One more post about Thanksgiving

So, while I'm in the mood and have the time I am going to post one more set of pictures from our Thanksgiving Weekend.  We took advantage of the beautiful weather and went outside for a nice walk both days and the kids loved it!  

Here is the view of the lake near my dad's house.  I have such wonderful memories of hanging out back here.  I am so glad it is still just as beautiful!! 

 Finally, I don't think any kid doesn't enjoy jumping in a big pile of leaves.  Grandad was willing to provide the leaf pile this year!!  

I hope you also had an enjoyable and memorable Thanksgiving!  

Thanksgiving Decor

Ok, I know Thanksgiving is over and everyone has moved on to Christmas but I couldn't help but share a quick post about my cute Thanksgiving decor.  I love Thanksgiving and I love the sweet decorations that my children add to our home.  

First, I have my favorite fall decor item: My Pottery Barn leaf plates.  I 'splurged' on this item about 9 years ago and I am SO glad I did.  They make their appearance every year and bring a big smile to my face when I see them on my dining room table.  Next we have my cute little turkey basket I picked up this year.  I need to add more stuff like this to my fall decor.  

 Here are three wonderful additions to my home compliments of my two children.  First, we have Peyton's turkey made out of her hands.  Next we have Preston's turkey that he made out of seashells.  Very creative! Finally, Peyton's sweet coloring and list of things she is thankful for.  I love these items and plan on saving them, well, forever!!  

Now, I can't wait to share our Xmas decorations with you all!  

Peyton the Ballerina

Peyton had become VERY interested in dance and ballet the past few weeks.  She enjoys dancing with mommy (and my limited ballet skills), watching Angelina Ballerina and reading books about Ballet.  I think we need to head over to our local Library to find some more.  I even told my dad that she wanted some ballet items for xmas so lets just see what happens.  I happily encourage dance in Peyton since I am a dancer myself.  I am more talented in the jazz/hip hop area but still, this is awesome.  Oh yes, I purchased tickets to see the Nutcracker Ballet here in St. Louis over the Christmas break. I am really excited to take my little girl.  This cute ballet outfit was just given to us by a friend and Peyton has requested to wear it - non stop.  So cute.  

Um, did anyone notice the CURLY hair Peyton has going on. I think I need to consult Aunt Elizabeth on how to style this beautiful hair.  

Here is my girl working  on her moves. I am so proud!  I will keep documenting her work in the months and years ahead.  

Update on Peyton

I thought it would be a good time to update our family and friends on our little Peyton girl. She is now 2 years and 8 months old.  She is a sweet, loving, sensitive and a lovely little girl.  Her favorite activities include playing with her brother, taking care of her baby dolls, working on puzzles and cuddling with Mommy and Daddy.  She still has bright blue eyes and white blond hair.  She also loves spending time with her friends and has recently told me that she wants to be a ballerina when she is bigger.  So sweet. I love getting to know my little girl more each day and I am so thankful for her tender heart.  

Happy Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving!  Its my favorite holiday because it's an opportunity to take time to rest and reflect. This year I did a lot of both.  I am thankful for the extra days to rest with my family and friends.  I am also thankful for the extra amount of rest/sleep I could get.  I am also thankful for the time I took with myself, my family and my friends to reflect on how many blessings there are in my life. I would love to share some with you. 

-I am thankful for my loving husband.  He is a man with compassion and humility.
-I am thankful for my two children.  They are a great joy and it is an honor to be their parents.
-I am thankful for Steven's new job that has provided our family with a bit more financial security.  -2012 and the first half of 2013 were really hard.  I'm thankful that the going to the grocery store isn't a painful experience anymore because I am able to buy healthy food for my family.
-I am thankful for our house.  Despite things that need repair or my desire to have more space…its our home and we have so many wonderful memories.
-I am thankful for a loving family.  I'm thankful that we can spend time together often.
-I am thankful for a growing photography business.  2013 has been amazing!
-I am thankful for a wonderful dad that despite difficult circumstances has remained faithful and generous.
-I am thankful my mom is in Heaven with Jesus.
-I am thankful for wonderful friends.  While some are still in St. Louis and others are far away I feel a powerful network of love and care.

I think this is a good list :)  Sure, there are many other things I am thankful for but these are most likely my top items.

Ok, on to the actual Thanksgiving holiday.  We spent time over at Steven's parents house on Thanksgiving this year. It was a blast.  Here are a few pictures.

On the left is an awesome Sweet Potato Recipe.  On the right is Steven's famous apple pie. 

 After our Thanksgiving meal we headed outside for a walk. Here is a rare picture of Steven and me.  

My father in law took the kids out for a ride on the tree swing.  It was fun to watch them have a blast!