Field Trips

While in Cincinnati, we took several indoor field trips to hot spots around the city.  We saw the holiday lights display on Black Friday at Union Terminal then played for a while at the Children's Museum.  We accidentally bumped into Santa and Mrs. Claus on our way out of Union Terminal as well!

Grandma Kathy and I took the kids to Krohn Conservatory one morning as well, to see the beautiful botanical displays they have set up for the holidays.  There are trains that run through, around and over the flowers and many mock-ups of Cincinnati landmarks.  The buildings, bridges and steamboat are made out of twigs, sticks, and other plant matter.  Very cool!  We saw a similar display at the Botanical Gardens in DC last Christmas too.

Thanksgiving in Ohio, Part 3

Thanksgiving at Grandpa's looked a lot like this.  He and Alex playing checkers and chess both on the ipad and with the chess set.  We were so glad to get to see Patti following her hip replacement and keep her company for a bit while she recovers.  We enjoyed a nice lunch and an afternoon of games.

Thanksgiving in Ohio, Part 2

We were staying at Grandma Eileen's house this trip and she always has some sort of fun craft project to work on.  This trip it was foam animal puppets on craft sticks.  I think we brought 25 home, easily.  We spent Thanksgiving snuggling my cousin's new baby, Liam, and the kids enjoyed getting to play with Aiden too.  Aunt Nicci also turned 30 so there was plenty of celebrating to go around!

Thanksgiving in Ohio, Part 1

The kids were over the moon excited to see snow in Ohio at Thanksgiving!  We forgot boots and snow pants.  Luckily there is a Once Upon a Child nearby so the kids were able to suit up and go play a few times during the trip.  Abby helped Grandma Kathy cook dinner while Alex challenged Chuck to a game of chess.  Gigi enjoyed snuggling and playing games with the kiddos too. 

Sipping and Painting

Have you heard of these places where you all sit around and drink wine, then paint a canvas to look just like the instructor's?  This was so much fun.  I'm glad we went as a group for Carrie's birthday, as this isn't the kind of place you'd go solo.  Amazingly enough, despite my complete lack of painting skills, my canvas kind of sort of turned out as it should.  We looked around the room and somehow everyone managed to nail the assignment.  Everyone had their own variation on the theme, and those who sat next to each other had strikingly similar paintings.

Abby's Thanksgiving Feast

 

Abby's sweet little preschool hosted a Thanksgiving Feast the week before Thanksgiving.  Since they have a full kitchen on the lower level, they are able to cook a full turkey lunch with all the trimmings.  Abby's favorite was the cranberry sauce, as we predicted it would be.  She was so happy to share a meal with her classmates and have the parents there to serve the food.  

The "Feast" offered for sale at the elementary school was far less appealing, but Abby and I joined Alex for lunch that day anyway.  I am so thankful that he never ever asks to buy lunch. 

Happy Birthday Mommy!

My sweet babies gave me a lovely new camera for my 33rd (gasp!) birthday in November.  I am easing into it, but so far love the results!  I had a wonderful birthday dinner here at the house with Jackie and friends before indulging in my favorite Funfetti cake (truth).  These two sure do know how to show Mom a good time!

Operation Christmas Child

Along with about 15 other youth at the church, Alex and his buddy Sammy participated in the packaging and wrapping of 75 Christmas gifts for Operation Christmas Child.  Each box contained a few hygiene items, toys, and a stuffed animal.  The boxes went from our church to ministries in countries around the globe.  Amazing to think how one small shoe box can change the life of a child, even for a short time.

Donuts with Dad!

Abby was thrilled to welcome Brad for breakfast at the preschool!