Thanksgiving

our little Indian

Sierra, Summer & Sophie

Uncle Phil & Abbie

Sophie had a Thanksgiving feast at school.  They made these cute little Indian pancakes using fruit and raisins to make a face.  They made special shirts, headdresses, etc.  I'm glad that Sophie loves school most of the time!

This year, we stayed in town for Thanksgiving. We got up and watched the Macy's Day parade.  For lunch, we went to my aunt Patti and Uncle John's house to get together with my dad's side of the family. We had a wonderful meal and enjoyed getting to visit with everybody. Sophie brought her soccer ball along and some of the cousins played a little soccer before the meal. Abbie loved their kitty cat which they had put in a bedroom upstairs (my dad's allergic to cats). She kept asking to go and see the cat. When my Uncle John asked her if she'd like the cat, Abbie promptly said, "uh huh" for "yes." Her parents said they would have to think about that. =)

Anyway, we lounged around for a while. My sister, Martha, and her husband, Matt, were able to come in from South Carolina. We took a short break and went home and then went to Uncle Jim and Aunt Linda's house for dinner to be with my mom's side of the family (Abbie got no nap). On the way over there, she fell asleep. After her little nap, she was ready to come in and play with a couple more cousins. Too bad I didn't bring my camera. Sophie & Abbie had fun playing with Gracie and Harper. My cousin, Craig, his wife, Megan, and their three kids were supposed to come in from northern Virginia but they were unable to come in due to complications with Megan's pregnancy. We hated it that they didn't get to come! We ate way too much food but enjoyed the fellowship. Then, this weekend, we've been decorating for Christmas and visiting with family some. Uncle Phil is leaving for a mission trip to Panama and El Salvador for about 6 months this Thursday. We will miss him while he is gone!

Sophie and Abbie take on "The Fast Food Song"

Sophie learned "The Fast Food Song" at school about a month ago, and she's been singing it at home.  Abbie really likes to try and sing the song too.  Sometimes, Abbie will sing "Burger Hut" instead of "Pizza Hut," but she sings the song with a lot of enthusiasm.  The original song by the Fast Food Rockers is below so you compare it to Abbie and Sophie's cover version.

The Hermitage

me & the girls with the Hermitage way in the background

the back of the house

Matt & the girls with a gorgeous tree

This past Saturday, we decided that since we had a free morning (soccer season is over for Sophie) we could go and visit the Hermitage. Back in the spring, we had bought some discounted tickets to visit the Hermitage sometime. We thought that Sophie might be old enough to get something out of the trip. I had thought that my parents might could watch Abbie but they had other plans. It was such a beautiful fall day! We enjoyed touring the house and the grounds and learning more about President Andrew Jackson, his family, and his lifestyle. Abbie was a little bit difficult to keep contained (she didn't understand why she couldn't go under the barricades during the guided tour, etc.) At least there was a lot of walking she could do outside. We wanted to do the wagon ride but we didn't have time. Visiting the Hermitage was a change of pace for us and overall we enjoyed it. Abbie was a handful but she did OK. That afternoon, Sophie was able to go with one of her friends from school, Jordan, to a little play. They had a great time.

All of a sudden, it's turned cold in the last few days and now it really feels like Christmas is approaching! I've been busy trying to get some holiday shopping done.

Best Buddies

                                                             Meagan & Abbie

                                        Sophie, Abbie, Drew & Jackson in their firemen's gear

                                                 Meagan & Abbie playing in the kitchen

Abbie & Meagan are special buddies. We go to church together and they are in the same class at Mother's Day Out. Each of them always asks about the other one. It is just so cute! Well, Meagan had a birthday party last week and I knew that it was one that Abbie couldn't miss. I think this is the 1st party that Abbie's been invited to that is officially one of her friends (not invited as Sophie's little sister or just a family friend). Her birthday party was at Peekboo Playtown and Meagan's mom said that Sophie could come too. It is really a cute indoor play place with a playground type area, grocery store area, cars to drive, dollhouse, dress up stuff, kitchen and school play areas, etc.

Halloween

Abbie (a cupcake) & Sophie (Jessie from Toy Story)

Lauren & Sophie

our girls with Mr. Ben & Katie, a cuddly pink bunny!

Jenny & Julia

On Saturday night, we walked down to Publix to trick or treat. Then, on Sunday night, we went to trunk or treat at our church. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone all dressed up! There were a lot of people there and some really cute costumes. It was fun seeing friends. Matt's parents ended up deciding to come visit us unexpectedly so they were able to join us for trunk or treat! I think Abbie was kind of overwhelmed by all of the people dressed up but thankfully she didn't seem to get too scared.

Julia and Joshua dressed up as Pebbles and Bam Bam. Joshua had a little club that he got to carry around. We came home from trunk or treat and ate some pizza quickly before going trick or treating around our neighborhood with Emerson and Verona's families. Mimi & Paw-paw Tom stayed behind to give out candy. When we got home from all that trick or treating, the girls were worn out! I don't know what I'm going to do with all of this candy sitting around!