I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas

Max and Holyn are in love with this song right now. That's why its on the blog and soon to be stuck in your head for days. Max has the tune down pat, and I hope to post a video of him singing it. So until then you get the 50 year old version. Happy Humming!

Starter Turkey

Unfortunately, this year we didn't get to go to Chicago for Thanksgiving (Lant had to work). So we decided to try to make on our own. This was my first try at the whole enchilada (turkey) and I started with the pumpkin pie on Wednesday night.


And this is how things ended up. I cooked the turkey in a baking bag (which I recommend) and it turned out excellent (if I do say so myself). Even the kids raved, and most of the time that's reserved for meals that have the words "Lunchables" on the box.


Here we are making gravy. Boy, were they ready to eat. Such show offs too.


Max was most impressed with Dad slicing the bird. Lant has had a lot of practice at this, but they thought the electric knife was amazing (remember Max loves swords right now).

And now, 4 meals and counting later, we are sick of turkey and potatoes. The countdown to Christmas has begun!

Turkey Play and Grandparent Day

Holyn's school had Grandparents Day today (by default, I was her grandparent visitor). The whole school welcomed the grandparents by singing songs in the gym (see the video below - make sure to pause the music on the playlist too). Then we had snacks and checked out the classrooms (and looked through Holyn's journal). Finally the Kindergarten classes put on a Thanksgiving Play. They dressed up as Pilgrims, Native Americans and even Turkeys (Holyn was a Native American Woman). They did a fabulous job, we were so proud of them! Watch out Hollywood.

Early Turkey Day

During our short, short trip to Iowa, we had a Thanksgiving celebration at Boppa and Papa Jim's. I am getting hungry again just thinking back. Our little posers here filled their plates (with a bit of help) and couldn't wait for dessert. Max and Uncle Chris definately got in some Jedi time and a couple sword fights too. Its amazing how Max loves Star Wars as much as his Uncle did (does). I bet you can guess what's on Max's Christmas list? Although we seem to be good on swords that shoot out and light up!

ISU Birthday

Lant and I traveled to Ames on Friday to attend the Football Letterwinners Reception and see the Clones play. And I got to celebrate my birthday at the ISU game, and boy was it COLD outside. But, thanks to my new best friend Ty (not pictured), Lant and I got to watch the game in comfort, the Club Section! The actual game seats were outside under the heat lamps. Check me out with my Bailey's and Hot Chocolate (thanks Lant!!) I also got to reconnect with Lisa from my sorority days. The Cyclone may have lost, but it still was lots of fun.

Happy Veterans Day

This is one of the many displays at Holyn's school of Veterans and Active Military. Students were asked to fill out stars honoring their relatives to celebrate Veteran's Day. This is the one we sent in of Papa Jim. Thank you to all our armed forces (and the families that support them) today and everyday for keeping us safe and free. We love you Papa Jim!!

All I Want For Christmas Is...

Yep, another is gone. All Holyn needs for Christmas is her two front teeth to grow in. She pushed this baby out during music class and it was her first attempt at going it alone. I don't think it counts as practice for the Christmas program, but we were surprised to see the gummy grin run up to the van after school. It's now safely next to her bed awaiting the Tooth Fairy's visit.

Eat, Drink & Be Scary

We celebrated our Halloween Day with a couple parties and trick-or-treating in Arcola. First, I helped at Max's Preschool Costume Party with games, crafts and treats. Next, Lant went to Holyn's school for their Fall Festival and helped with making smores at the campfire. We all met up again in the late afternoon and headed to our friends house for pictures and MORE candy. Holyn was always in character, so I didn't really get a good picture of her costume (note the folded arms like laying in a coffin, don't know where she comes up with this stuff).

Pictured above (from left to right) Max as a Storm Trooper, Holyn the Sassy Vampiress, Lauren an Indiana Cheerleader, Logan the Fire Fighter and Nathan the cute little Ducky!

Sorry Troy, but I warned you. Love the hair, although I don't think Lauren liked her dad in it!

This homeowner had flashing teeth and gave Max a little concern as he reached in for his treats. Holyn is an old pro at this game, she wanted to get the candy and run to the next house. Their bags were so heavy by the end, Mom and Dad had to lug them around.

We had a little fun with Max and made him pose with the policeman handing out candy. He kept saying, "But I didn't really do anything wrong, OK?" I was thinking Christmas card photo, no just kidding.

We ended the night at the volunteer fire department with popcorn, donuts and did I mention the kids got some candy? They had a ball sitting in the fire truck, trying on the firemen equipment and running around (high on sugar).