I Heart Schwans!

I am absolutely in love with all of the products from the Schwans food company. Before we moved I was in the most wonderful dinner group with some friends and that made it very easy to have a healthy family dinner each night. It is important to Kris and I that we sit down as a family for dinner as often as we can. Now, every 2 weeks the Schwans man comes to my door with yummy foods and easy to prepare meals. This week I made the most delicious beef stew using their beef tips and gravy item. I added a few other ingredients and some fresh veggies. It simmered in the crock pot all day and was amazing!

I am quite picky about meat quality and fat content and their quality is fantastic.

And... the Ice Cream is the creamiest and best I have ever had!

For recipes, you can go to their website... look up your local Schwans guy and give it a try!!

Legoland Christmas Tree lighting

After school I took the boys to Legoland to watch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. We arrived just in time to see the Fun Town Fire department show... it has been a favorite of all of my boys, and I love it too!

Vern, is our favorite (with the red bow tie) and this guy has been playing Vern since we started going to legoland about 3 years ago. Occasionally there is a replacement Vern... he's african american, which is a little interesting when when you are used to this Vern.

Carson Driving the lego Volvo

Gavin and Collin drove in the older kids area.. snif snif... and because we are a Volvo loving family (even though they don't make a vehicle large enough for my family) , we think these lego Volvo's are pretty cool!

Racing Brothers!

Collin coming around the turn

Flying in the helicopter

I was alone so Hendrix didn't make it out of his jogger very much... but he had a great time taking it all in and of course loved the fire show too!

Eating our dinner

The big lego Christmas Tree !

Collin finishing up his dinner waiting for Santa to come. After the tree was lit they had fireworks which was a nice surprise. I had such a great night with my boys and they were so good ! Love them!!

I'm Back!

I have been a slacker recently! Kris has been off work for 5 weeks and just went back this week, which is bitter sweet... but thats another story. So, I can't sit on the computer all day while he's around... right? I wouldn't want him to think that's what I do all day... right? Ok... maybe sometimes it is. But he doesn't have to know that! We have had a crazy few months and are ready to enjoy this beautiful season. Happy December 1st!!

The bitter truth

Thanks to my genes, I am starting to get some darker... ok, maybe vericose... veins on the back on my legs. Great. On Thanksgiving I was wearing a dress and Carson noticed the veins and asked me if I knew why my legs were 'cwacking open?'

Time for a little laser treatment...

Thanksgiving Day!

My parents invited Gavin and Collin for a sleep over so they could help with the turkey the next morning.

Thanksgiving morning was beautiful so we loaded up Carson and Hendrix for a bike ride to Starbucks.

A Gorgeous morning!!!

Collin peeling the potatoes

While waiting for dinner, Papa took the boys for a ride in the convertible.

And Ashley played a board game with them

Two handsome guys getting hungry!

My Mom always sets a beautiful table

The Feast!

Girls!

My mom, sisters and Brittany, my brothers girlfriend... who also happens to be our favorite and the BEST babysitter!

It was so fun to have my sister Jenna home from college!

Opening Christmas Pj's

My beautiful sister Ashley

A tradition that my mom started a few years ago... on Thanksgiving we all open new Christmas Pajamas together to wear all season! This years are my favorite so far and they are so incredibly comfy... thanks mom!

Pre-Thanksgiving Celebrations!

Gavin and Collins Kindergarten class had a darling performance! Gavin was so proud to have a speaking part, and he said it flawlessly. He was also mouthing everyone elses parts as they were saying them... apparently he has a good memory!

Collin stringing his indian neclace.

The Thanksgiving feast!

The three amigos

Gavin, Collin and their bff Easton

Two cute turkeys! They each painted a picture and shared with the class what they were thankful for. Gavin "I am thankful for my brothers, Collin, Carson and Hendrix"

Collin "I am thankful for my Dad"

Mrs. Oakes did a great job coordinating the performance with all of those kids!

Now, for Carson's Thanksgiving feast, I forgot my camera and had to use my iphone. I know this is blurry but I wanted to get a picture of the painting he made.

"I am thankful for my brothers Gavin, Collin and Hendy"

They sang some cute songs including our favorite.. Grey squirrel... shake your bushy tail. They also said what they were thankful for and he said " my Mom."

Contemplating eating his feast

His cousin Reese goes to the same preschool which is so fun! They live in the same community we do and we have loved seeing them more often!

Now for an entire week off of school! I love having my kids home and no where to be, nothing to really get ready for.. just pj's and playing!

Recently Hendrix has started to say Collin's name. Gavin and Collin get the baby out of his bed most days. One gets in the crib and hands him out to the other one... its quite funny!

The other day after getting him out of bed, Collin said " When Hendrix says my name, it makes my heart feel like it's glowing."

Such a sweet bond these brothers have!