful when it's all lit up!

A stranger offered to take our photo...and later Noah and I discussed how both of us were working out a plan just in case the guy took off running with my camera....he can be quite the responsible young man sometimes...but thankfully, the guy really was just nice...and now you all get to see how much I looked like an eskimo! :)

This is one of my favorite shots with one of the cool street lamps.

 We had a great Thanksgiving week with lots of traditions that helped us kick off the Christmas season. We are looking forward to Christmas break and extended time with the kids! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is my absolute favorite holiday! I love it because it is about family, home cooked food and remembering all the things I am thankful for. I love that it hasn't been commercialized and that it sort of hides between Halloween and Christmas. That keeps it safe and sentimental for me!

We start our Thanksgiving by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade as a family. Even the puppies joined in lounging around on the couch...

Each of the kids have their own dish to prepare for Thanksgiving and this year I got a hint of what it will be like to have the kids make everything! They are so great in the kitchen and after 52 weeks of helping us in the kitchen every year, they really shine on Thanksgiving. They really are amazing. I love cooking all day and talking to the kids while we prepare our feast. This year I was very thankful for an updated Stove! I love knowing that the kids are going to have life long memories of our family time in the kitchen!

I am very thankful for many things this year.  I am thankful for a home that now has hot water and a fireplace for winter.  I am thankful for these luxuries that so many take for granted.  I am thankful for unemployment that has helped feed our family for the past 12 months. I am thankful that Grandma survived her 2nd open heart surgery and is still here getting stronger. I am thankful that my husband is no longer on IV therapy and can't even imagine how we did that for 2.5 years. I am so thankful for him, his great attitude and his ability to do just about anything. I am thankful that he came out of treatment healthier than he went in and that he is still alive today. I am thankful for each of my bonus kids and the relationships we have. I know that I got off easy with these kids and that the ease we had becoming a family is rare. I am thankful for their love, friendship and laughter in my life. I am thankful for new beginnings, grace, mercy and love. I am thankful for family time, teaching moments and the opportunity to grow as a family. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love and know that if you are reading this blog....I am thankful for you!

Christmas In The Sky

For the 3rd year in a row, we went to KUDL's Christmas in the Sky at Longview Lake, the day before Thanksgiving. Since our holiday schedule rotates every year the boys were excited to be able to do it again this year, for the 2nd time, while it was Autumn's 3rd time. Our First and Second years were fantastic and we look forward to it every year. This time we went to a different part of the lake and parked near the stage where we could watch the show. They have lots of music, singing, dancing and of course an appearance by Santa Clause. The weather wasn't too bad so Lucas, Autumn and I ventured out into the crowd while everyone else stayed in the van eating snacks and staying warm(er).

I LOVE fireworks and KUDL does a great job with this show. The fireworks are timed with the Christmas music so its a great way to bring/sing in the holidays in Kansas City. It was extra special this year because after a very long 6 months, Autumn was "allowed" to come back home and she got to enjoy our family tradition too. She was home for 5 days and had a great time with us. Welcome back sis!

Is This What Markers Are For?

Happy Birthday Grandma!

This year the 5th of Nov., was a busy, busy day. The kids came home and we had a special family dinner for Grandma before we each had to hurry off to our different activities. Grandma requested KFC fried chicken, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. I had to work at the haunted house and the boys went with Scott to a wedding. My sis-in-law Deanie had gotten married last summer, and her husband has family right here in Olathe. Aunt Deanie and Uncle Mike flew here from FL for the wedding and we hung out with them as much as we could. We gave grandma a snuggie for her 69th(!) birthday and enjoyed our family dinner.

 At our dinner we somehow ended up with balloon hats...and Grandma, not wanting to be left out, made her own pumpkin hat. I love it that we are silly, spontaneous and have fun as a family. Even Grandma joins in on the fun when she can...

I am very thankful for my mom and can't believe we just celebrated 69 years! She may have aged a lot in the past two years but her heart is young and spry. She fights for life every day and my birthday prayer for her this year is for her to regain her strength...so she can live the life she wants. I love you mom. Happy Birthday!

Here are the cutie pies all spiffy for the wedding. Aren't these boys handsome?

Happy Birthday Noah!

It is hard to believe that Noah is 12 already! I still think of him as that little boy I met so long ago who was shy, funny and beautiful. He is becoming a handsome young man that loves music, art and cooking. He is always watching and learning from those around him and his dry sense of humor makes us laugh. He is quiet, introspective, intelligent and kind. He can also be loud, crazy and goofy too! You are strong, smart and witty and we are very proud of you Noah! Happy 12th Birthday!