St. Nikolaus Visited Last Night...

I was telling Kyle about how when I lived in Germany, most kids were visited by St. Nikolaus, a Saint that was known for all the good deeds he did for his friends and neighbors. I believe in Sweden and the Netherlands he is also called Sinder Claas. He leaves treats in kids shoes. Anyhoo, he was interested so I told him if he wrote a note as to what good deed he would do for a neighbor, St. Nikolaus might visit us as well (he comes the eve of 12/6). He decided to bake cookies and take them to a neighbor he doesn't know. Abbie is going to draw a picture and do the same.

It looks like their plan for good deeds passed the test because St. Nikolaus visited our house last night. Daisy even got a little something. Abbie was thrilled. Kyle won't be home again until Sunday but I'm sure it is the first thing he will ask me about.

PS - Kyle wanted to use a slipper just in case St. Nikolaus decided to steal his shoe instead of leave a treat.

On another note....I called Tripp's sister Elizabeth the other day and Abbie asked me who I called, "Aunt Elizabeth" I answered. She asked me if Clifford was there too. I couldn't figure out why she thought Clifford (the big red dog) lived with Elizabeth. About 10 minutes later I realized she thought I said, "Emily Elizabeth" and laughed pretty hard. It was funny to me for a couple of reasons but most of all because to her, calling Emily Elizabeth (from books and TV) was a perfectly normal thing to do. I'd love to live in that world.

Advent Calendar

My friend Colette is putting together an online advent calendar for anyone/everyone to enjoy. We read the first one as part of our FHE tonight. I've added a button for it below the photo of Lulu on the far right. Take a look if you are interested.

As an FHE side-note, when I asked everyone to fold their arms for opening prayer, Daisy folded hers too and Kyle noticed and said something. I thought it was a fluke but if he wanted to think so I figured, "What's the harm." Closing prayer came and I asked everyone to fold their arms and Daisy did it again. I guess she officially knows how and when to fold her arms.

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!! - So cute! Seriously, in 2009 I'm pulling out my sewing machine and getting busy.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a really fun Thanksgiving weekend this year. It started off with Holiday Outreach, a charity event at Kyle's school that I've been involved with for the past three years. The event is held every Thanksgiving morning at Bartlett and is a collaboration between the PTO and the PE Department. Everyone comes out to participate in the popular JAWS program (Jogging And Walking Stars) while giving to a charity. This year, we collected for Robert Taylor Elementary, Bartlett's sister school. Their students struggle with proper meals, clothes, shelter, etc. We gathered clothes, cash and gift cards for their student population.

It is such a fantastic way to start off Thanksgiving. We've enjoyed participating in Holiday Outreach for the last five years and can't believe Kyle will be moving on to middle school next year and we won't be a part of it. Luckily, before we know it, Abbie and Daisy will be at Bartlett and we'll be out walking on Thanksgiving morning again.

Thanks to everyone to walked, gave and helped. This events would never work without so many wonderful volunteers!

Walkers

Signs
The Butler's famous bake sale - Nikki's the best co-chair a girl could hope for!

Me, manning the cash/gift card donation box

Clothes donation baskets

Abbie & Nate getting down.

Kyle showing off his almost finished 40-mile card. He ended up ditching the walk and playing soccer and football 1/2 way through.

Daisy along for the ride.

Papa, Abbie, Lindsay, Nate & Wes

Abbie & the turkey dancing

Abbie eating a cupcake...Lulu sporting George's glasses

The rest of the weekend was filled with hanging out and fun. While the girls rested after Holiday Outreach, the rest of us watched a movie then we all headed over to Grandma & Papa's for Thanksgiving dinner and Whoopi (or Whoopsi if your Abbie). Grandma made some delicious food and Sam baked a yummy apple crumble dessert. After all the food, we played our favorite holiday game, Whoopi. Lindsay organized it and gathered all the prizes. Tripp won $6 I believe and Kyle got a gift card. We had to put the small ones to bed so Kyle decided to stay for the next round. He didn't win anything but Sam gave him $2 from her spoils.

The next day, Abbie & Daddy had a tea party and we took our pumpkins out to the Springs Preserve to be recycled. We love the Springs Preserve and stayed for some of Kyle's favorite exhibits and lunch. After lunch, we always let the kids run around on the grass for a little bit before we go home. They got Daddy in on the action too.

Later that afternoon, Nikki & Ruby came by with an invitation to play at the park. Tripp, Kyle and Abbie joined them right away while Daisy and I dropped by a little later.

Saturday we put up our Christmas tree, had a family lunch at Metro Pizza and took Abbie & Kyle to see Bolt in the evening. Kyle picked but both kids enjoyed going to the movies and Daddy loved getting to have a tiny bit of popcorn.

Tomorrow it's back to reality. But it's been a nice holiday weekend. It makes me look forward to Christmas. I could skip all the presents but will enjoy the free time without a set schedule, homework, sports, school, ballet, etc.

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!! - Abbie and Daisy would love great in this jacket and pant set. Let's hope for a win!!!!!!

Abbie Turns 3

Abbie turned three years old yesterday. She's been excited about her birthday for a few weeks now and truly had a magical day. She woke up in the morning so happy and excited and allowed her dad and I to sing to her and give her a little birthday crown. She wore the crown for the rest of the day (outside of her party, of course).

We had a costume party with four of her friends. We kept it small and simple...little guy games, cupcakes and presents. A few extra special guests joined us as well...Kyle, Nate and Ruby's sister Lulu, Abbie's very favorite big girl. As usual, one of the Thompson kids had a meltdown...this time it was Daisy. She is getting a tooth and has been a super-grouch. Thanks to MamaThom who scooped her up and took her upstairs for love and rocking while we had the party.

Abbie had so much fun at her party. She told us that her favorite game was musical chairs (Kyle supplied the music by playing Cruela DeVille on the piano). Her favorite presents are the Lightning McQueen & Mator cars, a lion necklace and the bike (she's been asking for one for months). Later that night, while eating a cupcake, Abbie said to Tripp and I, "I love my birthday." And I think she truly did. I have to say that Tripp and I loved it as well. We aren't too big on our own birthdays but sucked up every minute of Abbie enjoying hers.

A shout-out to Sam for manning the camera. With three kids and lots of guests, there is just no way we can take photos at our own events anymore. I am incredibly lucky to have sisters that are so willing to always take pictures.

Nate playing the bean bag game.

Lindsay, Papa & Wes

Travis on the pinata.

Ruby & Nikki at the pinata.

Pinata spoils.

Abbie preparing for "Pin the car on the racetrack."

Daddy helping out.

Kyle a little off target.

Abbie & Jade in musical chairs.

Nate playing musical chairs.

Blowing out the candles.

The new bike.

Hey Guys, I'm Getting Big!

We never thought little Daisy would be holding that 11 month card but she is closer to 12m than she is to 11m now! She is just getting so big we can't believe it. Well, except her feet. She is still sporting the 3-6 month shoes I had to buy so that she wouldn't have cold toes.

She loves to smile and laugh...so happy. I bought an extra blanky just in case I lost hers but she just adopted it too so now she is a two fisted blanky lover at night. We think she has the cutest little bucky beaver teeth in town. She definitely knows her daddy and smiles and laughs when he comes home from work...so happy to see him.