What a Month!

This has been a super busy month, and it has just flown by!  We journeyed to Dothan last weekend to watch Maddie play in the state soccer tournament.  I am happy to say she scored three goals in one match, and played awesome in each game.  Josh was her coach, and I think it was a great experience for both.  We also really enjoyed the town, and managed to get a little Christmas shopping done.
The kids came back with us for a few days, and as always we enjoyed our time together.  My favorite is the time they get to spend with John Sawyer!  They truly love each other, and there is no time like cousin time.  I must add that Reed (little) was a trooper.  He was very tired in the afternoons, and we attributed it to playing hard.  He did run a low grade temp a couple of times, but we kept it in check with medicine.  Imagine our surprise when his fever went up, and I took him to the doctor, and discovered he had the flu!!  He's still not 100 percent, but he's on the mend.  Our fingers are crossed that no one else gets it!

*I just discovered that these pictures are showing up blurry!  They are not blurry on my computer, and I don't have time to figure it out!  So sorry!

So proud of this sweet girl!  We are definitely her biggest fans!

 We made a few stops on the way home!  The first was Sweet Creek Market outside of Montgomery.  Lots of adventures here!  Chickens, turkeys, playground, ice cream and more!!  And yes, Nana went down the slide, and no-I am not sharing a picture.

 Next stop was the Bass Pro Shop in Prattville for a little visit with the Big Guy and several fun stations set up for the day.

 The day after we got home, we headed across the river to get a tree for our church. 

We also spent a little time at the playground.

 Reed is teaching John Sawyer about life and such!

Next up, putting up that tree at the church!

I still can's believe this little one has the flu here! It didn't keep him from being the best helper!

Up it goes!

Picnic time on the church steps!

This cutie was super happy that the big kids were here!  They will be back tomorrow for more fun!

Next up-the best Thanksgiving ever!

Sand & Jumping

It's pretty hard to find anything more fun than a giant sandpile.  The kids have always loved doing this.  It's messy, dirty and oh so much fun!

All smiles!

One, two, three, go!!

We next enjoyed a ride on the Ranger, courtesy of our special driver!

Lillian and I held the backseat down.

On the way to meet their mom, we made a stop at Upsurge.  Other than Maddie hurting her back and Reed hurting his knee-we had a great time! I might add that we had a little picnic in Maplesville while waiting on Lindsey, and Lillian got covered by ants.  So, after a great weekend, all three got hurt on the way home! Good grief!

This was the "if you let me take your picture together one time, I'll leave you alone" picture! Doesn't Lillian look thrilled?

I'm convinced she's going to be an American Ninja Warrior one day!

A little brother-sister competition!

Cheese!

Maddie was still recovering from a fall in this picture!  She soon got back into the action.

Hunting season starts next weekend, and they'll be back.  We can't wait!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Judge if you must, but my house is fully decorated for Christmas-and I am not ashamed!  I love everything about the season, and the longer I can enjoy my decorations the better!  I also love doing projects with the grandbabies, and this weekend we had lots of fun doing lots of different things.  My favorite by far was the dough ornaments.  They patiently took their time, and they turned out awesome.  Some of the bigger ones are on my big tree, but they made enough that I was able to decorate one small tree with just those.  In full disclosure, my outside is still sporting pumpkins.  I don't want to shock my neighbors quite yet-but, it won't be long until I head out their with my wreaths and such!  Reed said that it's a crying shame that the Pilgrims and Indians are just pushed out of the way.  I promise no one is more thankful than me.  I am blessed beyond measure, and know it!

Hard at work!

The Perfectionist!

The fastest painter in the south!

Mr. Go with the Flow!!

Aren't they precious?

I was only able to convince Lillian to take off her shoe for the snowman.  I love how it turned out!

 Reed's Santa

Maddie

Lillian

And the small tree by the fireplace. We also sent some cute tree ornaments home for their tree.

Merry Christmas (and Happy Thanksgiving)!

Chickens and Such

Weekends are my favorite!  I especially like long weekends when our three big kids can be here.  They are at the best age, and just lots and lots of fun.  They had a ball going to Papa's and playing with the chickens.  They are free ranging during the day, and have become quite spoiled. Lindsey's have been laying for some time, but not our little angels.  I keep telling Pop that they are not earning their keep! But, they are fascinating to watch, and the kids love them! Maddie is the resident champion chicken catcher.  However, this day belonged to Lillian.  She had a special touch, and held several of them! I might add that I never, ever thought I would be a chicken person, but I am truly enjoying them, too!


This precious one is growing so quickly! 

Reed wasn't too sure about this chicken catching stuff!

This one soon became a pro! The chickens seemed pretty content, too.

Is she not a doll?

This was as close as he wanted to be!

She was pretty proud of herself!

Sweetest sisters I know!

And the brother is pretty special, too!

Time for a tree climbing break!

And we placed flags on the poles at the entrance to our neighborhood in honor of Grandmother and Papa.  I think they would approve!

UPDATE:

They went back this morning before church, and look who caught a chicken!

Next up, dough ornaments which turned out quite awesome!