Holidays

Halloween

This Halloween was special not only because we had a new neighborhood to trick or treat in since we moved but this year two kids were in tow because Alexis joined us this year for a few houses. Ben decided this year he wanted to be a SCARY wolf. Of course his mother found him the cutest but scariest wolf outfit I could find. I decided since Alexis didn't care about what she was going to be, to theme their costumes and so she went as little red riding hood. The two were quite a pair and both thought the other was fun. It was so amazing to see the look in their eyes of the excitement of Halloween.

Alexis, Ben and Mommy set out at dusk and went to a couple of houses. The first house we went to gave us a Reese's cup and that was enough for Alexis. She wanted to be done right there and then so she could eat it but we prevailed and I took her a few more houses before Ben and I dropped her off back at the house. Ben and I continues until Ben was done as he wanted to go back and hand out candy. Ben loves handing out candy to everyone. I could of cared less at his age but he truly enjoys it!  It was fun watching all the kids come up in their costumes and many of them recognizing Ben. Only two months in school and kids already know him. I had a little flashback of Norm entering Cheers. Ben, if you want a reference and you're reading this when you're older just YouTube it.
In all Halloween was a blast!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. For me it's a time of bringing family together. I reminisce about going to Cleveland around that time of year and wish my kids got to experience it, but life changes and new traditions are made.

We woke up early per usual. Having two small kids in a house it is a normal part of the day. James went and played football with his friends for a few hours while the kids and I sat back watching the Macy day parade. Lazy Thanksgiving mornings are the best.  Then after everyone was home, washed and dressed we headed over to Aunt Amy's and Uncle Eric's  house. The cousins had such a good time playing and the feast as always was delicious.  It was great watching the kids play. Sure there was some bickering but it reminded me of the joy in playing with my cousins during the Thanksgiving holiday. It was then I realized that my kids do have a piece of the memories that I had. Their grandparents close by loving their grand kids, yummy turkey and cousin play. I'm beyond grateful the kids have such a wonderful and loving family to see on holidays like this.
They have no idea how lucky they are.

Christmas

Christmas was big this year. We finally had a house big enough to invite our entire family for a sit down dinner and this was the first time we hosted a holiday meal. James ordered a turducken and a regular turkey. Everyone helped by bringing over different dishes and I was a baking queen making a chocolate chip pie, a pumpkin pie (made just for my sister), a apple pie, sugar cookies and pumpkin muffins. Ben  also had been looking forward for weeks having everyone over.
Everyone he loved was going to be there but he had some confusion to why his closest girlfriends weren't going to be they either. He considered then family!

Christmas morning started however with tr most anticipated present opening. Ben asked Santa for a guitar and a car. He was rather ambitious as I was hoping he wasn't asking for a real one but he could of been thinking about a plain remote control one. Instead he and his sister got a Cadillac eacalade power wheels car complete with two speeds and a working radio! Alexis also got a doll and a doll bed made by her great grandfather with new bedding made by her Nagymama. She loved it!

Christmas dinner went well. We did have one hiccup with having room for both the turkey and turducken and having enough time but thankfully Nagypapa and Nagymama live close and they were more then happy about sharing their  oven. We had a tremendous time sharing our home and memories with our entire family and hope to host many more holiday meals.