Thankful hearts

Our camera has been replaced so I finally have some pictures to post! We enjoyed a few days at the Messerlys for Thanksgiving in Manchester and then an evening at Pizza Ranch with the Crims. We set up and decorated our Christmas tree Sunday night. Emma thoroughly enjoyed decorating and Noah had more fun just throwing ornaments around. After spending the weekend with family, I am so thankful for both of our families. It is such a blessing to be part of families that want to be with each other and enjoy one another.

Things around my house have been crazy lately with just day to day messes and the beginning of the holiday season. I love Christmas though and everything that comes with it. Emma is so excited and I know Noah is going to be so much fun this year. This is the only year they'll be four and one and we'll never be able to go back so we're going to enjoy it. Bring on the baking, crafts, shopping, and wrapping, we are ready and looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior this season!

Uncle Andrew and Sadie



Kyle and Jeff



Smiling Laura

Emma and Noah coloring with Aunt Laila

Late night snacks



More and more food



Playing with Sadie

Noah right before trying to feed Sadie some puppy chow

The teens at Pizza Ranch

Arcade games, the hot spot

"Cheese"

Men only table



Noah loves hats (even his sister's)




Ready to put the star on top



Noah attempting to hang his ornament




Emma found her angel



Mr. Christmas

Noah trying to sneak the last drops of sparkling juice (a big hit with him)

Our two best gifts

Dance rehearsal

Our nightly story routine

November news

We are just a couple weeks away from Thanksgiving already! Nothing too exciting here at the Anderson household. I did send my camera in to see if they can repair it or not so there will be a lack of pictures until we get it back or purchase a new one. Here's some of the highlights of our last couple weeks:

• Ethan's birthday- a nice family dinner at home with cupcakes made by Emma, a date night, an ISU football game with out kids, and supper at P&J's. He did purchase his own gift and is the proud owner of a PS3 (much to my dismay.)
• Emma moved into a big bed. My parents gave us their bunk beds so Noah will get the other one eventually.
• The yard has been raked, patio furniture and outdoor toys put away, and we are all ready for winter except our new front door which is on our list for the weekend.
• Some good reads which I am slowly working my way through: The Help, Don't Make Me Come Up There, Give Them Grace.
• Trying to simplify our life as much as we can following some ideas from Organized Simplicity. (I know, I just can't get away from organizing and new ways to keep things clean!) So far, I've only completed one room.
• Emma is plugging away at her preschool and loves dance class. She goes every Monday night and will have her first performance in December. Still not sure how much is being absorbed but she's only four and enjoys it.
• Noah is just a little mess-maker. He must be watched at all times! We now must search trash cans before emptying them to make sure it's just trash. He uses trash cans to store things. The toilet is also one of his favorite places to put things and he likes to stand on top of it so he can reach the sink and play in the water. He is attempting to repeat words and wants to do everything Emma does which causes problems.

Looking forward to some quiet days spent inside and the upcoming holidays!!