Let's play catch up!

Happy Thanksgiving!

So the holidays are off with a bang and I am of a mixed bag at this juncture. I cannot wait for Christmas! Melancholy from time to time about last year. But excited about this year.

RJ has found a new love and Phillip is enjoying the hobby as well. I set up an outing for the boy scout group RJ is in to a Baseball card shop. They all had a great time there and got a starter kit. A book, cards and patch! The owner talked to the boys about collecting and things to look for and things to steer clear of. Now RJ is on a mission! He loves rookie cards and Phillip has an easy indulgence. Now the packs of cards are coming home faster then he can put them in his book and now they are planning an outing to get a new, bigger one! How did it go from action figures to baseball cards? I missed something I think. Soon he will be driving and dating!

We are having a quiet Thanksgiving and then the Xmas season begins! We will be getting a tree this weekend and going to the zoo for the holiday light event. I can't wait!!!!!!! I love Christmas! Already thinking of all the fun things we are going to do! Decorations will be pulled out Friday and the season is official! I don't do the crazy shopping thing though so no worries. It is all about having fun with the kids for us. My list is ever growing for activities with them. Ugh, I can't help myself!

Disney

We finally took a vacation! As usual we went to Disneyland and had an amazing time! RJ took us on his favorite ride, Buzz Blasters, 10 times! Jack was old enough to ride the Matterhorn and when he got off, he summed up the trip..."That was awesome!!"

It was a quiet week there so only one day where we had to wait in line (veterans day). We saw the fireworks, hit every parade, rode every ride we wanted and got to ride w/ the engineer at the front of the Monorail! Nothing can beat a fun time with the family. It was a great week!

Jack

Here are pics of Jack's first pony ride. Rather anxious...until he got started, then he didn't want to get off.

We're goin' to the Zoo, zoo, zoo...how about you?

Jack and his "girls"
The boys going for a ride

There was no school on Friday (or Thursday) and so I packed up the boys and we spent the morning at the zoo with some friends. We saw the new baby elephant, Sam. Amazing thing to watch. Couldn't find the setting without a flash in time to snap a pic so you are stuck looking at my babies instead!

Pickling

Because I have nothing else to do...I thought I would pickle.

It is an indulgence for Phillip.

They are so bold in color before I pour the brine. I love to see them clean and in the jars. There is a small pleasure I get when I am done and have something I made that others enjoy. Must be why I started making jam too. That or I have found my stride as a domestic. So long as no one wants clean socks!

A study of Hammie...by Jack

Hammie reading


Hammie resting

First day of School

Well it was a banner year for the family. Both boys are in school now and here are the pics from their first days!

I know, slow as usual.