Rams Football Game

Brandon was given some free tickets to the Rams v Arizona Cardinals football game.

We had 6 free tickets, so we took the kids and gave the other 2 tickets to some friends.

The kids really enjoyed the game and the nachos. . .

Energizer bunny ears were given to everyone before the game.

This is Sarah showing her touchdown dance. . .

it wasn't the Rams best performance, so she only got to do it twice!

Family fun. . .

I love the way Caleb is looking at Brandon . . .

there was some great Father/Son time during the game!

I think we have a new football fan in the family!

Thanksgiving Pie

Before Brandon and I got married, Brandon asked me to learn how to make a pie crust like Grandma Lill!  So off to Grandma Lill's I went . . . that was 10 years ago and guess what I make for all the family gatherings?  PIE, PIE and more PIE

I must admit that until last year I had never used a store bought crust, but after working until 5 pm, picking up the kids, making dinner, bath time, Brandon working until 8 pm . . . I decided to give the store bought crust a whirl.  I have used store bought pie crusts for two family events: Thanksgiving 2010 and Thanksgiving 2011.

There weren't any complaints . . not sure if anyone noticed the difference. . .

not sure what I'll do for the Christmas Pies. . .  hhhmmm

For this year's Thanksigving Pie's we (Caleb & I) made pumpkin and apple cranberry with crumb topping.

Caleb was in charge of stirring the pumpkin . . .

and mixing the apples and cranberries . . .

Sarah was in charge of the camera. . .

Sadly, my camera was left at home over all the Thankgiving festivities . . .

so no pictures of the pie, no pictures of the family . . .

However, we were all there and a great time was had by all!

Out of the 4 pies I baked, I had less than 1 pie remaining. . . which Brandon gladly took home with us!

No More Training Wheels!

Sarah practiced and practiced . . .

it was finally time to remove the training wheels!

She oh so patiently waited for Brandon to get home, because this was not a Mom job.

Waiting so patiently, she decided to get a chair . . .

I think she thought you just pulled them off or something.

Caleb even helped the processes along and Sarah is still being so patient.

Finally . . . the wheels were off!

However, even though the wheels came off . . . Mom's job was to hold the bike, run along side

and under no circumstances was I allowed to let go!

Still running and holding . . . maybe in the spring I'll be able to let go!

After all that waiting and hard work, Dad treated the kids to their favorite drink. . .

EGG NOG!

Halloween or Candy, Candy, Candy!!!

We spent Halloween Eve at Grandma & Grandpa Canning's house.

Before getting ready for trick or treating the boys insisted on playing outside. . .

Once the boys were completely dirty, it was time to get dressed up!

Caleb wanted to be Woody and Sarah decided to be Jessie! 

I was so excited that they wanted to coordinate their costumes!

I found the hats at the Disney Store; Grandma Susan made the shirts and I made Caleb's vest and Sarah's pants.  Caleb's boots even had Andy on the bottom of his left boot . . . just like in the Toy Story movies!

Grandma & Grandpa Canning with all their grand kids:

Caleb (Woody from Toy Story), Lainey (ladybug), Olivia (bee), Bella (ladybug), Matthew (Batman) and Sarah (Jessie from Toy Story) 

After all the pictures, it was finally CANDY time!!!

Caleb dove right in - I think he was first in line!

I believe he took all the Snickers bars - what a good boy!

Grandma Canning gave everyone silly glasses . . .

and decided to keep a pair for herself!

Next stop on our Halloween Eve tour was at Great Grandma Lill's house . . .

she always has sweet treats for the kids!

The next stop was at Great Grandpa Bob's house . . .

Caleb didn't know what to think of Grandpa's new hair,

but once Grandpa gave him some candy all was well again!

Grandpa Ken tried to wear Sarah's hat . .

Grandma Susan got to wear Woody's hat too.

We made lots of stops on Halloween, including Great Grandma Betty's house.

We were all worn out by the end of the night . . not quite sure how, considering all the candy that was consumed!

Day on the Farm

A day spent on the Canning Farm. . . . which also doubled as Timmy's engagement party!

The kids insisted on wearing their boots!

Notice Brandon's shoes???

Searching for the cows. . . .

Apparently, "here cow, here cow" doesn't work very well!

A combine ride with Uncle Andy was a must do!

Daddy playing (I mean working) in the wagon . . .not sure exactly what he is doing, but I know he's having fun!

Uncle Timmy driving - I think he was trying to prove to all the kids that he knew how to drive a tractor too!

Caleb still searching for the cows. . . .

Now that all the work was done (thanks to Tim and Brandon, I'm sure) . . .

it was time for the Engagement Party to begin!

Rachel's family had never been on a hay ride,

so Andy grabbed some bales, Mom grabbed some blankets and off they went!

Andy drove while Brandon opened all the gates in the fields - what teamwork!

A fun time was had by all. . . well all the kids anyway!

Boo at the Zoo

Sarah had her first field trip for the 1st grade at the St Louis Zoo on Halloween!

I was selected as one of the chaperons and we had a great time!

The weather was beautiful and the decorations at the zoo were awesome!

I will try to remember to take Caleb next year too!

Some of the activities during the day included:

the children's petting zoo. . . .

a slide in the Children's zoo. . .

a log tunnel to crawl through. . .

and the carousel (a favorite). . .

The beautiful weather brought out some beautiful animals!

I've never seen so many big cats!

The Zoo had the best decorations . . . I was amazed!

 Skeletons in the trees . . .

I didn't think to look up until the very end of the day!

There were decorations everywhere!

All the lamp posts were even decorated as scarecrows!

We love going to the zoo and I can't wait to take Caleb next year!