The Feast

Every day leading up to Thanksgiving Noah and I thought about something we were gratful for. His was written down on a feather, gluesticked to a paper turkey and proudly displayed on the fridge.

Mine were sometimes spoken, sometimes not.
Most days my grateful had to do with one of these pilgrims. Grateful for a thoughtful boy. Grateful that Gage's cough was better. Grateful that I checked my temper when the snowglobe (that I bought to replace a friend's after an exciting playdate) was hucked down the basement stairs. Grateful for the honor to mother these two.

We had a great feast Thanksgiving day. Friends came over to eat our first ever turkey. We used Grammee's crystal glasses, ate apple crumb pie and I even used a tablecloth. We were very fancy.

And of course in the morning we ran this


and then Dave played an injury free football game with friends. We are very grateful.

Snow and a Museum

The first snow sent Noah running into our room with the morning sun barely peeking, squealing "Is it Christmas?! There's snow!"

Amazing how much that big white blanket changes things. Everything becomes exciting and playful to a 3 year old. Before breakfast he was dressed, snowsuited up and had made the first of many snowmen.


He zooms out to the car when its time to go knowing he gets to brush the snow off. He does "his job" of shoveling about 5 times a day very very happily. He digs Daddy's boots out of the closet when it starts to get dark, knowing he'll be home soon to play. He's even quick to fetch the head lamp if he knows he'll get to play longer and is generous in helping up a fallen baby.


To me being inside is suddenly more cozy and things slow down. I spend more time on my little projects, stay in my pjs just a little longer. But eventually I have to start thinking of a good indoor activity for the boys. The other day we went to a great museum with some friends.



I was surprised we hadn't discovered it yet. It was close, free and had great exhibits - tons of big, shiny, colorful things for the boys to look at.

Yes, they are holding hands. And yes, they are adorable.

Another Courageous Lion and his Monkey brother

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate
The first one said, "My, its getting late."
The second one said, "There are witches in the air."
The third one said, "We don't care."
The fourth one said, "Let's run and run and run."


The fifth one said, "We'll sure have fun."


Then whoosh went the wind
And out went the light


And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

Happy Halloween!

Scenes from our Sunday Walks

We're trying to take advantage of this amazing weather while we still can. The sun still shines and its not cold enough for mittens and coats yet. Perfect for a walk through the woods.

Last Sunday was a hike on a familiar trail.

This Sunday we explored a new one. It fast became a favorite.


Noah likes to march straight down the path, or trail blaze his own. Mama points out the animals that are never too far away and tells Noah about the different trees and plants. We collect a leaf of every color and type. Noah likes to throw sticks into any water that we can find. And he'll keep a big stick for himself - for swiping with. You know, for swiping branches, or big piles of leaves.

Gage likes the ride (once we can convince him to sit in the stroller). He gets to hold a stick of his own too and will eat all the crackers and grapes he can handle. Eventually both boys end up in the stroller and then Mama and Papa get time. Aaahhhh..... I love Sunday Walks.

Zoo Days

At the Detroit Zoo this weekend we saw many an animal. The boys took a peek at giraffes, zebras, black bears, grizzly bears, flamingos, bald eagles, peacocks, lions, tigers, a gorilla, chimpanzees, snow monkeys, mandrills, praire dogs, seals, and even a great big polar bear that swam right over our heads as we walked under his habitat. Man, the list keeps going but my memory doesn't. What was their favorite you ask? Did they have a favorite exhibit?

The hay maze of course.

Cider Mill

We made a trip to the Cider Mill.

A wagon ride past the apple orchards, past the corn fields, and to the pumpkin patch.

Another wagon ride in search of 4 perfect pumpkins.

Then of course we headed to the pie barn for some cider and donuts.

The End.

Sporties for Shorties

Coach Mike would say "Run!" and Noah would run.

Coach Mike would say "Kick!" and Noah would kick.

Coach Mike would say "Jump!" and Noah would jump....or maybe he would run...or if he felt like it he would tackle his neighbor.





Noah loved this little class. A new sport each week. Soccer, football, baseball, etc. It only took two weeks before he'd participate in the whole thing without getting that itching for the playground on the other end of the field. Lots of practice following directions, lots of exerting pent up boy energy, lots of skills to learn and friends to make. Awesome says Noah. Fantastic says Mommy.