It seems like every post I do lately turns into a novel and not an exciting one, so really the pictures say most of it...if you aren't into the boring ramblings that have become my posts lately just look and enjoy.
We have had a wonderful Thanksgiving week!!! When my parents came to the realization that we really weren't coming home for Christmas this year they decided it had just been too long since they had seen us. They quickly made plans to come out for Thanksgiving and not so quickly made the 22 hour 15000 mile trip to see us. Since they were driving this time the arrival time was up in the air and Caden was a little thrown off by that. He kept asking if they knew how many sleeps it would be until they got here. They finally arrived while we were at church last Sunday and we were all so excited to see them again. We had a great reunion and then headed to the canal walk in the freezing cold. They loved it...I just wish it would have been warmer. There is so much I would still like to do with them here and the time to leave is almost upon us. Tuesday Grams and Gramps went to preschool with the kids and Wednesday we decided to throw my "No Christmas until Thanksgiving" rule out the window and go Christmas tree hunting. Since I'm from Idaho we normally just go out to the forest and cut down a tree but we didn't know exactly how to go about getting a real tree in Indy. Usually we go home for the entire Christmas season and don't bother with a tree of our own so it was all new to us. Brady did some searching and we found a great little tree farm and had a terrific day in the perfect tree hunting weather.
The hunt was actually pretty painless and I really think we came out with the perfect tree"(eat your heart out Andy).
My parents found one they liked so much they even took it back to Idaho in their car, crazy I know but my mom is obsessed with finding perfection in a real tree and this year I think she realized her dream for the very first time. After the tree adventures we rushed to see Bolt in 3D at the IMAX. The kids loved it and it finished out our day just right. Or so the boys thought...after the movie the ladies still had pies and cheese ball to make for the Thanksgiving festivities the next day. In spite of one minor break down during the making of the pies we finished our to dos for the evening and it all turned out great.
We got some sleep and got up early the next morning to continue with more food preps for the big meal. We had tons of good food and great company and just like always the meal was over way to fast for all the preparation. Thanks to the Heiners for having us over and being such wonderful hosts. It couldn't have been a better Thanksgiving away from home. My parents offered their babysitting while we went shopping the next day and then they had to cut their trip short due to an incoming storm and my dad's new found ability to worry more than my mom. We were sad to see them go but we were so grateful they came to spend the holiday with us. While they were here we made turkeys with our hand prints and wrote what we were thankful for on the feathers. It is always uplifting to sit and think about how much we have been blessed with. I loved seeing what everyone was thankful for and the joy that came from realizing how truly blessed we are. It has been way too long since we have spent Thanksgiving together...thank you both for everything you gave up to be here and I hope you had as much fun as we did. We love you!!!
More pics from the Tree Farm
No question...It really is a girl
We have had so much fun the past couple of weeks preparing for Halloween and enjoying all the festivities. Grandpa Robbins was here on business and took some shots of the kids in their costumes. They weren't totally cooperative but I think they are still the most adorable Peter Pan and Tinker Bell around. After all the fun with Grandpa, we had the Ward Trunk or Treat except the forecast was unfavorable so instead of a Trunk or Treat it was more of a Table or Treat in the gym. It was a little crowded but the kids still had a good time getting treats and running around with their friends after the structured event was over.
Next was our annual pumpkin carving FHE. The kids had a great time playing in the pumpkin "guts" and despite a little frustration here and there, Brady and I had a good time carving. After it was all over, Brady decided next year we should do the good old fashioned triangle faces so that Caden can help with the cutting.
Finally after all the waiting and anticipation...Halloween Night arrived!!! It was a beautiful day and a gorgeous night for Trick or Treating. I got the kids all dressed up AGAIN (I don't remember Halloween lasting this long when I was a kid) and when daddy got home we embarked on our adventure. We didn't even need jackets this year (definitely my kind of Halloween). It seemed like we walked forever but I guess that's just because Kamrie has tiny legs and insisted on walking every step of the way because we never actually left our little housing complex. When we got home we admired our loot and basked in the fun of it all. I think I like Halloween more now than I did as a kid...there is something about watching my little ones all dressed up with excitement oozing out of their adorable little bodies. 
The kids favorite house by far...it was even mentioned during Kamrie's prayers that night. Thanks guys for loving our kids, they sure love you.
