Our First Trip to see Santa

Since July, Adam has been talking about what he wants Santa to bring him for Christmas. He has been very clear that he wants "Duck the Great Western Engine" and that Alden wants "Lady". Both are trains from Thomas the Train. So I have been telling him that he has to sit on Santa's lap and tell him.

Well, while in PA over Thanksgiving we went to the mall. Santa was there. Last year, Adam was TERRIFIED of Santa. He wouldn't even go near him. So since we were at the mall, I asked Adam if he wanted to sit on Santa's lap. He first said no. So I didn't push it. Then he changed his mind. So we went over where Santa was and by the time I got to him, Adam was already on Santa's lap telling him what he wanted. He smiled for the picture and told Santa what Alden wanted as well. We got off his lap and were walking away and Adam asked where his train was. He thought Santa was supposed to give it to him then. After a little discussion, he is now anxious for him to come to our house and drop off his train on Christmas night. I hope Santa delivers!


The boys on Santa's Lap 

Over the River and Through the Woods to Grammy's House we Go!

I don't think we've ever gone this long without posting. We are all still alive and well. We traveled to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving. The boys and I left the Saturday before and flew to Baltimore where Grammy and PopPop picked us up. On our way to Elimsport (Abrahm's hometown), we stopped by Nana and Zedo's for a yummy dinner! Once we got to the farm the boys went non-stop. They had a great time. Adam loved "helping" PopPop feed the cows (all 69 of them!), combine the rest of the corn, and load the corn into the grain bin. He was in heaven. Alden wasn't quite big enough this trip to really enjoy the farm, but he did enjoy being spoiled by Grammy.

Abrahm joined us on Thankgiving day for dinner at Aunt Karin's and Uncle Scott's house. I think there were a total of 26 folks for dinner. The boys had a blast and actually behaved themselves pretty well.

Once we got back to the farm after Thanksgiving the kids enjoyed playing with all their new friends. We had lots of visitors and the boys had lots of friends to entertain.

Now that we're back safe and sound it's time to get into gear and get ready for Christmas. This year my parents and my brother and his family are heading our direction for the holidays. So we've got to get to work so we'll be ready for their arrival.

One last thought on Thanksgiving. It's usually a time of reflection for all those things we are thankful for. I think this year, more than many others, I realized how very blessed our family is. Unlike last year's Thanksgiving, this one we celebrated for the first time as a family of four. We are so thankful that Abrahm is home with us this year and that we get to celebrate this holdiay season as a complete family again. I can't believe next year this time we'll be a family of 5!!! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.


Allyia, Adam and Alden playing "sledding" with an old box 

Crash! 

Alden playing in the water as the cows watch very closely 

Adam with PopPop on the 4 wheeler 

Alden riding the 4 wheeler with Daddy 

Playing the player piano with Daddy 

Alden and Adam watching the Curious George movie that Grammy bought for them 

Adam and Alden with their friends Laura and Clara. 

Nana, Zedo, Adam, Abrahm and Alden at Aunt Karin's house for Thanksgiving 

Listening to Grammy read a story 

Allyia and Adam hanging out in the tent 

Playing Ring Around the Rosy with Allyia 

Adam heading to the fields with PopPop to bring in the wagons filled with corn 

A gorgeous Pennsylvania sunset. 

Riding the airplane in the mall 

My attempt to get a picture of the boys together 

Alden hanging out in the chair trying not to smile 

Adam in his turkey shirt. 

This is from our plane trip on the way to Baltimore. The boys were perfect. Alden fell asleep right after take-off and Adam just watched his Thomas movie. On our trip home the flight was full, so Alden and Adam had to share a seat. But once again, they were perfect. They just sat there and watched their movie and had their snacks.  

Fall is Fun!

Our leaves are finally coming off of the trees. We still have a few left, but not too many anymore. The boys enjoyed "helping" Daddy rake leaves and jumping in the piles.


Both boys working hard

Adam burying Alden 

Alden with his rake 

In a pile of leaves 

Helping Daddy rake