Christmas Card Attempts...

I had the cutest kids on the planet- but I struggle to snap the picture that reflects that.... Someone always seems to look away at the split second the shutter snaps. Or someone decides to be silly and NOT look at the camera.... Sigh....

Since I know that getting the pics I want can easily take time, I have started early. Here is what I have gotten so far....

Old Friends Reunited

This weekend we visited Delaware and spent time with our dear friends- Grayson and Avery (and their amazing parents, too!). While we lived in DE, Grayson and Avery came to our house while their parents worked- so our kids spent lots of time together and LOVE each other. When I told my kids where we were going, they went nuts they were SO excited!!

When we got to their house it was late so it wasn't until the morning that the kids saw each other, and when they did, there was approximately 30 seconds of just staring at each other. After that, they were playing together just like no time had passed- the best part was that there was no fighting!! They played together so sweetly- just happy to be back together!!

Us adults also had fun chatting- the men played golf and April and I even scored a few deals at the local Thrift Stores! It was a short visit, but SO worth it! I can't believe the next time we visit them, they will have had their new baby!

The boys pulled out the legos and played with them the entire weekend!

Addie and Avery played too, but the were more interested in the dolls.

The crew getting ready to check out the new playground in G and A's neighborhood! It was COLD- and in true DE fashion, super windy!

G and A on the see-saw- love the old-school charm that this playground had!!

Everyone loves technology!

A future snapshot, perhaps??

True men- fixing the kitchen!!

We had a great time- and look forward to meeting their new addition due soon!

Halloween

The day started off perfectly- there was crisp breeze and we were ready early for church!!

I took some pics of the kids and they turned out wonderfully!! Now if I can just get them to pose this nicely in Christmas clothes....

Sweet Pumpkin!

Suave Little Man!

After church and naps, we headed over to Addie's BFF Molly's house.

Time to rest-up for some serious Trick or Treating...

Checking things out as it's almost time to go!!

Family pic!!

And they're off! The Dad's took the kids around the neighborhood while Rachel and I passed out the candy- what a perfect evening!!

VERY pleased with their loot!! We had a great time and are so thankful for such great friends!!

WEAG's Fall Festival

Back in the Day- before we had kids- we attended a fantastic Sunday night service called Exile that was hosted by West End Assembly of God. Each year, WEAG hosts a HUGE Fall Festival- and it was at that festival, 7 years ago, that we met our now amazing friend, Karen. So, when Karen mentioned that this weekend was the Fall Festival, we were excited to join Karen and her family at the Festival!

My sweet Minnie Mouse and Handsome Firefighter ready to check everything out!!

Ready to go now that Hannah and Avery are here!!

First stop- hayride around the parking lot- hey, we are City Folk here!

The 3 musketeers off to check everything out!!

Addie saw this Mickey Mouse off in the distance and she literally screamed and HAD to get to him NOW. I have never seen her SO excited!! The rest of the evening she kept talking about how much Mickey must love her to come all the way from Florida to Virginia to see her!!

Alden would have happily spent the rest of the evening here- climbing and sliding on a FIRETRUCK!

Playing some games for candy!

Mickey came back to see Addie- but Alden was excited to see him this time- he was busy climbing and sliding on the firetruck before...

2 of the cutest scarecrows!

The kids had a blast at the petting zoo- no fear whatsoever!

Candy Treasure Hunt- About 50 2-4yr olds were all sitting on bales of hay waiting to be told to start when 1 kid fell in, and at that, ALL of the other kids jumped in and started bringing fist fulls of candy and straw to their parents- it was hilarious!!

Perfect ending to a wonderful evening- freshly popped popcorn!!

Waiting for Hannah and Avery

Our good friends Hannah and Avery came over for dinner recently (and they nicely brought their parents with them!) They were SO excited!!

Addie showing off the "special" acorns she picked out for each of her friends. I just love her goofy face here!

Chef Alden made his friend leaf and acorn soup- yum!

School Halloween Party!

The kids had Halloween parties at school today- what fun!

For Alden's class I made pumpkin brownies- he was VERY excited!

Addie's class had a party for lunch- I was able to be there for part of it! It was great getting to meet and chat with many of her friends!

My adorable Minnie-Mouse (yes, she was this last year, but she really, really, wanted to be this again!)

Addie and her favorite teacher Miss Monica

After naps, Alden's class went trick-or-treating at the various classrooms. Addie's did too, I just didn't get a picture.

The most handsome Fireman EVER!

My Friend

Alden has started this thing lately where he will snuggle up to me and tell me in a rather confidentail tone "You my friend, Mommy." It just melts my heart! He does this to all the members of our family- and his teacher said that he will do it to some of the girls in his class!

Of course, if I tell him something he doesn't want to hear, he will turn that bottom lip out, pout and say, "Mommy, you NOT my friend!" This, of course, is not nice, but with the face he makes, it's all I can do to not laugh, but rather help him see that we are to love family, all the time.

It's rather cute and just a phase, and I'm enjoying being told that I'm his friend....