A Little Artist in the Group?

First, please excuse Ellie's poor runny nose. The kids have caught a cold and I'm praying it will leave soon. I have disinfected everything given them so many natural medicines to help hurry it up, but it hasn't made its exit yet. I'm thinking by Tuesday it will be gone or lets say I'm praying.
So the above picture is of Ellie who just turned 18 months. She just loves to color and will sit in her seat for 30 minutes just coloring. I am extremely shocked by this behavior because my other two would never sit and color more than 10 minutes.
I can't believe how she covers the paper with color. I'm hoping that we have an artist in the group. Is this normal?

First Snow!

There is nothing like the first snow in a child's eyes!

Happy Meal?

The above picture is a bucket of McDonald toys that sit outside our garage door. As you can see it is overflowing with toys and I don't think I can add much more to the pile without it toppling over. I usually use these toys during long car rides, in restaurants, or I put a blanket outside on the lawn and the kids play with them on the blanket when it is warm outside.
This pile is getting quite large and I can't believe how much we do go to McDonald's. My husband currently loves the boy toys, Nerf. He has more fun with the little toy then Anderson! My question is what to do with these toys? I hate to throw them out to make room for new ones. So I did some research on McDonald toys and their value. I came to this site and saw this conversation.

Question:
I have 100 unopened McDonald toys still in their bag from 1994-2005. How much can I get for these toys?

Answer:
Sorry to say they are not worth much value. Because the toys were made in mass value. Maybe in 100 years they will be valued?

There is my answer, they are not worth keeping. So I guess I will sort through them and pick out the ones that are used the most. Can you believe a person has collected McDonald toys from 1994-2005? That is amazing and crazy!?!?!?
What do you do with your McDonald toys?

Wordless Wednesday

Thanksgiving Summary!

We had a fun time on our trip to Michigan for Thanksgiving. It was a great time playing and eating. I think I gained 4 pounds that I'm now trying to get off before Christmas so I fit into my Christmas gifts. If you know what I mean?????
We had Thanksgiving the night before at Ryan's Dad's side of the family. The kids had a lot of fun playing with their cousin Ava. They only see her during holidays when we are in Michigan. They played the game "going to Michigan." I'm sure Ava thought this was strange, since she lives in Michigan.
We also had the opportunity to meet up with Ryan's friends from High School, Meagan and Chris. They have three children around the same age as ours. The kids had a lot of fun playing together, especially Anderson and Malia. We had a nice time catching up and they were so kind to have us over and make a homemade meal. The stir fry Meagan made was amazing and the kids got to make their own pizza!
Nana and Grandpa watched the kids on Saturday night and Ryan and I went out to Chili's and had a great dinner for two that was $20. On our date we went camera shopping and saw a movie.

Malia, Anderson, Eva, and Ellie (Parker was asleep)
Auntie Renee and Chevy

Playing Playdoh!

Kids with their Nana!
Playing their made up game
Avielle playing with her cousin Ava

"Thanksgiving Time"

Wordless Wednesday!

Anderson and Avielle asleep in the car!

Kindness!

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to go to the Millennium Park Parade. Chevy and I ventured out with the three kiddos and drove down to the city! I know your thinking wow you did that with three young kids! I know, Chevy took a little while to convince! Later he told me it was worth going!

We got to the city and parked the car and ran to get a spot to see the parade. When we first got our spot the gentlemen next to us told me that we were in the perfect location, because we would have the best spot for the fireworks. We thought great! Lets stay here and told our Domier friends about this great spot.

As the parade started around the corner, the crowd grew and our nice sidewalk step became flooded with people. Our sweet little kids could no longer see over the gigantic people that stood in the road where the police officer told them to move.

Ryan and I thought there is no way that we can hold three children! Just then this sweet woman next to us looked at Avielle and said I will hold you! We were so blessed by this woman who we didn't even know and how she just jumped in to help us. This sweet woman from Indiana, seen in 4th picture, came to our rescue and allowed Ryan and I the peace of mind knowing they could all see.

This sweet woman interacted with Avi and quickly pointed out that Avielle already had the princess wave down! The whole experience of the kindness of this woman encouraged me to pay it forward and go out of my way and help others. Thank you woman from Indiana who works at the United States Post Office. Thank you for giving up time with your family and helping a fellow family. We will never forget your kindness!