GIVING THANKS

This year for Thanksgiving we went to Shane's Grandpa's home. This was the first year in my life I have not been to my Grandmother's and was a bit bummed about it. With both of us working and such we thought it would be easier. I am glad we did it that way. Grandpa J told us many times how thankful he was to have the whole family together.

Now, Grandpa J has his own park so Ian had tons of fun. There is a basketball court that Ian schooled the boys on. Grandpa J even bought Ian his own basketball for the occasion.

There is a swinging gate. We all thought it was fun to spin Ian around and around than then watch him walk to us. Yeah we aren't right. Did you really think we were. This is Popaw spinning Ian on the Gate.

There were two things Ian loved most of all. They Maypole and the big hill. This next picture is Popaw pushing Ian on the maypole. He loved it and if you look close, you can see his HUGE smile. He giggled the whole time he spun around until he "needed a break."

At the back of Grandpa J's property the land goes downhill into some woods and a pond. Ian loved running down the hill as fast as he could. He didn't fall at all, suprisingly. At one point, him and Uncle Eric had to pick weeds so they were not in the way when he ran down. Don't ask.

Throughout the weeds there were those flowers that you make a wish on and then blow and if you get all the little seeds off your wish comes true. Well Ian brought me one and I wished he would give me a kiss. Then I blew with all my might and got them all off and yelled with excitement "my wish came true" as he kissed me. He looked at me so serious and said "My wishes never come true." I asked him what he normally wished for and he told me that "Batman was real." I told him he just needed to keep wishing....I think Daddy may have to buy a Batman suit soon.

Thursday night my sister came up and spent the night with me. Then at 4:30 a.m. we left the house to go shopping friday morning. This was a first for me. My sister explained the rules to me on the way to Ft. Wayne. You push and shove if you have to, you don't apologize, and you get what you came for and get out. Anything else wastes time. PRECIOUS TIME! I actually had a ton of fun and I think my sister and I may go again...eventually with Anna. The only thing we missed was the boys to carry all of our bags.

On Friday evening we went to Shane's mom's for Thanksgiving dinner. It was great and Anna pigged out on the turkey. She looked as though we never feed her. After dinner the kids were playing and climbed into the toy box at Mema's. It was so cute.

On Sunday we then went to Shane's father's home for home made pizza. It was so good. Grandpa J was there and was pulling quarters out of Ian's ears, nose, and chin. Ian says "I didn't know Grandpa J had magic in his hands."

I love spending time with family. Wish we could do it more often.

Something to make you laugh.

Shane and I were cleaning our room last night when I noticed Anna climbing on things again. This time she had climbed up into her toy basket and sat down. She looked so cute that I asked Shane to take some pictures. This is what transpired....

First we have a picture of her sitting in her basket happy as can be.

Next, she wanted to get her drum out of the basket. However, she was sitting on the drum stick that was attached to the drum....it was stuck. I had enough time to say "you are going to tip over Anna J" and

There she went. So mad (not hurt) at that drum. If you notice, the drum stick is now wrapped around her leg.

Just thought this was funny and I had to share.

11 down, 1 to go!

So they say "time flys when you're having fun." Well, Anna must be having tons of fun because she is 11 months old already. You can really see her personality forming and let me tell you....look out. She is not afraid to tell you when something makes her mad, happy most of the time, has a sense of humor that is great and she's a little dare devil. This child is not afraid of anything.

She is taking a few steps on her own. Seems like more and more each day. She can really zoom around the couch and coffee table. Not only is she starting to walk but climbs on everything. This is why we call her the dare devil. She will get up on her bike or toy box and look at you like "I'm gonna jump!" Not a hint of fear in sight. She has even begun climbing into her swing, sitting backwards, and pushing herself. Oh yeah, she loves the stairs.

She is finally eating the Gerber Graduate foods and drinking from a regular sippy cup instead of the one with handles. She continues to sleep well at night with few naps durning the day. She loves to play with Ian and they are starting to have more fun together. Last night she was holding a cup up to her mouth and making noises into. She copied every noise Ian made and he laughed so hard. They are both water babies and Ian will fight to the death to get to sit in front in the bath. Anna never really complains as long as you let her in the water.

The cutest thing she does is waves and says what sounds like "Hi." I swear. She knows when to use it to. Joni, the sitter, said she walked into the bathroom holding Anna and Anna saw herself in the mirror and said "Hi" as she waved.

I think Anna has had to be a tough little girl from the start and she isn't going to stop any time soon. It is so amazing to see her grow into a little person right before our eyes. I know that she has a great support group of family and friends to help lead her down the right path. I mean after all, look at Shane and I! Scary thought I know.

There's a new Sheriff in town.

Some of you have seen these but I just had to post them. These are from Phil Snover's Graduation Party. These costumes were bought simply as props but it didn't take Ian Scott long to find them. He had a good time playing and thanks to Phil and Lori got to take the whistle home. So nice of them. We will be sure to return the favor some day.

This next picture is of Ian with his "Ian's Angels" shall we say. Very cute but could kick some butt if need be.

Since I am sharing these pictures I will go ahead and share the others Lori sent me. This is one of Shane and Matthew with their babies. Cute as can be. I think the word Lori used was "frameable."

This next picture is of Brett and Gina Browand with Anna. They all look so cute, don't they?

The last picture is from Phil's actual graduation. Barry, Shane, Phil, and Cory had a great time going out and celebrating this graduation. I think it meant so much to Shane to have Phil (and Lori) finally join the Auburn family. Thanks for the pictures and welcome. Can't wait to make tons more memories. Have some kids would you (Brett and Gina to)!

Build A Bear

On Sunday Ian, Anna, and I met Aunt Kimmie and Garrett at Build A Bear. It was so much fun. The kids loved it and so did Kim and I. It was nice to spend time with my sister since we don't usually get "out" together. For those of you who have not been to Build A Bear here is how it works...

Frist you pick the animal you want. Garrett got a Giraffe, Ian picked a Tabby Cat, and Anna selected a Bunny.

Next you select the sound you want your animal to make, if any. Ian's cat growls like a lion and I think Garrett's giraffe giggles.

At the next station you get to stuff your animal. They actually let the kids step on the pedal that makes the machine blow the stuffing into the animal. As you can see, this was a fun part for both boys.

When the animal is almost stuffed, they pick a heart, rub it for luck, kiss it for love and Garrett had to jump three times for energy so his giraffe could keep up with him. Then it goes into the animal.

The animals are then given a bath and dressed.

Ian picked a Batman costume, Garrett a Pacers uniform and Anna a T-shirt that says "Fashion Princess."

Here are the finished products. Ian is the proud father of Bat Cat. Garrett of Jerry and Anna Lola. Thanks Aunt Kimmie! This was such a fun idea.

By the time we created three new lives, we were all tired and ready for a nap. On the way out Aunt Kimmie found this crown that Anna just had to have and we got the kids together for a picture.

Good Times With Old Friends

This past weekend we invited some of our old friends over. We haven't all been together in a long time. The boys hung out in the garage and played poker while the girls watched the kids inside. Mostly we sat on the couch being very lazy. It was still good to talk and let the kids play. They are making friends and memories that will last forever. I hope some day their kids will play together and have as much fun as the adults.

Turtles and Witches and.....Afros? OH MY!

Last night was so much fun for the Heath's. Shane always has to work "trick-or-treating" hours to help keep the kids in town safe. But he is allowed to have a little fun while doing it. He hands out candy and glow sticks to all the kids. This year, Ian thought Mommy and Daddy needed costumes to. So Ian picked out a Witch for me and (since Shane is in uniform) a wig for Shane....yes an Afro wig. Now, as Ian told me about my costume (with Daddy laughing hysterically in the other room), "They wont even know it is a disguise Mommy." Thanks Daddy!








He also picked out a costume for Lexy. Every year she goes out with us. This year she went out as Wonder Woman. Yes, Wonder Woman. I must say Lexy looks much better in those little undies than the real Wonder Woman. Don't you think?







Mema also goes out with us and this year Lori did to. Ian helped Lori pick a costume but not Mema. We will have to get her in on it next year. Could she really say no to such a cute face? It was a ton of fun even though it was so cold. I can't wait until next year. Wonder what Ian will pick for us!