My Turkey Artist!

A few weeks ago, I took the kids to the library to get their very own library card. I don't know if you have seen the Arthur episode where D.W. has a hard time writing her full name and she continues to practice, because she wants to get her very own library card? Avi and Anderson just learned how to write their names, so after seeing the episode we decided to go to the library.

On a side note, I have very rarely run into a nice librarian. The woman that works at our library in the kids section is super nice and helpful, but the women that check the books out are just not nice! Why is that????? I was downstairs in the children's section trying to find a movie for the kids and I look up and they are all climbing up the stairs. I grabbed the video and then made my way up the stairs to find a women telling me that I need to be with my kids at all time. Of coarse I said I was right here and they are being watched. I assume she doesn't have kids and she doesn't have three kids 4 and under. Sorry if I offended any librarians.

Back to my story, we were at the library and I saw there was a coloring contest. I picked three turkeys up and then the kids went to get their library cards. They were so proud. Anderson slept with his card that night!

When we got home the kids worked on their turkeys. We were a little creative and put gems on them and then Anderson put feathers on his. We turned them in and then after Thanksgiving we got the call that Avi won. She was very excited! I was bummed I had to tell Anderson that he didn't and that they could only pick one winner.

Avielle went with her dad to the library to pick up her prize. She received a book, moose, 3 coloring books, and a paint set. She decided on her own to give the coloring books to her brother and sister. She is always so thoughtful of others.

A Night in Chicago!

A week before Thanksgiving we took the two oldest kiddos to Chicago or as they call it, "The Towers." We took the kids to Chicago last year and they just loved it! They were extremely excited to go to the parade and stay in a hotel! The above picture is of us in the minivan and the two just woke up from their naps and saw all the beautiful buildings.

Our friends, Jake, Shari, and baby Katie live downtown and their apartment is near Navy Pier. We parked at their parking garage and met up with the McMahon's and the Domier's to go see the parade.

If you remember from last year we took the kids to the parade and we took all three of the our kids and a very nice lady helped hold Avi the whole time so she could see the parade. This time Anderson was on Chevy's shoulders and Avi was right up front. Our little Ellie was staying the night with Grammie and Papa. That meant that I actually could just stand there and just take pictures with my camera!

Here is Santa at the parade.


This is Mackenzie and Avi right at the front the crowd!

Here is Bella and Avi all bundled up!

Here are the daddy's holding their kids, so they could see the parade!

We were very excited to see Mickey and Minnie. This was Minnie's first appearance at the Chicago parade!

Look at the joy on Josh's face! Yes, I don't think this was his favorite experience standing out in the cold with two cranky children. This was not his idea of pure bliss. I told the McMahon's that this should be their Christmas card! What do you think?

The Lyman Family

The Domier Family

The Chevrier Family, except we are missing our sweet Ellie!

After the parade we went back to Jake and Shari's house for dessert and hot chocolate. For some reason I didn't feel well and we decided to head to the hotel. (No I am not pregnant!) The kids were so excited to ride their first taxi ride. We all four squished in the backseat and rode to the hotel. It was a quaint hotel with a lot of wood work. Of coarse, Anderson woke up at 6:00 in the morning. The next day, I was feeling better so we got ready and headed over to Jake and Shari's for breakfast. Shari made us some yummy cinnamon rolls!

After our breakfast we headed to Navy Pier to the Children's Museum. We took the kids there last year and they had such fun! In the picture above you can see they had a fire station exhibit. Lately, Anderson has really been into playing fireman.

Katie having fun at the firehouse.

The dads got really serious and built this fun tower. Just so you know there was a time limit! The kids had a lot of fun helping and at the end they got to record their experience in a book that was played back for them.

At the museum they have a camping room where you can pretend to go fishing.

Katie was able to play with light switches right a her level!

Avi really enjoyed the baby room!

Happy Thankgiving!

Happy Thankgiving!

Thankful Tuesday!

Ryan and I have been truly blessed by amazing grandparents. Each of our grandparents have taken an active role in our lives and helped shaped us into the people we are today.

In the above picture is Grandma Alice, Ryan's grandmother. She has such a sweet and caring spirit and truly loves the Lord. When Ryan was a kid he would say that she would butter his arm for a long time. Meaning, she would stroke his arm back and forth. :)

This is Grandpa Dale with Ellie. His is one of the hardest working men I have ever met! He looks tough on the outside, but he is a tender hearted man. He truly cares for the people around him. They live in Florida, so we just love being able to visit with them. We stayed with them during the birth of Avi. It was so special to share that moment with them.

This is Grandma Millie Chevrier playing dolls with Ellie. She and her husband, Grandpa Chuckie raised 6 boys! Yes, 6 boys! She is amazing with kids and has such energy to keep up with them. Right after Ellie was born she came out to Chicago with Alicea to meet Ellie. Ellie was on her oxygen and Avi and Anderson were 20 months old. She would run around the house with Avi and Anderson playing hide and seek and would go swing on the swings outside with them.

Here are my grandparents, Mae and John Vander Schaaf. They are such a big part of my life. I remember as a young girl that I had an issue and I can't remember what it was and I decided to call Grammie and tell her my problem. She told me that she was so glad that I called her and that I told her my problem and that she truly wanted to listen to what I had to say. That meant so much to me as a young girl knowing that someone really wanted to know my thoughts and wanted to listen to what I wanted to say.

I'm truly blessed to have both of them in my life and I just love their Christian influence. They were married a Moody Bible Institute and Papa used to sing Sunday mornings while Grammie accompanied him with piano.

My grandparents on my father's side have passed. Grandma Anderson passed right after our wedding and Papa Anderson passed when I was 10 years old. Grandma Anderson was a neat lady who taught Sunday School for many years. She would bring her 5 boys to church each week and Papa Anderson would drop them off at the door. Papa Anderson had a heart attack and my parents were able to pray with him before he passed and Papa squeezed my parents hand saying that he accepted Christ into his life.

Thank you grandparents for making such a big impact on our lives and on your great grand children's lives! We love you!

Soccer

Avi and Anderson started soccer a few weeks ago. Ryan gets off early from work to come to their practices. Avi and Anderson also play soccer with their friend's Mackenzie and Bella.

Here are their biggest cheerleaders!

Fun Gift!

Avielle and Anderson have really been into drawing and coloring as of late. My parent's bought the kids briefcases and filled them with lots of fun stuff for their birthday. There was a folder for their drawings, post-it notes, scissors, tape, alphabet puzzle, hole punchers, calculator, and much more. They have been playing with this for hours. This is a great gift idea for a 4 year old!

(Late) Thankful Tuesday!

I am truly thankful for our friends. Ryan and I have been blessed with many amazing friends. Life can be difficult and having friends support and love means so much. So, here are some random pictures of friends.

Thankful Tuesday!

I am thankful for family! Both Ryan and I come from two very loving homes. Our children have two sets of wonderful grandparents that they just adore. Ryan and I are also blessed with many sisters!

Thankful Tuesday!

I am extremely thankful for my husband! He is one of the most giving individuals that I know. He is an amazing father to his three little ones.