Brahm's antics

Our house faces north, which means that our driveway is constantly shaded and icy in the winter.  My kids absolutely love slipping and sliding on our sloped driveway.  I, on the other hand, am paranoid that one of them will end up in the E.R. or at the dentist with a knocked-out tooth from falling. 

I found my children playing on the ice two nights ago.  To my surprise, Brahm wasn't even wearing his jacket.  And, the shoes that he chose to put on were my heels!  The sight of him in a short sleeve T-shirt in 30 degree weather sliding in my heels was hilarious. 

What would I do without my Brahm?

  

Swimming lessons

Tonight was a sad night for me.  It was Simon's last swimming lesson.  Ava will be continuing on.  Both Simon and Ava have been taking lessons since last winter.  And, both have improved tremendously.  Simon can swim on his own in the pool now.  Ava is almost at that level.  Now we have soccer or baseball or whatever Simon wants to pursue to look forward to.    

Simon and Ava underwater

photos courtesy of Flow Aquatics

Thanksgiving weekend

The week of Thanksgiving was a busy one.  Simon had the entire week off of school.  It snowed like crazy. Jess and I made our entire feast.  We celebrated two birthdays.  We decorated our Christmas tree.  And, I did most of my holiday shopping online.  Whew! 

The view from our loft window.

Ava playing in the snow on Thanksgiving Day.

Brahm's birthday happened to fall on Thanksgiving this year.  He opened his presents in the morning while we watched the Macy's Day Parade.

Three dollars for our three-year-old.

Our Thanksgiving table.  The kids actually made the leaves that are scattered near the gourds.

Let the feast begin!

Our Thanksgiving menu consisted of:
Boursin garlic and herb cheese with crackers
Sweet potatoes with parmesan and pecans
Green beans with bacon vinaigrette
Olive oil rosemary bread
Sausage and sage stuffing
Roasted turkey and gravy
Cranberry sauce
Sparkling apple cider

The aftermath.

Simon's back for Round 2!

Decorating Brahm's baseball cupcakes for dessert.

Simon goofing around.

Brahm's after-Thanksgiving, baseball birthday party!

We woke him up from a late nap to blow out his candles.



We always decorate our tree the Friday after Thanksgiving with our Christmas tunes blaring in the background.  In the evening, we sit down together and watch The Polar Express while sipping Hot Cocoa. 






The bottom branches of our tree sagged a bit with all of the ornaments that Brahm so carefully hung.

The end result.

Our Thanksgiving week was filled with rest....

.....and horsin' around....

......and I celebrated my 32nd birthday!



Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Whose sweater is more hideous?  Mine?



Or Jess'?



Jess and I had the privilege of attending his work Christmas party donned in ugly sweaters.  In fact, everyone in attendance wore their most hideous sweaters.  Unfortunately, Jess nor I won the ugly sweater contest.  The prize went to a lucky guy wearing a Nora-esque sweater vest. 

Between Jess and me, whose sweater is worse? 

Mine jingled with the tiniest of movements.
Jess looked like an effeminate linebacker with those shoulder pads.

I've decided to hold onto my sweater for future parties. :)

Fall Family Photos

Our dear friend, Kim, took these fall family photographs.  We love them!  Be on the lookout for Christmas cards! 

Got Milk?

No, this is not a posed picture.  Brahm actually fell asleep in this position after slurping down a tall glass of chocolate milk.

It's Autumn-time

It's autumn-time.
It's autumn-time.
The leaves are falling down.

It's autumn-time.
It's autumn-time.
It's all around the town.

It's autumn-time. 
It's autumn-time. 
There's yellow, red, and brown.

It's autumn-time.
It's autumn-time.
Bright colors can be found.