Fashion Show!

The kids were in a fashion show last weekend.

We went a few days ahead of time to get the outfits together.  These were some of the outfits that they tried on but didn't make the final cut.  I love Clara's $35 hair bow!

The morning of the show, we had to arrive so early around 8 AM.  Nate was working out with some friends and my mom had to go out of town on emergency.    They had a fitting room set up for the kids with their names written in stars on the door.  It was adorable.  My dad came to video and a close family friend came to watch and help me afterwards.

I didn't get good photos of the final outfits but here are a few.  None of Clara, I am so sad about that.  The video is blurry but you can get the idea.  It was precious and actually a great experience for my kids to be confident on the runway by themselves.

 Click HERE to watch the video of them on the CATWALK!

Thanksgiving Feasts

Today we had two Thanksgiving feasts at different schools!

We went to Sam's school first and went through the lunch line.  

Then we went to Rita's class and did the chicken dance.  

Rita's Birthday, she is 7!!

 We celebrated Rita's birthday a little early with a craft birthday party!  We painted journals, made beaded butterflies and glitter Christmas tree ornaments.  I kept things really simple and focused on what was important to Rita:  having a lot of friends (sixteen!!!), doing crafts and using a glue gun!

Happy Halloween!

Sailor, Tooth Fairy, Pilot, Angel and Pumpkin

Halloween Parade

We joined our neighborhood for the Halloween Parade this year.  

The weather was beautiful and we walked about one mile in the streets.  

This was "round one" of the costumes.  

"Round two" was trick or treating on Halloween night....

Annual Halloween Visit to the Dentist!

This year I remembered to take photos on our annual visit to the dentist office on Halloween.

As you can probably guess... we go to a pediatric dentist!

 Dr. Shannon as a munch-kin

Mrs B Visits!

Growing up, Nate lived on an idyllic street with other families that let their kids play outside and together all the time! They are all still close family friends.  A few weeks ago, Mrs B came to town with her husband on a business trip.  She took the Metro and a taxi to come and visit baby Clara and myself.  

It meant so much to me.  Thank you for visiting Mrs B!!

Clara 2 months!

Walks to the bus stop

First smiles

Sleeping on her belly

Mommy and Me Class

Once a month, I attend we attend a Mommy and Me cooking class at a grocery store in their wine cellar.  We have come to love this!  Since Ellen doesn't go to preschool, she loves this time to be with other children in an instructional setting.  We have had some friends come with us from time to time.

Candi and her boys making pizzas!

Allison and her baby to be!

My friend Andrea and her kids making pumpkin muffins

Time Is of the Essence

Now is the time to get things done… Wade in the water, Sit in the sun, Squish my toes In the mud by the door, Explore the world in a boy just four. Now is the time to study books, Flowers, Snails, How a cloud looks; To ponder “up,” Where God sleeps nights, Why mosquitoes take such big bites. Later there’ll be time To sew and clean, Paint the hall That soft new green, To make new drapes, Refinish the floor— Later on…when he’s not just four. by Irene Foster, called “Time Is of the Essence”

Family member featured on TV !!!

So I have always had a dream to drag my 5 kids to the polls on election day and be featured in the Washington Post.  But.... in reality, I just got asked to step out of line and sit with the people who are handicapped and continued to wait 45 minutes while my kids tried to take Halloween Candy from the election officials "snack table."  

I saw a lot of my neighbors walk through that line during the 45 minutes.

On the other hand, see if you can see one of our favorite people on earth in the first part of this clip!!  

Hint:  look for the cute outfit and blonde hair!!

Click on this to see!!

Girls Weekend Part 3 of 3

In conclusion, one of the things that you would think we do over the weekend is go shopping.  That is true, but it is usually thrift store shopping or clearance centers.  We also usually keep to a time limit so those that don't enjoy the store or shopping in general still have fun.  This year we went to a well known thrift store and shopped.  It was really fun to be together in this setting and shop for each other.

Allison is pregnant and found great maternity clothes to wear in LA.

Christy and Jenn found some boutique clothing.

And lastly, how could be pass up a FAO piano like this one?  

That was the purchase of the weekend!

I am always sad when the weekend is over but ready to see my family again.  I leave refreshed and so thankful that I have a group of Godly friends who want to be with each other every year, let alone me!