JUST AN UPDATE

In late November we brought Evan home with us to spend a week with Grammy and Papa. Because of the snow, ice and bad roads he ended up staying about 4 days longer than expected. We had a good time and he didn't seem to mind too much that he had to stay longer. But I do think he was ready to get home. When we took him home his Mom and Dad were in the process of moving in to their new home so he was also excited about his new bedroom and a much bigger house. Brooklyn sure did have fun playing with her big cousin and now whenever she sees his picture she tries to say "Evan". We know what she is saying but probably no one else woud understand it.

They spent a long time playing with the Tinker Toys. Evan got quite creative building cars and airplanes. Brooklyn was good at taking his projects apart.

The "Little People" toys were also a hit and Brooklyn was intent on listening when Evan explained how everything worked.

Evan and Sadie played in the snow, trying pretty hard to pack the dry stuff together enough to make a snowball. Sadie was always ready to chase anything he threw, even if it fell apart within a couple of feet of them.

After about 45 minutes in the cold snowy fresh air Evan had to rest and it wasn't long before he was sound asleep. TJ thought that looked like a good idea and took her own nap.

We have Brooklyn at the store on Tuesday afternoons and Friday's. Her and Evan had to "help" Papa when he was trying to fix a washer. I wonder if he was getting anything done or just enjoying the time with the grandkids. Evan did get to actually help fix a dryer while he was there. Maybe he will be the next appliance mechanic in the family.

Krista and Scott sent me this picture of Keira via cell phone picture messaging. It isn't super clear but shows that we have ourselves a little thumb sucker. All three of our kids were thumb suckers so it doesn't surprise me that one of the grandkids has this little habit. Actually it makes for some pretty contented babies.

Kayleigh's 4th birthday was in November and since she is in love with horses Krista and I made her a horse cake. I think about every other present she got had something to do with horses so she had a GREAT birthday.

Don't have any pictures to post right now of our big project with the new building. Jocelyn is the one that has been good about taking progress pictures. Maybe one of these days she will post some of the before, during and after pictures of what we got ourselves in to. Our upstairs renter will be moving out this coming weekend so we will be up there cleaning again and hopefully get someone else in there soon. We haven't even started work on the the other apartment because we have been trying to get the main part of the building ready for the expansion of the existing business. It is a big project and unfortunately the most of the work needs to be done during ice fishing season and the guys think ice fishing is a priority. I still have a hard time thinking anyone can enjoy sitting out on the ice, in the cold and wind, trying to catch a fish. I will stick to my nice warm house, a good cup of hot cocoa and my computer or a good book.

If any of you are in town in the near future stop by and we will show you around the new building.

Thanksgiving 2007

Joc posted some pictures from

Thanksgiving

on her blog so I tried to find pictures that reflect some of the other aspects of the day. We had 16 adults and 8 little ones so it was a fun filled day. Family, food, fun, games, shooting skeet, getting cold, warming up and just enjoying the day.

It took 3 pictures to get everyone in.....the oldest four kids sat in the kitchen, Boo in the high chair, Keira with Auntie Kara and the twins with their mom and dad.

Cassie, Kayleigh (Bug), Evan and Lindsey enjoyed the arbor swing even though it was pretty cold outside. Bug thought it was too bright so had to put on her sunglasses. Lindsey was pretty concerned that Evan would only stand behind the swing rather than sit with all the girls.

Carey and Sarah try to teach the four older kids how to play Chinese Checkers. It went pretty well for a while but then they got bored with it and needed to find something else to do. This is when we decided it was time to take some pictures.

Craig and Scott usually find time for some "friendly" games of cribbage and thought Tim should learn how to play. I'm not sure what the outcome was but they all seemed to be having fun.

Ron, Rol, Gary and Norm played Yahtzee while John looked on. This game got a little roudy at times. I think the guys were all getting warmed up after spending a couple of hours out in the cold weather shooting the guns.

Boo, Logan, Cole and Keira are all getting to know each other. Logan and Cole look so much alike that maybe this picture is Cole and Logan instead of Logan and Cole. :)

There were many more pictures taken but this gives you a good idea of how the day went. Truly one of thanksgiving for all our many blessings and for our family and friends.