Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving day at my aunt and uncle's house, with all of the cousins, is always a fun and relaxing day.  And usually beautiful weather, like this year!  I didn't get many photos, but here are a couple from the playtime in the cul-de-sac, which all of the children love.

 And we also managed to get a family portrait, thanks to my cousin, Krissy.  So thankful for my family, and countless other blessings!

Carlton's Three!

To celebrate Carlton turning three, we had a 'car' birthday party on Saturday, the 17th.

 

The birthday boy.

Lots of sweet friends and family joined us to celebrate him and to, of course, play cars.

The cake was a big deal to Carlton this year.  He had requested multiple times in advance that he would like a brown, chocolate cake.  Double descriptors to get his point across, I suppose, and ensure that Mommy would get the idea.  I think I got the idea.

In a moment of foresight, we designated the back porch as the cake-eating spot for all the kids.

Carlton LOVED his birthday cake :)

And gift time.

Doing a new car puzzle with Aunt Kristin.

And opening his big gift this year, a real bike!

The wee one

Recent Clara cuteness, hanging out with the fam.

Sharing her much-treasured loveys with Poppy.

And one of all of us.

Fun activities

I took a few more shots of Carlton in gymnastics class near the end of the session.  Here's a small sample of their endeavors.... running,

 on all fours,

and flipping around the bar!

Mark and I got to take the kids to the zoo one Saturday this month.  It was Mark's first time to come with us, and the kids loved having their dad along for the adventure.

Clara's Baptism

Clara was baptized at our church on the first Sunday in November.  Though she was a little unsure about the process (i.e. cried the whole time!), it was really special to have her become a part of our church community.  Here are a couple of long-range, and not great, photos :)