Thanksgiving Week

This year Ethan and I both had the full week of Thanksgiving off from school. Aaron and I started the weekend off with our annual trip to the Hill Country with our friends sans kids. Although I did not document our weekend away, my parents helped take some pics of the weekend and were happy to send them to me. K and E had a wonderful time with Nanny and PawPaw.

Kate spent some time with Charlie her little furry friend that she loves so much.

This is how I wish my children were all the time. They look so calm and loving in this picture.

The last part of the weekend our close friends were very gracious and let our kids stay with them. K and E had a blast. They took them fishing on the last day and were very successful.

Ethan caught a bass, he loves to fish and loves it even more when he actually catches something.

Kate got her hands on one too.

We are very grateful for family and friends who are willing to spend time with our children so that we can get a weekend away.

The rest of the week the kids and I rested and stayed close to home. It was much needed rest after a very busy Fall. We spent Thanksgiving day at my parents house which always includes a house full of people, yummy food, and football watching.

The day after Thanksgiving is always our day to decorate the house for Christmas. It has become a yearly tradition minus the years Aaron has been in Vietnam.

Kiddos so excited and ready to help Dad with the Christmas lights. Not really cold outside but still felt the need to dress for a blizzard!

Our finished tree! I love Christmas!

Saturday we spent the day with NeeNee and BaPaw at the Fair Park holiday festival. It was free, there were no crowds, and a lot of fun. The kids visited with Santa and it was our best experience yet, it has only taken almost 8 years to get a good picture. Ha! They both smiled and talked to Santa for a while.

We decorated cookies, made an ornament, and got our face painted. It was well worth the trip to Dallas.

Silly girl with her butterfly painted face!

We ended our Thanksgiving by celebrating the first day of Advent. Our LG's family devotion for this month is to participate in Advent. Tonight we learned that the first candle stands for the hope we have in God. He is faithful to keep his promises and send his son Jesus to be the Light of the world!

Ethan lighting the first candle of Advent.