Thanksgiving Feast

Today, we had our Thanksgiving Feast at James' preschool. The children each made their Native American costume, which included a dyed t-shirt with animal prints, a hat with feathers, a necklace with painted beads, and a shaker. They all came in the room after the parents were seated and lined up. They sang (were suppose to sing) 3 Little Indians and I'm glad I'm not a Turkey. It was so cute. James didn't sing a bit....not one word. Although he did manage to yell "Mama" until he found me and Lilly. After their songs, we all sat down and had lunch. The teachers made a big pot of homemade vegetable soup and corn muffins. We brought food from Wendy's for James and Lilly. They also had a huge table with desserts. We tried the cookies (sugar, chocolate, and chocolate chip), cake, and brownies. As soon as we sat down, Lilly had to take James' hat off of him and wear it. She wore it the rest of the time we were there. After we ate, the kids ran around and played with their friends before coming home. It was a fun day and we all enjoyed it!

Uma's Birthday

Uma, the Birthday Girl!

James, the wild man!

Lilly, the sidekick!

This afternoon, we went to Monkey Joe's for a birthday party for Uma, one of James' friends from preschool. James was wild (as usual) and with all of his friends there, he had a great time. Lilly was right in the middle of them and keeping up with every move he made. Once I looked up and she had made her way to the big slide and was going down on her belly. The girl has no fear....just like her brothers! They played for about 2 hours and had some juice and cake. They are both so tired that I know they are going to pass out early tonight! We love Monkey Joe's!

A Day with Nana

Nana decided to come up for Sunday and visit with us. She got here late Saturday afternoon and stayed until late Sunday night. I didn't tell the kids that she was coming and they were so surprised when Pup came running in. Lilly mouth dropped wide opened and she yelled, "Pup, Nana!" and took off running to find Nana. We had a fun day on Sunday. We walked around the neighborhood, let the kids play in the park, rode bikes and the jeep, and then we took the kids to Brusters. Ice cream is always a good idea!

Fall Harvest Road Race

Tonya and Trevor, early morning volunteers

Trevor helps assign race numbers

Grace is ready to run!

Trevor and I volunteered to help out with the Fall Harvest 5K & 10K road race. They also have a Kids Fun Run called "Shake your tail feathers" after the road race is over. The race is put on by the Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department. We thought that it would be fun to get involved. Todd stayed at home with James and Lilly while we got up at 5:30 AM and headed out. Our duties were to help out with the registration and t-shirts. Once the race started, we worked on the course and were at a water stop. It was great fun and well worth the early rising. Trevor even said that he wants to volunteer again next year. James' friend, Grace, even participated in the Kids Fun Run.

Yard Work

Todd is a perfectionist about our lawn. Each Fall, we have to scalp the grass, rake the thatch, aerate, and reseed. That may not sound like a lot, but trust me when I say that it is. We also trimmed the trees by the street and sidewalk and the shrubs in our flower beds. I enjoy being outside and working in the yard. I love planting flowers and seeing them grow. Let me restate that.....I like to plant, although it is hard work sometimes, but the end result is so beautiful. I love seeing the flowers grow and bloom in the spring. My Granny had a green thumb and a real love for gardening. I am thankful that is one of the things that I learned from her and that I still enjoy doing. I often think of her when I see a beautiful garden or flower. Granny's favorite flower was a lily. I wish she could see my Lilly! I know that she would be so proud and happy!

Weekend Trip to Georgia

Lilly and Nanny

Lilly and Emily



Grandma Phipps with James, Trevor, and Melanie


Trevor, Jake, and Nick

Todd had to go to New York City to work for the weekend so we decided to pack up and head to Georgia to visit with family. We had a long 3 days and we visited with most of our family (briefly) while we were there. The kids enjoyed playing with their cousins and seeing their grandparents.

Trick or Treat!

Jango Fett

Lilly Bug

Lilly Bug and Jango trick or treating

Going through our loot

Here are a few pictures from our trick or treating night! We scored lots of candy!!