Thanksgiving

We had a yummy Thanksgiving this year. It is our second one away from family. I purchased a roaster this year. It was nice to have a oven free to cook everything else while the Turkey was cooking. I was too nervous to stuff the turkey on my first time using the roaster. It was a mistake because the stuffing was not the same (and stuffing is my favorite). We really miss family but we made the best of it and enjoyed a nice day at home.
Ali had Lexi's Flat Stanley join us. We took a picture and sent a letter to her school.

We need a new table. Now that Emily is not in the high chair we cannot fit us all at the table. We brought the playroom table in for Rylie and Emily. They didn't seem to mind.

Snow anyone?

The first snow is always the funnest. Darren took the kids out while Emily took her nap. Everyone had a good time and helped with building a snowman.

Carving Pumpkins

Carving pumpkins is work. It makes a mess and the kids sometimes get tired of it before it is done. But it is a tradition. Because Halloween was on Sunday, we decided to spend the afternoon carving pumpkins. The kids also had a blast handing out candy to the neighbor kids and didn't complain once about them not going, since we had the trunk or treat the night before. Darren and I went back and forth about what was acceptable to do on Sunday. I am not sure there is a correct answer on that one. But we had a great holiday.

Trunk or Treat

Halloween was different this year because of it being on Sunday. On Saturday, I had a Ward Trunk or Treat. Jacob sat at our trunk and handed out candy while Darren and I took the kids around the parking lot. Jacob was very surprised, and happy, that I had carried a bag for him too. He ended up with some unexpected candy.

While the parents parked and decorated their trunks, the kids played games and watched a movie.

Even the missionaries got into the action. I think their trunk fit them well.
It was a warmer evening (for Minnesota) and we had hot chocolate with yummy toppings. The activity was a success.

Joshua's 5th Birthday

Josh chose a ghost cake this year. It was super easy and it was okay since his birthday is in October.

"I can't wait another second for my cake and ice cream!"

He is really into Star Wars right now. He has not seen the movies so I have no idea why. His favorite gift was the Lego Star Wars Wii game. He is in heaven.

He was also excited to get a Star Wars shirt.

He got some other gifts but these were his favorites. Happy Birthday Josh.

Otsego Festival

We went to the Otsego Festival again this year. It is a carnival our city hosts and is always in the fall. They have booths and food and clowns and rides. This year the favorite was the petting zoo. Jacob didn't enjoy most of it but he was a good sport. The kids got to pick something for the clown to make out of balloons to take home. Josh was very excited that he found a turkey feather in the petting zoo. It was very cold so we only stayed about an hour (but it was long enough).

Silly hair

It has been nice to have one on one time with Emily two days a week. She really enjoyed having me do her hair silly. I can't believe how fast she is growing up.