IHOP with the Whisenants

We went to IHOP Wednesday night with Kelly, Jason, Dylan and Landon. Maddie LOVES their blueberry pancakes! Poor Marek just watched in wonder . . .

Madelyn was giving uncle Jason lots of kisses!

Landon was keeping an eye on Marek to make sure he didn't drool on him again . . .
Dylan is always trying to make everyone laugh . . .

When we got home we walked around the neighborhood and looked at Christmas lights!

Children are love made visible . . .

Thanksgiving Race!

It was a race to Nana and Papa's! I'm glad no one was given a ticket! Chris didn't even park or turn his truck off - he just left it in the road! I caught the tail end on video when aunt Kelly caming diving into the house! Steph was the first to bust through the doors, then Jason came running up with Landon and yelling for Dylan to hurry (thinking majority wins). Much to his chagrin, Chris flew past Dylan and DOVE onto the marble floor. Kelly wasn't far behind with all her bags diving in herself. I'm still not sure who won but Marek got scared at mommies laughing and started to cry - poor thing . . .

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a busy day. Thanksgiving is all about turkey, stuffing, family, football, and giving thanks! The days fly by now - I wish time could slow down just a little . . .

Our FamOLEY picture

Passing time waiting for our cousins to arrive . . .

As Stephanie came bounding into the house with Jason and Landon close behind, Uncle Chris came diving in on his belly and so did Aunt Kelly with bags in hand! I'm still not sure who won the race . . . Dylan giggled at his funny parents and aunt and uncle! See - parents actually can be fun and funny!

Before anyone could get too messed up - we threw them on the couch for their group photo! I can't believe it worked. Cameras were flashing everywhere so we know that at least one will suffice for Nana and Papa's Christmas photo. . .

(l - r: Landon, Ashlynn, Marek, Madelyn, Chase, Dylan)

Time to get messy! After Turkey, we took the kids on a nature hike - collecting leaves for our Thanksgiving craft project!

En guard! Madelyn chasing uncle Jason with a stick!

Collecting leaves and putting them in Ashlynn's scooter basket.

Gathering leaves is so exciting!

Everyone wanted to try out Chase and Ashlynn's scooters. . .

I found some white dandelions and gave one to Dylan to blow on - he LOVED it. More so, he enjoyed blowing it right at me!

I saw the twinkle in his eyes and I knew I was in for it!

Madelyn gets closer to pick out the perfect leaf . . .

It's craft time! Aunt Stephanie and I brought crafts for the kiddos - great idea but next year might be easier - too short of attention spans . . .

They made indian feather hats and pilgrim hats . . .

One little, Two little . . . Two little Indians . . .

Our final leaf project!

We almost made it the whole day with no injuries . . .

Poor little Landon fell outside off the brick step onto the cement. OUCH!

After turkey, the walk, and craft time - Chasey was pooped! Look at those rosey cheeks!My boy loves his cereal!
The tryptophan set it!

I think my boy might be a thumb sucker!So, the shirt Madelyn was wearing was actually mine. It's very small - mainly an undershirt. It looked like a dress on her. Add a belt and it would be perfect . . .

Voila!

Madelyn got a hold of the camera and took a few pics. She's actually quite good at centering the subject!

Here are a few that she took . . .

Madelyn didn't nap all day - there was too much excitement! She fell asleep on the way home - it was an early night for her!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

So Much to be Thankful for

As I sit here on the eve of Thanksgiving, I feel overwhelmingly blessed. I thank God every day for the good fortunes He's bestowed upon us.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.