Making Cookies

Pardon the underwear.... Don't say I didn't warn you.  I'll explain...  the boys were getting food on their cloths and they didn't like that so they undressed to make it easier.  I wasn't going to complain being they were enjoying helping me out.  I discovering some battles are not worth the fight.

This past weekend, we spend much of our time in the kitchen and in the dinner room making cookies and a few candies.  I think we all enjoyed it.  Griffin loved this scooper the best.  He did really well with it. 

 Gavin was reading a recipe to Griffin.  He was told to find the number of eggs that were required for the peanut butter blossoms.  He did find it.  They love to make me work for my pictures.  LOL

 Gavin was showing Garrett how to open a Hershey Kiss so that he could help too.

 They are all working hard at rolling the cookies into a ball, rolling it in sugar, and then placing it on the cookie sheet.

 They thought putting in the kiss was neat as well.

We ended up making two dozen peanut butter blossoms, rice krispie treats, chocolate covered pretzels, mint brownies, anise cookies, pink ice, two dozen monster cookies, and several dozen sugar cookies.  We are handing out our goodies to some people this week.  Merry Christmas!! 

Trimming the tree

We usually "trim" the tree right after Thanksgiving and this year was no different.  We got the tree down, tuned on Christmas music, and the excitement began.  Gavin and Griffin were beyond excited to get the ornaments on.  They had to wait a little bit since we didn't realize that our lights were not any good so Kerry had to make a quick run to get some.  Since Gavin can read now, he was all about handing out the ornaments to Griffin if they were his or finding his in our organized (Ha ha) box.  It was fun to hear them make up stories why they received certain ornaments.  Some ornaments they did know the story behind so that was really neat to go down memory lane.  Both Grandma Ruth and Grandma Redenick gave the boys ornaments for the first couple years of their lives so it is always fun to look back.  I have a few ornaments from years past so I get to share as well.  Every year I try to purchase a new ornament to represent our family for the year and have it personalized.  So this year we got three frogs together with all their names on their hats.  I made them put that ornament on first, Garrett got to do the honors so he was a part of trimming the tree.  I think we will keep that tradition for years to come.  Garrett has been really good with the tree so far.  He loves to take one ornament off that is an airplane and play with it but that is it.     

I think we all do a great job with the tree.

The Boys Meet Santa

On Saturday, we took the boys to meet Santa.  I absolutely love this picture.  I think it is just going to be a classic.  It is really good of everyone.  We went to the Bass Pro Shop because the boys love it there and they have really fun activities for the boys to do while we waiting for our turn with Santa.  We took Mama Dolphin since she had never experienced the Bass Pro Shop so it was really fun to see her expressions.  The boys were able to see them feed the fish this time around.  We made a snowman craft and did a few other fun activities before heading home.  The boys wanted to give Santa their list but instead they just told him their list, it did take a while.  Gavin was not shy at all and explained everything he wanted.  Griffin was a little bit shy but he did say his list to Santa.  I don't know how much he heard but I think he got it.  The boys are in full blown Christmas spirit and I'm soaking it all up.  I love it!!

Thanksgiving

This year at Thanksgiving we had a mixture of Kerry's and mine side of the family over.  It was real casual but so wonderful.  I love to bake and cook so I did as much as I could.  We had ham, turkey, a new sweet potato casserole, Jell-O, mashed potatoes, homemade dressing, rolls, and pumpkin pie.  I'm probably missing some things but we had a ton of food and it was all delicious.  In the morning while I get things ready the boys and I try to catch as much of the Macy's Day parade as we can.  I remember when I was little watching it so it is exciting to share the tradition.  The boys do get distracted but even hearing it in the background is wonderful.  Gavin and Griffin helped this year with making some of the stuff.  They loved to peel and mash the sweet potatoes.  We all filled our bellies to the maximum and then some of us fell asleep while others just relaxed and watched football.  As you can tell Gavin and Garrett were very comfortable (Griffin didn't want to take a picture aka he was extremely tired).  We have so very much to be thankful for and we are glad we could share with our family.  THANKSGIVING is my all time favorite holiday of the year!!!     

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Garrett (Nov. 15)

 Happy FIRST birthday, Garrett!!!  You have been such a special joy to our lives.  I can't believe how quickly the year has flown by.  Here are a few tidbits about little Baby Garrett.  Garrett recently started standing up against couches and tables.  He is such a happy and easy going little boy.  Recently he has become Kerry's very best friend.  He is definitely a Daddy's boy or a Papa 4 wheeler's little boy.  Garrett will try anything, food wise, at least once and he continues to love his milk.  Some of his favorite foods are pasta, bread, jello, and chips.  He still twirls his feet and hands.  I think any day he will just take off walking or possibly running.  :)  When Gavin and Griffin aren't talking for him, he jabbers a lot and loves to scream.  It is really funny.  He has a quite the head of hair and his eyes are still blue as can be.  Everything at this point goes straight to his mouth and I mean EVERYTHING.

It was difficult to get everyone together right before Thanksgiving so we had family coming over when they could.  On Saturday we had cake and singing.  He didn't know what to think.      

 He did get into the cake though and then...

 it was too cold and he didn't like it anymore until...

 his Daddy would feed him.  Then he liked it.

We love this little boy so very much!  He is such a blessing in our lives just like our other boys!!  God has blessed us with some great sons.

Basketball fans

Last night, the boys, Daddy, and I went to the basketball game to watch EJ and Cassie play some basketball.  The boys were so excited and couldn't wait.  It was their very first game plus it was the beginning of their Turkey Tournament.  Go P.C. Hawks!!!

Turkey Cookies

Today the boys and I made these adorable turkey cookies.  Hopefully you can tell that is what they are.  I got the idea off of the Meijer ad last week and thought I would try them with the boys.  Plus it would help get rid of some of the Halloween candy we have left over.  It is an Oreo dipped in chocolate bark, candy corn fethers, and M & Ms eyes.