Making Friends

There's a new family in the branch that we've become very good friends with.  We went to McD's one night with them and the workers were astounded when I told them we needed 9 ice creams for the kids.  This picture is not showing Anna or their youngest.  Sometimes it's hard to want to make friends when you move often, but then a great family moves in and they change your mind.  We have had a blast with them!

Funny things the kids say...

Tommy put on a new pair of shoes the other day and noticed that they made noise as he walked (normal walking sounds).  He got a huge grin on his face and said, "Mom, these shoes sing songs!"

We bought some antlers and Rudolph noses at the store the other day for the kids to use for dress-ups.  Ryan was searching for his and asked, "where are my ant ears?"

My mom and I were driving up to Middletown and were behind a big truck letting off some smelly exhaust.  After a couple minutes Ryan asked, "Why do I smell a dead pig?"

Tonight Katie showed me a small Cinderella action figure.  In her words, "I got this for Ellie for Christmas,, but her face got ripped off."  

I love some of the things that come out of their mouths!

12-1-1

 We had a very quick trip for Thanksgiving down to Philadelphia.  We went to the house of (get ready to follow this one…) Steve’s sister’s, husband’s, sister’s house.   We drove down Thursday morning, had dinner and enjoyed the company of family and friends, then drove back Friday morning.  It was a quick trip, but Anna wasn’t feeling well and cried most of the time we were there, so I was ready to get her home where she was happier.  I think there were 5 families with a total of 30 people there that day.  Pretty impressive, I think.   

My sister was here for about 5 days a week ago.  We had a really fun visit with her.  She did all sorts of make-overs on the girls, which they absolutely loved.  I won’t ever let them wear my makeup, so they were in heaven.  I am most definitely not ready for them to be wearing makeup!  Yikes- they looked so grown up!  She also did crafts and painted toenails and did all the things an awesome aunt should do with her nieces and nephews. 

We went down to NYC one day with just the older 3 girls and saw the “Radio City Music Hall” show, commonly referred to as the “Rockettes.”   I was very impressed by the show and appreciated that they not only brought in Santa Claus, but also did a beautiful show of the nativity with gorgeous costumes and amazing music.   It’s always an adventure getting into the city, but I think the girls really enjoyed that outing.   It’s just fun having family around.

Steve and I were able to see Blue Man Group a couple weeks ago as well.  I honestly can’t remember if I told you about that or not?  It’s kind of a variety show with drums and skits and lots of humor thrown in.  I had seen it many years ago in Chicago with my little sister and I remember enjoying it more then.  I think the smaller venue in Chicago was better than Ike Hall for that show.  Regardless, we had a really nice time going out on a date and doing something a little different than just dinner and a movie. 

We are certainly getting into the swing of Christmas.  We are hoping to put up our Christmas tree tomorrow night for FHE.  My parents fly in Tuesday morning and we are looking forward to a nice week with them.  It’s been since this summer that we’ve seen them and the kids change so fast at these ages!  I’m really looking forward to their visit. 

Here are a couple pictures to finish off this letter.  A kid dog pile and the kids wearing some fun glasses.