Decking the Halls...

We finally got our trees put up tonight (I usually like to do that on Thanksgiving or the day after). The girls were excited because we have two big trees this year: a "fancy" one in the front room and our big family one in the living room. Now we just need to get our Christmas lights put up outside.

Helping decorate...

Our tree...

Cinderella in Cincinnati...

Daddy got the girls (free) tickets to see a musical production of Cinderella at the Cincinnati Ensemble Theater. The show was especially for military personnel and their families, and they even provided snacks at intermission. The girls had a lot of fun. Afterward we went out for an early dinner before going to 5:30 mass.

Outside the theater...

Black Friday...

Did you get up early and hit the stores today? Or were you out late last night? Not us--we slept in. But, this afternoon we did go out to get a new Christmas tree. The girls can't wait to get it decorated!

The girls ready to go...

They can be so sweet sometimes...

Happy Thanksgiving!

The girls had off school on Wednesday. Unfortunately however, I must have caught some flu bug because as soon as daddy got home from work I went to sleep and didn't really get up for about 18 hours. So, that (and the weather) made us cancel our trip to Indiana for Thanksgiving at Grandma's...boo! But, since we had planned on having our own dinner at home on Saturday, we were able to have a nice spread for Thanksgiving anyway. And, I was even feeling up to eating. Hope you all had a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Little turkeys...

Lunch & Recess Duty...

Can you think of anything more exciting than spending two hours monitoring elementary school lunch and recess? I didn't think so. Today (just like just about every other week) I had lunch/recess duty at school. But, today was busier than usual because right afterward I had to go to Maren's school and pick up her and Nana, so we could go back to Logan's class for their International Days. Nana made kolacky to share. They were delicious. It was very interesting to see where all the students' ancestors came from and learn something about their culture.

The girls before school (Carsyn was mad at me for her "too high" pony tail)...

Lia-Sophie and Logan at recess...

Lilli and Carsyn (apparently over the pony tail)...

More Sunday Fun...

Another Sunday, another day to dress up for church. The girls (and I) are enjoying this pleasant weather. It sure doesn't feel like the end of November, but we'll definitely take it!

Carsyn...

After mass...

Funny girls...

Christmas Tree At The Greene...

Today both Logan and Carsyn had birthday parties to attend...at the same time. It was pretty hectic, but it worked out. Afterward we all headed to The Greene for their Christmas tree lighting and parade. We thought we were running late and might miss it, but the start time was an hour later than we planned. It also got a lot colder than we anticipated, so we ended up going into Books & Co. to watch from the window. The girls had a lot more fun in there. We even ran into so of their friends from school. Afterward we got to see them turn the lights on the tree right before we went into the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. What a fun night!

Before the lighting...

Waiting for the parade to start...

Getting colder out...

Better go inside...

Carsyn and her 5th grade "Prayer Partner"...

Maren warming up...

Watching the parade...

5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

How pretty...

Sisters...

Field Trip to the Dayton Art Institute...

Carsyn's class went on a field trip to the Dayton Art Institute today, (and of course I just had to go too.) We didn't have a whole lot of time, but it was really neat. The kids seemed to enjoy it too. Field trips are always fun!

Carsyn and Marie on the bus...

Posing for the camera...

So pretty...

End-of-Season Party...

All of our parties were a success this weekend. Tonight we had our year-end cheer/football party. The girls all received their trophies and gave gifts to the coaches. They had so much fun running around together and getting to interact with the football team. Even though our win/loss record was less than stellar, we had a super-fun year!

The girls...

Our coaches and the cute goodie bags we gave them...

Afternoon Tea...

The girl have a long weekend off school for parent/teacher conferences. I met with both Logan and Carsyn's teachers today, and they're both doing super in school. After that it was time to start off our busy weekend. Carsyn had a play date over at her friend Hannah's house. The girls had tea and just had a really great time. We have a total of five parties this weekend--yikes, that's a lot! Wish us luck...

Carsyn and Shannon ready for tea...

All the lovely little girls...

Another Saturday...

Today we all went to the mall do some gift shopping (the girls have five birthday parties coming up in the next two weeks). After that we went to 5:30 mass. The girls looked super-cute. The dog sure missed them while we were gone for the evening. But, thankfully she doesn't mind spending time in her crate.

The girls after church...

Holding their dog...

The Girls and Their Dog...

So the girls have been having a blast being pet owners. Well, they don't actually do anything for Pumpkin besides hug her, pick her up, and constantly stalk her. The dog puts up with them pretty well, and she's pretty well-behaved. So far only a two accidents in the house (two too many in my opinion). Oh, and did I mention that our yard is not fenced in. Yeah, so guess who has to take her out on a leash every couple of hours. Awesome ; )!

Maren loves Pumpkin...

Logan and Carsyn spending time with Pumpkin before the bus comes...

Maren saying goodbye before school...

Get Out and Vote!

Don't forget to cast your vote today! I voted early a few weeks ago, but it stinks because I didn't get to wear a cool sticker today ; )