Santa Pics

We took the kids to see Santa on Saturday. As you can see, Danny was not very excited about being placed on this strange man's lap.




This was the first year where Natalie actually went right up to Santa and had a real conversation with him. In fact, after we were done with our visit we sat down in the little food court area to have lunch when Natalie realized she forgot to tell Santa what Danny wanted. She jumped out of her chair and ran right up to him - hijacking another little girl's visit - just to let Santa know what her little brother wanted. We, of course, apologized to the other family and waited patiently til they were done and explained what happened. Santa was very nice and thanked Natalie for being such a good big sister.

I also thought it might be fun to post pictures from Christmas' past. Natalie hasn't smiled for a Santa picture since 2005 when she didn't know any better. A trip down memory lane:

2005 2006

2007

2008 (fake smile)

2009

Hopefully next year two kids and two smiles?

You might not believe this....

As many of you know, I may have been called a picky eater once or twice in my life. I'm not known as willing to try new foods, but recently Heather and I were talking about spaghetti squash at work and how it's supposed to be this great substitute for pasta. You know, less carbs, etc. I was skeptical until I was at Liz & Ray's just a few days later. It happened to be at dinner time and they were serving spaghetti squash with meat sauce. I just took a small portion - just to be polite! But it surprised me ... it did kinda taste like pasta ... just crunchy. So, we attempted to make our own tonight for dinner:

Look at the noodles. That's just crazy!

We also ate it with meat sauce and although Greg and I both agree we won't be totally replacing our regular pasta, this is a good alternative now and then to change things up. And hey, if I can eat it ... that means you can too. Yes Karen - I'm talking to you!

On a TOTALLY unrelated note, here's some cute pictures from last Sunday when we got to spend some time with Austin:

Thanksgiving in Richmond

This year we traveled to Eric, Katie and Anna's new house for Thanksgiving. We arrived on Wednesday and had the whole day to play and get settled.

Then on Thursday it was time to get started. This was Katie's first time ever making a turkey, but I must say that she did great. It was delicious.

After all that playing and eating, we all crashed hard.

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone - 27 days til Christmas!

Playdate

In the spirit of awesome November weather, Ashleigh and I decided to move our playdate outside to the park on Saturday. Us girls - and Danny - had a great time.

I'll take these kinds of temperatures anyday.

Say What?

Natalie has been learning about turkeys at school, so I thought I would interview her. I thought what she said was blog-worthy so here goes:

I guess I shouldn't be surprised - she tells me that she says the "Fledge Allegiance" every morning, people in football get "attackeled" and a door bell goes "ring rong".

The Wheels on the Bus

The kids LOVE playing in the school bus tent.

But only when it's on it's side. Every time I flipped it upright, they'd turn it sideways again.

And it made for some awesome hair. Click on the pic to see Natalie's static electricity.

It's The Great Pumpkin...

Charlie Brown.
We also had an elephant.

And a pumpkin.

And a mermaid and vampire bat.

Before trick or treating, there was a costume party for the Daisy Girl Scouts.

On Saturday, we were finally able to make it down to visit Jenn, Chris and Katelyn. She has the best blonde hair and was so cute and snuggly.

Natalie and I took turns holding the baby while Danny made himself right at home.

I think Halloween is officially over. Now, what to do with all the candy?