"Sing Us A Song,

you're the piano man, sing us a song tonight." AND HE DID!!

Just got home from seeing Billy in concert for the first time, but hopefully not the last. LOVED IT. LOVED HIM. It was such a blast. A big THANKS to Ann for inviting me to a night I won't soon forget.

Updates

Thanksgiving was so fun with the Mann Clann!

We are all so thankful for the very best Nana ever! One that isn't above getting down and dirty on the floor with Barbies, Trucks, Little People or Lizzy/Rosie's Hair Salon (sometimes even Mommy has to draw the line in that Hair Shop)

It Finally snowed enough for Rose to have a yummy afternoon snack!

And, Lizzy is old enough to pull Rosie around in the snow, and thrilled about it!

She is such a great big sister.

Sadly, I was called a "Lady" twice this weekend. When did that happen?

A 1-derful Birthday

Max's First Costume.
And is name shall be MAX (10 pounds 2 ounces)

A scary week spent in the NICU, one day following his birth,
he has come so far!

A Pumpkin Cake, which he loved!

Max is one! I can't believe it. He is such a blessing in our lives, we can't imagine life without our little boy. The timing of his birth could not be more fitting; especially reflecting on his first week of life:

We are thankful for the health and strength he now has. We are thankful for the darling smile he so freely shares. We are thankful for his enthusiasm for life. We are thankful for his adventurous side. We are thankful for his patience with his Sisters. We are thankful for MAX! Happy Birthday Max, our sweet baby boy.

Right On Track

OH, WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE AUTUMN TIME WHEN YOU ARE ON FALL BREAK?

DO YOU PLAY IN THE LEAVES?

TAKE A TRIP TO 'BOISEES'?




OR FEED A HUNGRY 'GOAT GUY'?

IS THAT WHAT YOU DO? SO DO I!!

I wasn't sure how I felt about year round school. It was different than what I did as a girl, therefore I had my doubts. Tonight marks the end of a 3 week fall break that was truly so much FUN!! Making the most of our time, we set off for some Fall adventures. We kicked off the break with a road trip to Boise (see past post), went to the farm, attended many Halloween parties, took walks almost daily, went to the park, met friends for lunch, discovered the Children's Museum, watched afternoon movies with popcorn (Sound of Music being the favorite), had sleepovers with Nana (on school nights) and just hung out and relished a less hectic schedule. Now, I must admit there were times that I was missing school for Lizzy. But, for the most part I loved the time to be able to enjoy autumn time without the worry of homework and napping around carpool. Now, as a wise friend once said: "All Good Things Must Come to An End", so back to school she goes and I will start dreaming up some new adventures for our next "off track" time together.

There's No Place Like Home

This year marked the first year we stayed home for Halloween. In years past, we have traveled around the valley seeing family members and friends. Finally this year we said: IF YOU WANT TO SEE US, COME TO US. It worked beautifully. Our kids had a blast trick-or-treating in our own neighborhood and we had equally as much fun decorating our house and passing out candy. I felt a sense of belonging that I have only felt when we have stayed home and started our own traditions. We love our family and are so happy they came and saw us (and had a yummy dinner as a bonus), but for this one time, we felt like we had it all! It was only fitting that our costumes were themed around the Wizard of Oz because....there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!