Thanksgiving weekend in the desert

I'd say we're adjusting to the no snow quite well.  What do you think?  Pictures courtesy of the Tonto National Forest.  ;-)

(remember:  click on the pictures to see them in a larger size)

Creating Memories

Every so often, I get the distinct sense that now, from this very year on, I don't get as much room for error with the kids.   You see, both Mike and I have memories that really stretch back only as far as age 6 or 7.   The memories from that young age are spotty....but they are there.  Now that two of our boys have approached that same age, I'm beginning to realize that someday, the experiences we have now will be their spotty memories.  I have a little bit less wiggle room - now, what I say or do might just become their treasured (or hated!) memory twenty or thirty years down the road.

Sometimes I look around at what we're doing, or what is happening, and think, "I hope today becomes one of those memories."  Yesterday was one of those days:  The weather was perfect, the company was fantastic, and the events were perfectly enjoyable.  We had Mike's uncle and some of his cousins over (they live about an hour and a half away), and spent the day catching up, relaxing, and just enjoying each other's company.  My boys fell in love with their second cousins, and already are asking when they get to see them again.

As we sat around the living room last night, digging through old slides that belonged to my husband's grandparents, I tried to capture the moment into my own memory.  The boys were laying on the living room floor, making shadow puppets (for I think the first time), just like I used to when I was younger.  The laughter and giggles echoed on the tile floor.  The darkened room was lit up, not only by the slide projector, but by hundreds of bright smiles.

It was a beautiful day, and one that I am very thankful for.  Fingers are crossed for this becoming a memory my boys will treasure for many years to come!

First stop of the day was lunch at a local olive grove/mill.  My gosh, did it remind me of Fatima.  So beautiful.

Trying to figure out how to work the slide projector did take a bit of time.....

Guess Who?

We made these as place settings for Thanksgiving dinner, with our guests.  Each guest made their own pilgrim or Native American.  Great fun!  (And cheap, even better!  Toilet paper rolls, construction paper, glue - that's it!)

Giving Thanks

I'm going to do a cheesy, cliche post.  It's Thanksgiving.....what are you thankful for?

I'm thankful for:

a great family (both near and far)

healthy children

a perfect house of  my heads

a pantry full of food

a great Catholic family (both near and far)

a husband with a job that allows him to be the best doctor he can be

the ability to pay the bills

two reliable cars

park days

the ability to homeschool

uncontrollable giggles around the dining table

clothes that fit

fabulous friends (both near and far)

toddler hugs

knock-knock jokes

family movie nights

chocolate chip cookies

zoo memberships

hot coffee 

a programmable coffee maker

warm socks

cool mornings

blue skies

cranberry sauce

a full night of sleep!!!

Jump for Joy!

Okay, I may have lied a little in my last post....apparently I'm posting twice in one day, even though we have company.  These pictures from today's park experience with Grandma and Papa.  I just thought they were hilarious and had to share them....

First, a cute one, just because he's adorable.  Baby #3:

Now, taking a cue from all of our YM teens - action shots! 

Jumping for joy - Yay, park time!!

Thanksgiving Update

It's going to be a bit sparse around Where's My List? this week - we have company in town, and it's making it a bit difficult to get to the computer for an extended period of time.  Things are going well - we're just very, very busy.

We're also taking this week off of school in order to enjoy our time with our visiting family.  The boys are quite happy about a week "vacation," and I'm enjoying the chance to deep clean our school supplies and desks.   It's amazing how much can accumulate in one little boy's desk drawer!

For now, here is a quick picture update (Don't forget - you can click on the picture to see in in a larger size):

 Waiting for Grandma and Papa at the airport

Enjoying the Christmas lights (which were timed to Christmas music) at the nearby shopping mall.

A few more pictures from the festivities around here:



Waiting for the parade to begin




I have to admit, I really like the Arizona state flag. It's just pretty and makes me smile.





Some of the boys' favourite entries



An awesome fly-over of older planes


We had a great time - definitely will go back next year!