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Today was our first snowfall.  I've heard an old wive's tale that the date of the first snowfall of the season equals the number of snowfalls there will be during that season.  Being that today is the 30th, I sure hope not!  The kids were really excited about it, even though there is hardly any accumulation.

And, the Keeton question of the day:
Do doggies have boogers?  He then grabbed Mosely by the snout to check and confirmed that, "Yep, a little bit!"

Thanksgiving 1/2 Marathon

With both of our families being fairly local, holidays always seem a bit like an Olympic event.  We sprint from one house to another to another and another, trying to expertly and strategically plan each stop so that we see most, if not all, of the family members.  I call Thanksgiving our 1/2 marathon because Christmas is at least a three day event, whereas Thanksgiving is usually just a two day eating fest! Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way...we are pretty lucky to be able to see all of our families on these major holidays without too much travel involved.  It just adds to the unique craziness (the fun, good memory making kind of craziness) that is "our family"!

Here are some Thanksgiving recaps:

At Grandma & Papa Bloom's (noon):

 Double Trouble-Gus & Keeton shared some chips & dip

 Ashley & Trey got started on the annual family project: this year was table decorations for the mini dinner

 Tired!

 Took a break for dessert--Grandma showed Ashley the proper way to cut the cream pie.

 Everyone has fun with the family project!

 This was the HUGE piece of pie Jeff cut.

 I have no idea what this was...but Ella's face was hilarious!

Ella helped me make & count the table decorations.

Our second stop at 5:30 was my grandmas.  I forgot the camera at the Bloom's. 

We wrapped up our holiday weekend today (Sunday) at my dad's. 

 New puppy, new cage, great fun!

 Nothing says Thanksgiving like a good game of Buck Hunter (can you sense the sarcasm?)

On to Christmas!



Two Men at American Girl

This weekend I was in Chicago to present with my friend and fellow assistant principal at the state school board conference. Sometimes when I am on a business trip to a big city, there is some downtime for a little shopping.  Between prepping for this presentation and the various events and dinners we were invited to attend, we didn't really have time to shop so we sent our husbands with a Christmas list--with explicit directions for American Girl Place.  I think people thought my friend and I were kidding when they asked what our hubbies were doing while we were working--really, they went to American Girl Place?!

I know neither of them was very excited about this, but they did well, and let's face it--two men in a store predominately filled with women draw a little positive attention!  Apparently, they were swarmed on immediately by the saleswoman who happily helped them find all the items on their list.  Kate and Ella will be glad that Jeff came through for them, I'm sure (well, Santa in Ella's case)!  Jeff admitted that once they left the store, there was some consideration given to swapping out the AGP bag for one at Nike Town, but they didn't in the end, proudly sporting the bright red bags down Michigan Avenue for their favorite little girls.

Keeton's first soccer game

Keeton had his very first indoor soccer game for the under 5 league last week.  He has been waiting so patiently to get to play and could not wait to get ready in his soccer gear that day.  He did a little bit of a warm-up in the family room with a kick-ball first:

 When we got to the game, we realized that Keeton may need to learn how to interpret directions.  Here, was told to play defense and to stay by the goal.  He wouldn't move--at all--not even a step--as in let the ball go right past him because, "Coach told me stay here."  Ugh.

 He then asked to play goalie which last for maybe two minutes--he got bored and asked to be moved again!

Overall, when we can convince him he doesn't have to stand still and when he remembers what goal to run at, he did a pretty good job.  He is defnitely little but mighty!

Halloween - and a ride in a police car

 Halloween pictures--finally!  We bought a new camera the day before and so I have just now figured out how to download and post the pictures!  This is the first Halloween Ella didn't want to be something "pretty" or "cute".  I am hoping we aren't past that just yet, but this year she really wanted to be a vampire.  Can I just say that there are an awful lot of innapropriate female vampire costumes?  It was actually hard work to find the one I did which at least had full coverage!  Keeton went back and forth between wanting to be the UPS man (box man, he calls him) and a police officer.  As you can see, he went for the law enforcement!

Before we went trick or treating, Rhett, my new little monkey nephew stopped by for some photo opps.  Dad was dressed as a banana--figured I like Zack, so I won't post those pictures here, thouh they were hilarious.

As in past years, we get together with the neighbors to trick or treat.  The girls were so funny while they waited to go out--they wouldn't let anyone actually come up to the door for candy--they literally chased them down the street forcing candy on them!

 When we got all the kids together, it was time for the annual picture.  Keeton could not convince Tiffany to get in the picture--he just couldn't fiure out why she wasn't excited!

In Washington, the PD, FD, and EMS departments all hand out candy in the neighborhoods.  When we got to the police car, the police officers made a big deal over Keeton's costume saying he was the first police officer they saw all night.  They then offered him the chance of  a lifetime (please, dear God) to sit in the car and even let him turn on the lights!  You know Keeton-he got all shy, but once he did it, he was so pleased with himself!  I don't know if we can top that as a Halloween highlight!
(All right...who thought I was referring to Jeff with this post title?)