Toys? Who needs them when you have a BOX!

Ian did something this year I NEVER thought he would. He succumbed and bought a FAKE tree. He has hated them in the past but has decided cutting down a tree in shorts, flip flops and sweating is worse than the fake tree. So on Thanksgiving he ventured out to Michaels and got us one at 50% off. Still way expensive...but we decided it was an investment and went for it. It actually is very pretty. Once the star is on I will take a picture but for now....the box pictures. Ian got home and I had not planned on putting the tree up yet until December 1st. But he and the boys could not wait to do it so he put it up right then. As he put it together the boys took over the box. I think now after two days it is officially dead. After playing with it inside, coloring it and making it all "pretty" they then began rolling themselves down the hill in our back yard. Definitely hours of fun. Here are some pictures from when Ian was putting the tree up....toys, who needs them?

They are not in complete order but you get the idea. It was LOUD but hilarious. They are getting so big as you can see in the "first" picture of them in front of the tree box.

This past week in pictures...

We have a lot to be thankful for this year. Daddy getting home safely, the boys and I surviving the deployment without too much mishap and of course Luke. We really enjoyed having daddy home for 13 days. His chief managed to hold his leave papers for a couple of days so he ended up getting more than the normal 10 days. It has also been so much fun having Nana here even if the boys have driven us nutty! Luke is fitting right in and we are loving having a sweet baby in the house. Owen loves him but his attitude towards me especially is less than favorable. Here are a few pictures that truly depict how lovely he has been!

Then you have some of him WANTING his picture taken and happy. Go figure has to be on his terms:) Here are some of Luke, big brothers and of course Daddy!

Dress up time!

Me and my babe:)We are so thankful for him! Owen picked out his Thanksgiving bib before he was born:)

And last but not least I am thankful for our new point and shoot camera ..since our other NEW camera broke and has to be sent in. We could not be without SOMETHING with a new baby in the house!

Happy Birthday OWEN!

It is mind boggling to me that Owen is three today. Nana treated him and Ian and the boys to a day at Lego Land while Luke and I stayed home and made his cake:) Ian is busy cooking ribs and corn on the cob for Owen and we had dessert early and presents and will have dinner in a bit. He loves all his presents and is very thankful (as he keeps telling us how thankful he is). He is proving to be a wonderful big brother! Here are just a few pictures from today: Cake!

Presents!!

Just a few of my favorites from Lego Land

Sorry for the photo bomb:) I especially love the boys trying to drag Ian out of the slide and Ian stuffed in the air plane ride. What a great daddy he is!

Jacob and Nathan's school (Gecko Pride) Awards

Both Jacob and Nathan received school awards for this grading period this week. Ian and Nana went to cheer them on. Nathan's award was for "recognition for his enthusiasm when sharing his ideas" and Jacob's was for "recognition for his hard work and kind heart". The lighting was horrible but here are a few pictures.

* the pictures loaded with the top one of Jake and the bottom one of Jake but you get the picture:)