Thanksgiving in Chicago

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Chicago with Grandma Ellen, and Uncles Patrick, Tom and Jess. We ate at Fulton's on the River in our fancy clothes. The kids were so proud of their outfits. As we entered the building one of the hostesses greeted us and told Max he looked very handsome. Holyn piped up and asked, "What do you think about me"? Never to be out done! The food was wonderful (chicken, salmon, duck, beef and don't forget turkey). Holyn and Max loved the desserts, chocolate mousse and lemon bars were the faves! I did some shopping in the windy city on Friday with Grandma Ellen, and sucessfully dodged the PETA protesters outside of Macy's! On Saturday, Holyn got to visit the American Girl store on Michigan Ave. with Grandma Ellen. Wow, what a zoo! Max stayed behind with Uncle Tom to do some shopping of his own. Thanks for a great weekend!

Visiting Santa & Friends

The kids and I went to the Fort Wayne Botanical Center to see the Christmas flowers and visit Santa. Holyn was most excited to talk with Mrs. Clause. Max finally sat "near" Santa this year, he wanted nothing to do with him the last three years! We got to hear stories on a train that looked like the Polar Express and sit in a real sleigh. Next we said hi to the two live reindeer Teeka and Becka. After a chat with the "big guy" they had cookies and went home for some hot chocolate. Despite the full day of rain we enjoyed our trip.

It's Official

Well, today I finally took the test for an Indiana license, and passed. Thank God it only took one try. I held out as long as I could with my Iowa license. I had two days to spare before it expired. With my luck we will probably move soon and I will need to take the test again. I am keeping the book just in case!

Costume Contest

Unfortunately, Holyn has been battling the flu all week and missed her school Halloween party. She felt well enough in the afternoon to hand out some candy to trick or treaters and accompany everyone to the Arcola Lions Club Party. Max won 1st prize again this year in the catagory of Superhero (he started the night as the evil Spiderman and then changed back to good). Holyn won 1st prize as a Bat and even Boppa won for Most "Experienced" Trick or Treater!

Trick or Treat

Candy, Candy and more Candy! Holyn and Max joined their buddies Lauren (Dora the Explorer) and Nathan (Tigger) for some trick or treating in our neighboring town of Arcola. Max was Spiderman with muscles (he calls them bumps) and Holyn was ever so fashionable as a Bratz Bat. The weather here was beautiful and we stayed out until dark. Needless to say, we have lots of candy for all.

Preschool Party

Papa Jim dressed up for Max's preschool Halloween party (complete with eye patch and parrot on his shoulder) and surprised the class with a visit. He helped the kids with games, making crafts and bobbing for apples. Max dressed up as spiderman but really hated wearing the mask. When we asked Max what he thought of Papa Jim as a pirate, he said "ya looked dumb". Gotta love that honesty.

Hilger's Haunted House

Boppa and Papa Jim arrived for a visit and the kids couldn't wait to scare them. We made a second trip to the pumpkin patch (Hilgers) mainly to brave the Haunted Attic again. As before, Max wanted no part of it and Holyn (the pro with 4 trips through the attic during the first visit) needed a little time to build up her courage. With the help of some Hilger's helpers and a flash light, Papa Jim, Boppa and Holyn were successful. The kids also rode horses, the train and carnival rides, navigated the straw maze, jumped in the bounce house, listened to stories from the scary giant and watched piggy races. Can't wait until next year!