We had a wonderful break the week of Thanksgiving. We kicked off the fun the Friday before Thanksgiving, Barrett finally got to go on his field trip to the zoo. We had to reschedule twice due to weather and the weather nearly got us again. There was ice on some bridges that morning and traffic was a nightmare but we all finally made it. We hadn't been to the zoo in a while just which is sad since we have a membership. So, we were excited to go. The weather warmed up quickly and it ended up being a beautiful day.
You can't really see it but the anteater was out. I've never seen it in all my days of going to the zoo. Jessica and I might have been the most excited about this.
He looked so big waiting his turn to ride the slide.
Meanwhile this girl was staying with her Granddaddy and she insisted on taking her baby and stroller. I can't handle how cute she looks.
Saturday, Patrick had to work so we called Aunt Elizabeth to see if she wanted to go on a hike with us at a localish nature preserve. (I wanted to check the park out to see if it would be a good place for a play date with our friends during the break.) We had such a fun morning. The kids whined a little bit but overall they had a great time. It's a beautiful spot, we can't wait to go back with Patrick.
AveryAnn did really good and walked most of it. There were a few spots she had to be helped and she rode on my back the first little bit because she was a little unsure but overall I was surprised by how much she walked.
Elizabeth was showing them a grasshopper on the tree and then it flew off and she screamed like a girl. The kids thought it was great.
The natives were getting restless so we bribed them with snacks. Barrett was whining and wanted to go back to the car. We decided a snack was needed so we asked Barrett where we should stop to have our snack and he quickly replied "the car". We both died laughing. It was the perfect witty comment.
Isn't this so pretty! I wish we'd gone before the leaves started to fall because I the colors that were left were beautiful.
Sunday we went to Mass and lunch. My old youth leader moved to Texas years ago but she was at Mass Sunday. I didn't know she was coming so it was a wonderful surprise. She and her husband were so good to us and some of my favorite memories are from that time in my life.
Monday, was our first official day of Thanksgiving break. We had to go to the office and get some things done. Then I promised the kids we'd get our tree out. I do not have the patience to decorate a tree with young kids. Barrett was so sweet and wanted to know the story behind every single ornament. But I was tired of answering questions. I tried really hard to not lose it. Hopefully he remembers the fun and not me yelling.
He was so proud!
They also love this little people nativity.
Tuesday, we went down to my sister's house to do some baking. She has way more patience than I do when it come to cooking with kids. Well actually she has more patience cooking period.
We made real hot chocolate and the kids weren't all that impressed. Ha! But they had a great time doing it.
Wednesday, we'd planned a fun play date/hike at Turkey Creek with our friends. The boys are in different schools this year so we're trying to be intentional about making sure they still get to spend time together. Now that they're a little older we can do more adventurous stuff.
13 or 14 kids. Jonah was there too but he didn't make it out of the carrier.
We all three climbed up the big rock.
After we made it off the trail. AveryAnn was on my back. I think the kids had fun! We didn't hike too far but I think it was the perfect little loop to keep them entertained but not be too long.
He climbed up there and was just laying there looking at the sky. It was my favorite thing of the day.
It's just so pretty!
We laughed because there were a couple of pictures posted that same day from the same place on Instagram. They looked so calm and serene, which was definitely not the scene while we were around. It's pretty much chaos anytime we're all together.
I think Brittany was having some FOMO so she convinced us all we needed to go have Mexican together before the holiday. It was a great decision. We realized while we were leaving we did the same thing last year on the same day. It was much needed. We laughed so much!
I promise I'm almost done. I didn't take many pictures the rest of the week.
Thursday, Thanksgiving day, we woke up and watched the parade.
Then we went to my grandmother's house for lunch. It was a good day. I didn't take too many pictures.
I got this cute one of the girls with my grandmother.
Playing in the pond.
AveryAnn only wants to wear pink dresses these days.
Madelyn trying to ride the tricycle.
We didn't do professional pictures this fall so I wanted to try to get one for our card. It was a disaster. We did finally get one but it wasn't easy. I had to beg Patrick to try one more location that I really felt would be perfect and it was. I'm saving it since it's on our Christmas card. But these are my favorite outtakes.
For dinner we went to the Horton's house and Melissa prepared a spread as usual. It was all delicious. We came home a crashed hard. We needed to rest up for our annual Black Friday Kick-ball game. I didn't take any pictures but we had a blast as usual. I'm still sore.
I wanted an Advent wreath so I bought a frame and one sprig of greenery, my mom turned it into this masterpiece. I was so excited. It turned out beautiful!
Friday night Madelyn was spending the night with my parents so they invited Barrett and AveryAnn to come too. They built a fire and were so proud.
Saturday, I was going to go to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl but I decided to stay home and take advantage of everyone being gone and clean out the pantry. It was desperately needed.
Before & After.
Much better.
I went to get the kids and get home before the game came on.
The happy Horton's during the game.
We went ahead and gave the kids their Christmas pjs. They were so excited. Barrett has wanted to sleep in them every night.
Sunday, we went to Mass and then to lunch at mom and dad's. Mom was putting up her tree so the kids "helped" her.
She tried to hang every ornament on this one branch. It was great.
That wraps up our Thanksgiving week! If you made it this far, Thank you!
