Thanksgiving and more!

Thanksgiving was a wonderfully relaxing and low key day. As I said in the last post the morning was spent playing a little baseball and relaxing as the turkey cooked in the oven. Keith always does the turkey, pumpkin pie, egg nog, cranberry sauce and devilled eggs. I usually do everything else, but Shannon brought the rolls, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes so the only things left were the dressing, green beans and gravy. I was excited to finally have Grandma Sonia around so that I could learn her mom's secret dressing recipe first hand. I think we both decided it really isn't difficult once you know what you are looking for. There is little measurement and most of the recipe is based on smell and looks, although I feel confident I can replicate the delicious side dish now :) I also learned the secret to making the gravy is to mix a little water with the flour as to prevent clumping when adding the flour as a thickening agent. I can't wait to make dressing and gravy again!

After a lovely dinner we were able to play a fun family game of UNO. 

Here is a great shot of Grandma and Grandpa with their three grandchildren!

Story time!

All of our kiddos love books!

Auntie reading to Phoenix.

The girls and Axel.

On Saturday morning we pulled down all of the Christmas decoration and started putting up the Christmas tree.

It was a much quicker process with Grandma and Grandpa helping!

We headed to Sacramento to see some of the Burgess side of the family after lunch. There were a lot of accidents so we went the long way via 580 and 99. We got a slow start as Axel was throwing up his lunch before we headed out and once we hit Hwy 99 Phoenix said she was going to throw up. Luckily, Grandma Susan was home and we were able to stop by her house on the way to my cousin Jill's. The funny thing was when we arrived Braylin was there with Auntie and Uncle Ryan as they all needed a break from the long car ride as well. Here is a cute picture of the three grandkids.

We had a lovely time visiting my cousin Jill and her family, My Aunt Cindie and Uncle Terry, Uncle Steve and great Grandma/pa Burgess. I did not capture any pictures because of all of the great conversations I was having. Hopefully, more of the Burgess side of the family will be able to get together over Christmas.

After the get together we met Grandma Susan and Grandpa Brian, along with the Jolleys at BJ's for dinner to celebrate Grandpa Brian's birthday. Here is a memorable moment as Uncle Keith was able to comfort Braylin for the first time. It made the long trip to Sacramento that much more worth it to be able to see many of my relatives and celebrate with Grandpa Brian.

On Saturday morning we enjoyed our last few hours with Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce. Daddy found a dead squirrel in the back yard and had fun teasing us with it.

The kids also wanted to finish decorating the Christmas tree. Here is Phoenix and Axel putting ornaments on the tree.

The picture quality is not very good, but here is one last picture of Grandma and Grandpa with Axel and Phoenix before they had to head out to the airport. On their way out they were able to stop by Axel's swim lesson and see him do free style and back stroke which was very exciting for Axel. We had a great visit and can't wait for them to return again for the Super bowl in a couple of months.

Today we are trying to clean up and catch up on all that needs to be done for another short work week as we gear up for our San Diego family trip this coming weekend!

November Fun and Pre-Thanksgiving

 We have had such a busy 2 weeks since I last posted. I will start this post off with Axel's 1st Grade fall photo. Keith and I think he looks much more mature than just last year. He is more independent with all aspects of his life and our little boy is growing up into quite a good soul.

 Two weeks ago we headed to Walnut Creek to meet Grandpa Brian and Grandma Susan along with the Jolleys for dinner. Grandpa brought us our annual lamb that we purchase from a local farm in Grass Valley where he lives. Here is a really cute picture of Axel and Braylin.

 

And Phoenix and Daddy in the picture too.

 We tried to capture a family photo, but Daddy took the picture and not everyone was looking. It was worth a shot!

We had a really nice warm week so we were able to get out and enjoy the weather. Axel has really improved his skills in baseball along with his attitude and determination. I love the look of his face in the photo. 

 I wanted to show you a picture of Phoenix, who is our little fire ball, and always has a face of determination no matter what she is doing. It is great to see both kids having fun!

 Last weekend we had our annual pre- Thanksgiving dinner. It was a nice evening of visiting and food with our close friends. We don't get to quite socialize like we use to as the number of kids continues to grow.

 Luckily, I was able to come up with a few activities that helped settle the kids down. It was really fun seeing them all gathered and focused on their art projects.

 Late, late Saturday night Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce arrived. Here they are on Sunday during nap time reading with Axel.

After nap time was Axel's baseball party at Golf Land. It was Pheeny's first time playing mini golf. I think she did great as the game was quite long with all of the birthday parties that were there playing and celebrating. 

Grandpa and Phoenix patiently waiting!

 Axel and his team.

Axel taking a shot.

Grandma giving Pheeny her first putting lesson.

 Coach Keith/ Daddy!

 Phoenix trying her best do implement what Grandma taught her. After several holes she figured out kicking and throwing the ball were more effective :)

Monday through Wednesday Keith and I had to work. Phoenix went to daycare, but Axel had the privilege of hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa. They went shopping, went to the movies and played, played, played. On Tuesday, Axel went to a camp so Grandma and Grandpa could get some Christmas shopping in, but otherwise it was hours of playtime for everyone. 

Here is a cute picture of Axel and Grandma during battleship.

And Phoenix and Grandma playing after I got home from work. 

 Grandpa and Phoenix....

 and Axel and Grandpa building with his new mixels (sp?) they bought him.

 On Thanksgiving day Grandma, Axel and daddy got out side for some fun baseball time. Grandma had a blast pitching and throwing to Axel and Axel had a blast hitting for Grandma.

 Here if you zoom in you can see Axel's great expression.

 Look at that determination!

I will continue on the next blog Thanksgiving dinner and the rest of Grandma/pa's trip!

The Jolleys come to visit!

Last Friday we finally had the opportunity to head to Jack Fischer Park for a morning of fun. Phoenix loves riding her pink bike that she got for her birthday. 

On Saturday we thought we were attending Axel's last soccer game, but he decided to do the tournament this weekend so he has 3 more games, 2 more which he will be able to participate in. After his game he was playing around with a balloon. Daddy caught him being silly with the balloon in his belly so he wanted to capture are bellies side by side. I hope mine doesn't look like Axel's for a long time!

On Sunday we were very happy to have Auntie, Uncle and Braylin in town to watch Axel's baseball game. The girls had fun together while Axel played. 

I think they ate the whole time! Just kidding, they played as well, but both of these girls love to snack and eat.

Axel played first base for the third time this year. He really tried and has improved so much.

 He also played short stop and catcher.

 Auntie was able to capture a very cute photo of Axel with the girls after his game.

Braylin was able to come over for another hour of fun. As you can see here at about 1:15 or so Phoenix had a total melt down. I had to put our pretty princess to sleep. Braylin was able to play on for another 30 + minutes before she started to need a nap as well. We had a ton of fun with the Jolleys and are looking forward to seeing them a few more times before the end of the year

 Axel had his soccer party on Tuesday. You can see his smiling face as he received his first trophy. It was a huge accomplishment for him to finish the season. The first half of the season we had to negotiate every practice and game. By the end of the season he really matured and pushed through with good spirits.

 Here is a group shot of some of the boys and Axel.

 Today Phoenix and I made it to Jack Fischer Park again. I just had to capture this shot of Phoenix riding her bike with her head band on like the 80's, her shoes on the wrong foot and her eating her sandwich. She is a girl after my own heart!

We have a very busy weekend with 2 soccer games, Axel's last baseball game, swim lessons, dinner with Grandma Susan, Grandpa Brian and the Jolleys as well as a playdate on Sunday afternoon. We are also gearing up for next weekend as we host 20 of our friends for our annual pre Thanksgiving dinner and anticipate the arrival of Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce as they come for a week of fun and food!

Happy Halloween!

We had such a wonderful time yesterday with our action packed day. Here are the lite and carved pumpkins. 

 Here is our little Jedi and his dog side kick Jedi with our Captain America Princess. Daddy bought the costume big hoping she would wear it next year, but she loved it so much so had to wear it nearly all day yesterday!

 And finally hear is Daddy Darth Vader with the two littles. We prepared the house, pumpkins and candies and set off with a few neighborhood friends.

 Our two new neighbors have 7 year old daughters who ended up in the same class. Sophia, Evelyn and her brother Charlie joined us for a night of fun.

 Phoenix always waited patiently as she was the last to get candy at each house. All of the kids were very respectful and said Happy Halloween and Thank you at each house.

 Before the sun went down we were able to capture a few cute action shots. Here are the older kiddos.

 And now the littles joined their siblings for an action shot. Phoenix lasted nearly 2 hours until 8pm. Daddy took her inside and put her to sleep as his leg was just as tired as Phoenix. Axel met up with the other Axel and continued on for another 30 minutes. Axel and I decided it was good to head home when his pumpkin was filled to the brim. It felt very heavy to hold. Once home he did his candy sorting and counting for his school assignment and then headed off to bed. Both kiddos slept in until 7 am after the time change which would have been 8 am. Both daddy and I were thankful for the extra sleep.

Today has been filled with taking down all of our Halloween decorations and putting up Thanksgiving decorations. I was also able to take Phoenix to the doctor for her heat rash that never really went away. Apparently it was/is dermatitis. The mostly likely trigger has been her mini mouse sheets and pink warm blanket that I purchased a few months back for her big girl bed. They are made of polyester. It looks like her skin is just as sensitive as daddy's skin.

Axel had another baseball game today. It was a beautiful fall day. Otherwise we are gearing up for the next week. Axel has his first field trip of the year and I have a late 3 hour work night meeting. Next weekend is Axel's last soccer game, first swim lessons, Keith's yearly company party that is our one night out a year, and the Jolleys are expected to come watch Axel's baseball game. We are feeling blessed!