Rachel was pulling him on a blanket across the wood floor and somehow his face ended up smacking the corner of the couch. He was relatively calm about the whole thing until Rachel told him he was bleeding. BUT I was able to get him calmed down quickly and we averted a major emotional disaster. I wonder what it will look like in the morning...
Every year we get together with all the cousins at Grandpa and Grandma Swensen's house to make gingerbread houses. The first couple years, we made them from scratch, but as our lives have gotten busier we have all opted for store bought kits. They work, so why not?! Simplify... that's what we're told, right???
Aak, he's out of little, teeny, tiny round candies for his gingerbread tree. Call in the Marines!
Phew! Thanks Grandma for finding more to finish it. The world didn't end after all!! [But it ALMOST did! And he really likes to cheese at the camera if you haven't noticed.]
The finished product.... for about 2 minutes anyway. We're down 3 trees and the gumballs on the roof. I don't think it will last through the week!
Gingerbread track housing!
We also like to get a group picture of the cousins when we're done. (We're minus 5 that couldn't make it... we missed you, Harwards!) So- with the commotion of gathering all the kids together and actually getting them to stand still for two seconds, no one noticed a little visitor up on the roof. We've seen him once or twice before, usually only in pictures. I wonder if Santa likes it when his elves get caught??? I guess we now know how he knows if we are naughty or nice! He's making his list and checking it twice!!
a bead wedged around her tooth! Lovely. Just lovely.
That's one proud girl!
I have been feeling very blessed the past few weeks and am so thankful for so many things. The bigger obvious ones are my family, my faith, this country, my freedom, my friends, but beyond those there are the little things that I take for granted that I am soooo grateful for.... running water, hot water, washing machines, a yard, cell phones, medicine, doctors, cars, lower gas prices, computers, the internet, DVR, cozy beds, electricity, heat, a semi-clean house, disinfectant cleaners, stores, etc. etc.. I know those are just conveniences that make life easier and better which is why I am thankful for them, but the truth is the things that really keep me going are the daily giggles, sincere notes, hugs, kisses, and unconditional love I recieve from my four little ones [and Nate, minus the notes and giggling.... he doesn't do that daily].
Here are some random happenings at our home this fall....
Rachel was so excited to open her presents when she woke up. I teased her and told her she couldn't open them until it was 8:31 AM because that's what time she was born. She didn't think waiting 45 more minutes was a good idea. I don't blame her. As you can see from the pictures, she was VERY happy to get an American Girl doll. She wanted the ice skating doll, Mia, but wouldn't you know it, the skates come separately... At least it made for two gifts to open instead of just one!
After school we had a "mini" birthday party. I let her invite 3 friends over to do a little frame painting project. I think she had a lot of fun. She has some great friends.
We had cake and ice cream with both sets of grandparents. She sure loves each of them and I know enjoyed having them over. I always forget to get pictures of her with them, though. I frustrate myself!
Isn't she just the cutest little 7 year old?!
Rachel did such a great job dancing at the Poinsettia Festival. She got a little nervous waiting for her turn, but didn't let it get her down.
