Thanksgiving and Shopping

Finley happy after turkey dinner (he needs a haircut)

The Scrabble table

We went to Billings for Thanksgiving and had a very yummy meal and great time with family. We played Scrabble of course and watched some football.

Justin and I decided to brave the shoppers Friday morning though we didn't wake up at four! We went to Kohl's and found some good deals but had to wait in line for 30 minutes or more. Justin went to get us coffee while we waited-that helped our moods quite a bit! Then we went to Lowe's, Shopko, and Big R. The last three weren't as busy as Kohl's though.

Ridin' the Lawn Mobile

Finley is walking very well now but still won't walk around the house-only going from person to person. He also is enjoying saying "no" these days which I think he actually learned from Madelynn since she says that to him all the time! :o) Madelynn is counting from 1 to 12 and can basically sing the alphabet song with some help. She also likes to sing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Jesus loves me".

Winter Fun

Justin created a "snow slide" using the kids' actual slide. It was a big hit with Madelynn and Finley didn't seem to mind it either. Madelynn also enjoys it when Justin pulls her around fast on her sled. We have a snow track in our front yard!

Camping Inside

Justin built Madelynn a tent in her room which provided a couple of hours of entertainment. She also built a campfire out of a pile of clothes and stuffed animals. I am not sure where she got that idea!

Our Winter WonderLand

Thursday night brought us rain first and by morning we had a foot of snow. It is always beautiful to wake up to but is always a shock when it finally arrives. Justin had the camera with him in the car on the way to work so he snapped a few photos.

The Kids

They are modeling the hats that their Great-Grandma Doris made for them. They having been wearing them a lot in the house!
Hiding in the cubby-hole in their closet. Neither of them has ever been attached to pacifiers but when one finds one laying around the other wants one too and then they have them in their mouths the rest of the day!

Madelynn has been a very busy lady lately. She is constantly wanting to "cook", baby her babies, run around our house naked-yelling "I am naked", play with her brother, dance and be a princess, and has a great time hiding and playing with her daddy.

More B-day Pics

Finley playing with Papa and Grammie

Finley's favorite past time-walking around.

More walking

Justin holding the birthday boy and Eli (Dee's friend's child)

Finley loves to walk around but could definitely walk by himself. Last week he took his first 5 or steps between John and Justin. He has since been doing that a lot but won't doing any walking by himself (the little stinker).

Finley's Big Day

Grandpa encouraging Finley's chocolate habit

A very happy sugar-high chocolaty Fin

Fin eying his b-day cake

My wonderful monkey creation-I am taking orders if anyone wants me to ruin their b-day cake! :)

Finley celebrated his 1st bday on the 7th with my parents, Jacki, John, Sharon, Jonathan, Laura and my friend Deidre and a little boy she was watching. It was great having most of our families here and Finley and MJ loved all the attention. I tried my hand at making a "special" b-day cake and needless to say it was SPECIAL! I was telling everyone they are going to have to be prepared to see the same cake for Finley's next 17 birthdays. I will get it to look like a good monkey sooner or later! :)

Finley also had his 1 yr check up on the 6th and glad to report he is healthy. He weighs 25 lbs and is 31 1/2 inches tall. He handled his shot like a man too! Just one little yelp. Now that he is one, I am going to start weaning him and start working on him sleeping through the night! It has only taken me a year to get to this point! :0)

Papa and Grammie In Town

Papa taking Madelynn for a box ride! Wheeee!!!!!!!

Papa and Grammie are in town for the week so there has been lots of love and attention for the kids...and lots of free babysitting for the momma! I am sure there will be some fun pictures and good stories to post next week! :)

The Princess

Madelynn dressed up as a princess for Halloween and Finley was a frog prince but of course we didn't get a picture of him. Madelynn enjoyed getting dressed up and wearing a little makeup! And of course getting some candy (that Justin and I ended up eating most of!). Hopefully, I can get a picture of my prince and princess together soon. Madelynn wears her princess dress pretty much everyday so she won't be hard to get another pic of!