Trains!

I've waxed poetic about the Train Show before, and I really do love it.  I could spend hours imaging living in that fairy world...the kids this year?  Not so much.  They tore through it at lightning speed.  Luckily we got to explore the rest of the Conservatory so all wasn't lost.  Note for next year:  the Botanical Garden has a Schnaps Stand.  Really.  Plan ahead.

Thanksgiving

Two days before Christmas....better late than never...

We actually managed to get THREE thanksgiving dinners this year, without ever hosting anything ourselves.  That takes mad skill, people.  There was a Feast with friends the week prior, actual Thanksgiving with our neighbors, and then a Friendsgiving with the Lewins on Saturday.  Oh stuffing...how I love you.

Ellie's list of things she is thankful for.  Amazing.

Searching the kitchen for presents from Grandma.

Apple pie!

The Turkey Family

And Amy took this great picture of me, mom, and Mira.  

Firebugs

Ummm...yeah.   Ellie's trying to rub two sticks together to make a campfire.  Luckily it would have taken her five hours to get a spark.  I blame the boys and the Poconos.

A Few Holiday Scenes

God, I love this time of year...

Gabe banging his little heart out.  Hopefully piano lessons start soon.

Ellie reading the Christmas tree a Hanukkah book.

Astronaut Ellie checking out a moon rock with her new microscope.

Mira desperately trying to play Lego with her brother.

Gabe and his preschool menorah.

Jelly donuts!

Our Christmas tree, surrounded by Hanukkah presents and our winter books.

A Little Advice

Sometimes it's best to not ask questions, but just back slowly away.

Poconos

Hod damn.  A month since I last posted?  Slacker-city over here.  Happy Holidays!  Before the holidays hit us we split for a Poconos weekend with the neighbors.  It's so fun just to chill there and let the kids run wild.

We brought along Uncle Todd and Aunt Bess!

About a minute after we got all the kids off the chairlift it started running.  Um, that would have been interesting.

Brian being foolish.

We hit the pretzel shop, as tradition mandates.

Amy and Andrew were good Samaritans and pushed someone's car out of traffic.  Brian and I sat in our car and watched.

But at least I made a cake for Andrew's birthday!

We sat around the firepit.

And got photo-bombed, of course.

I don't even know what the kids are trying to roast here.  We forgot to buy marshmallows.

These two are as thick as ever.

Five!