Thanksgiving

We usually spend Thanksgiving with the Brannen side of the family. These visits to "Papa's" house are always a relaxing way to escape and slow down for a little while. We are hoping these visits will be great memories for the girls as the grow up. Spending a little time outside of the city and enjoying all of the animals too. The girls love to see the Alpacas and the Macaws and now there are also horses right across the street.

















This year we were also excited that Brooke and Trey (the newlyweds) would be joining us. The girls are full of admiration for Aunt Brooke and love any time they get to spend with her. We are thankful for this wonderful time spent with family.

Hey Jude

Jude went in today for his four month check up and now weighs 14 lbs 3 oz. Time passes quickly. He is such a wonderful addition to our family. I am always looking in to his eyes and wondering what he will be like when he is older. So far he is content and so sweet. He has an adorable smile that melts my heart. He has always loved to be carried in my sling and falls asleep in there very quickly. He has also found a favorite perch on Les's shoulder. His relaxed body sleeping across Les's shoulder reminds me a lot of Skyla at that age doing the same thing. He seems to have his own look but shares the same petite features and almond shape eyes that Skyla had as a baby. He lights up when ever the girls talk to him and smiles at them often. He has very little time where there isn't a big sister a few inches from his face or smothering him with kisses. In fact, we are a little hesitant to leave him alone with August. She tends to love him with her whole body and still hasn't grasped the term "gentle". She has even counted to three before going for a running start and jumping on him. This beautiful boy is definitely well loved.

A New Ride

Les and I both enjoy thrifting but you never know what he is going to come home with. This is his latest treasure. So far they have just been on a test ride on our street. With a better bike though he has plans to ride to breakfast. Ugh, that idea makes me quite nervous.

Friends

Les and I are always talking about the relationship Skyla and August have and how they always seem to be looking out for each other. They have such a friendship at this point in their lives and I am so grateful to be watching it grow. They have spent so much time together that I know will be a beautiful foundation for their future. They play together so well right now. I'm not saying they don't have their moments of frustration and shouting. Mostly they argue over who gets to be the closest to daddy, sit next to daddy at the table, sit in daddy's lap etc. , etc. They are definitely passionate about that argument. Les asked me if I think they will talk as much and be as close as my sister and I are now. All I can say to that is: I hope so!

During my last pregnancy Les and I would talk about the third child fitting in. Wondering if it would be hard to mix in with these two little girls who seem to have something very special. Of course now that Jude is here, he almost instantly felt like he has always been a part of our family. I laughed at this picture though... he seems like he might be a little worried about it too.

Observing A Pattern

We have noticed that a lot of Skyla's creations are very symmetrical. You can't see all the details in the photograph but this castle she made with building blocks is one example. Every detail was the same on both sides. Yesterday, I gave them foam stickers and paper and this is her picture. I think it is interesting and definitely falls in line with some of her other personality traits.

Also, here is August's picture. I came down stairs and Skyla was giggling. She pointed to the top of the page and said that August wanted her to write down her name and phone number for her. August is really becoming her own little self lately and always keeps us laughing.

Candy Cane Ornaments

Yesterday, Jude took an extra long morning nap and the girls and I made gifts for Skyla's teachers. They both loved alternating the colors and stringing the beads on the wire. We counted out 20 beads of each color for the ornaments. Math lessons with out a workbook. :) This of course spawned an urgent desire to make A LOT of Christmas crafts. So, we are gradually making ornaments for a tree the girls will have in their room this year.

Family Movie Night

We have been trying family movie night in our house over the last few months. The girls get so excited as we all put on our pjs, make popcorn, and share this time cuddled on the couch together. I remember watching "The Sound of Music" as a kid and loving it. Sarah and I used to act out scenes from the movie. Skyla and August have been enjoying the soundtrack for a while but this was their first time watching the movie. Also, a first time for Les. We all enjoyed it. I must say I am a little tired of being asked to sing "Do-Re-Mi" again and again!

Why Blog?

I've been thinking about doing a blog for a while, here are some of the reasons:

• I'm hoping to preserve these moments.
• It's a great way to keep in touch with family and friends.
• I'm also hoping it will help me to "live in the moment" more.
• I love reading other blogs.

So, while I am definitely not a writer and would never post with out the help of spell check. ;) Here is my attempt to start a blog for our family.