First snow of the year!

And the first time Kaylee really ever played in the snow. We woke up this morning to see snow outside and I showed Kira out her window. She saw Kyle working on the reindeer we have in the front yard. Apparently, it's mating season for plastic reindeer (courtesy of our neighbors - lol) so he was out early this morning putting them back in place. We noticed it about 10:30 last night as we turned out the lights but Kyle wasn't in the mood to do it then. Anyway, Kira wanted to go outside right then. Mind you, it was about 7:30 in the morning. I got them all dressed and they went outside to play for awhile. They had a blast! Kaylee wasn't too sure about it and had a hard time walking around but big sis was so great to help her out.

We all came back in and I cooked breakfast then they were ready to go outside again. This time it was in the backyard. I went out with them and helped make some snowGIRLS according to Kira. Really, they were snow mounds because it wasn't sticky enough to roll balls. We had alot of fun.

Kira is off with Memaw and Papa to the reindeer ranch right now to pick out their tree. We have a friend's b-day party to go to shortly so Kaylee is napping then we'll be off. Then off to Memaw's for chilli for dinner. Should be a great day!

Big sis giving a helping hand:

My snow angels:

Their new friend (we made three all together).

We are the Griswalds

We hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving. We did! We went to Kyle's dad's house for dinner and stuffed ourselves, as usual. It was fun seeing all his family there. It was even warm enough (kind of) that we took the kids over to a park to play outside for a little bit. Mom was ready to come home before they were.

The day after, I went out to do some of the sale shopping. I lost track of how many stores I went to but most of them I just looked around, realized what I wanted wasn't even on sale so wasn't about to spend all the time waiting in a checkout line. I finally got most everything for the kids and cousins at one store. I still have a few more things to pick up but have made a good start on it.

We also spent the afternoon putting out all our decorations inside and the rest of the lights outside. When we stood back and looked at the house, we had to chuckle. We even had a neighbor come outside and ask us "Griswalds" what we were up to. The kids really like it so that's what matters most. We did everything but get our tree. Since we leave for UT on Weds and will be gone awhile, we decided we'll have to pick up a tree when we get back (we get a live one). At least I will want to keep it up till New Year's since we won't be around to enjoy it alot. Normally, right after Christmas, I've gotten tired of seeing all the stuff and want it done.

We're very excited to see my family. Can't believe it's so close now and that Christmas is so close too. Can't wait!!

This and that...

I've been working with Kira for awhile on writing her name. She never really seemed interested so I didn't push it. Just in the last week or so, she wanted to learn and once I showed her, she picked it right up and wants to write it all the time now. She's even asked how to spell mom or dad so I tell her how they're spelled and she writes it. Pretty cool and she's so proud of herself!

A front view of our house - just to show where I am in the pic below...

Last post I mentioned Kyle working on the Christmas lights. Well, he tried to finish them up the other day but he kept sliding down the roof so I told him I'd do it. I've done shingle work on 3-4 houses before so being on the roof is not new but I did not like it (nor will my mom like seeing this pic! ;) Since I'm a little smaller than him and can bend over further, I did the little peaks. It's all done now and they may never be coming down or going back up again!

And, we finally got the tile done in our kitchen. What a difference! I love it.

Kaylee is learning so much so fast too. She knows the color blue and green. Tries to count and do some of the ABC song. Knows the star and heart shape. It's just amazing how fast they absorb things at this age. This is one of my favorite ages when they're little.

We're all looking forward to our trip to UT in December. Kira keeps saying how much she misses Grandma Reid and how long it's been since we've seen her. Sadly, Kaylee probably really doesn't remember anything since our last trip but hopefully this one will create some wonderful memories for her. Can't wait!

Guess that's it for now...

What a great Halloween!

We had such a fun (and busy) holiday! In the morning, we had the guy come to start our tile backsplash. We had painted the kitchen months ago and left that area blank. It just took us forever to get the time to go pick out tile. We finally did a couple weeks ago and got it scheduled. I took the girls to the park with their friends for a little while in the morning. It was such a BEAUTIFUL day - near 70 degrees. We also had our replacement couches delivered. We had bought some at Labor Day but when they got here, they weren't the color we expected so we had them exchange them but they had to reorder so it took forever to get it all straightened out. Finally, we're happy with these now.

Kyle came home early and started putting up Christmas lights on the house. Every year we've been here we've wanted to do it but he's waited till it got too cold and snowy. Well, nice weekend, time to get it done (I can't believe I'm thinking of that holiday now already).

Later in the afternoon we got everyone dressed up and went to Kyle's dad's house to show them the girls and trick or treat there. Then, we went to a friend/neighbor's house for a pizza party with a bunch of other kids and families. When it got darker, we took turns (the moms first) taking the kids out trick-or-treating. The weather was gorgeous! The kids wore long-sleeved shirts but didn't even need a jacket. It was so much fun, especially seeing Kaylee do it for the first time. Kira figured it all out quickly and was in the front of the pack running from house to house. Kaylee and I were a little slower because Kaylee had to walk the whole time. I tried to pick her up once and she said "walk, walk". She would try to say "trick-or-treat" but often resorted to just "pweese". She did say "thank you" each time. She was up there with all the bigger kids. We went back and switched off so the dads could then take them out. Kyle said Kaylee had to walk the whole time with him too and carry her bag the whole way. It got so heavy she just drug it on the ground behind her. I was totally amazed how far they all went and how far she made it. Even when we went home, we were unpacking the car and she looked at our next-door neighbors house and said "moe yites" (more lights) and started taking off toward their front door. Both the kids had a blast as did Mom and Dad! It only took about 5 minutes after getting in bed before Kaylee was out. Little trooper! Kira wasn't far behind. :)

All the goodies - notice Kaylee's ripped up bag from dragging it the whole way.

Checking out the haul the next morning (and yes, already eating some). What are we going to do with all this candy??