Thanksgiving in North Dakota

Because Amanda had to work before and after Thanksgiving, we decided to drive to Bismarck to be with her for our big feast.  We survived the drive but barely made it through the first night.  Sleeping all together in the living room on the third floor proved a challenge for our family.  At least McKenna decided it was better than sitting in the van by herself close to midnight with a wind chill near zero degrees!

The next day was more enjoyable.  Amanda had this fun puzzle/toy that kept the kids busy for a while.

RJ was the boss of the turkey.

Reagan was so excited to be reunited with Sant Amanda (as she endearingly calls her).

We forgot to bring chairs so we ate criss cross applesauce.

Amanda and McKenna made a delicious green bean casserole and I made Melissa’s yummy sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, rolls, turtle pecan pie and pumpkin pie. 

RJ has been wanting to make mince meat pie for a long time now.  He finally did it this year with a rum sauce to boot and it was delicious!

The kids got to help Amanda decorate her little Christmas tree.

We ate breakfast with Amanda the next morning while she was on her lunch break.  I did a little bit of black Friday shopping while RJ took the kids to this fun play area in the mall.

We played plenty of wii, my favorite being the Dance Party competition.  It was a good trip and we were really happy to see Amanda again.  We have so many things to be grateful for!

Bootlegger’s Ball

Our November date was going to be a tour of the Basilica but those are on Sunday so RJ was looking for a backup.  Someone at work mentioned taking their wife to a bootlegger’s ball at the museum of history in St. Paul.  Everyone was to dress 20’s style.  There was a new exhibit on prohibition, dancing, an amateur dance off, crafts, and free alcohol.  I thought it was really cool of RJ to look into this and get the tickets (especially since they weren’t cheap).  I had a lot of fun pulling our look together (I made my headband, necklace, and got a matching ribbon for RJ’s bowtie to put around his hat) and anticipating the event.  We spent most of our time walking through the museum which was interesting.  I imagined a huge ballroom floor with everyone dancing.  Unfortunately the dance floor was a very limited space where only 15 couples could dance despite the fact that hundreds of people were there looking very dapper in their 20’s apparel.  We danced a couple songs then came home a little early.  It was still a really cool and different date.

Halloween

The kids got to dress up three times!  First, we went to our ward’s trunk or treat and chili cook off.

Reagan refused to wear her wig but I got some pictures before we left to try to salvage the $8 I spent on it.  My only other consolation is that McKenna loves Ariel and maybe she can use it some time.

I bought this Belle dress at a second hand store and McKenna looked beautiful just as the name implies.

Hunter decided to be a ninja for the second year in a row and I didn’t mind since it only cost me $3 and I knew he would be warm.

They had a Halloween party at school and Reagan and I went to see the parade.  Reagan really enjoyed seeing all of the costumes.

On Halloween night, I gave McKenna her red riding hood cape that I made two years ago.  It was still a very cold night.  RJ took all the kids while I passed out candy.  After making their way through the neighborhood, they returned and begged to go out longer.  Reagan stayed with me and RJ sealed his position as favorite parent by staying out for an extra hour and doubling their candy supply!

Post Halloween has been difficult as far as eating regular meals goes.  McKenna did make hers last longer than last year but still nothing to brag about.  Hunter still has some and it’s been two weeks.  I’m glad he is not like his mom.  I ate so much candy as a kid.

My Sweet Reagan’s 3rd Birthday

We took some pictures while Hunter was at school.

Reagan picked a strawberry cake.  Originally she wanted cherry but she settled for the next pink thing when Target and Aldi were out of cherry.  I tried to persuade her to get an ice cream that went with strawberries but she chose mint chocolate chip (which happens to be my favorite so I won’t complain even if it doesn’t go with the flavors of the cake).

Here she is licking the bowl from her cake mix.

This is the worst looking cake ever!  I’m embarrassed that RJ took this picture.   I should have stuck with all white.  Oh well, it still tasted good.

When McKenna saw me hanging stars for the Halloween party, she decided to hand some that she made in her room and to have Reagan’s party upstairs.  McKenna made two cards and picked out an Ariel book for Reagan.

RJ and I bought her this dress.

Hunter wrapped some of his Pokemon cards and a glow ball for her.

We also gave her these little babies with a bunk bed and 5 puzzles (below).  We completed 4/5 of them in one day.  Three of them are 100 pcs, 1 48 pcs and 1 24 pcs.

Grandma and Grandpa Morrison bought this gift while they were here and wrapped it up for her to open on her birthday.  She loves play dough and it’s a little kitchen play dough set.

Grandma Blanche sent her $20 and Grandpa Reeve sent a card with $1.  She was thrilled with everything.

She blew out her candles with Hunter’s help.

We watched the video that RJ made for her from birth to one for FHE.  It’s amazing to see her grow so fast.  She has been a huge blessing to this family.  We all adore her.  How could anyone not?  She is the sweetest little girl.

Halloween Party

I decided to do a Hollywood themed Halloween party this year.  I invited about 31 people but two other people were having parties that night and 20 of the people I invited went elsewhere.  I felt like our party got hijacked but was determined to have fun regardless.  We laid out a red carpet, hung silver and gold stars (cut out by hand), had a back drop for pictures, cheesecake disguised as tuxedos, sparkling apple juice with wine glasses, Oscar awards, ballot boxes, and three games (trivia, celebrity impersonations, and guess that star).  Despite all my efforts, it kind of felt like a tired party.  I hope people had fun and will come back next year.

Eric and Nicki Gardner came as Thing 5 and Thing 6

Mike and Karina Tew were Kiefer Sutherland (in 24) won best actor and Shirley Temple won best dressed.

Ryan and Janessa were Kermit and Audrey Hepburn (37 weeks pregnant).  Janessa won best actress.

Melissa and Forest were Wayne and Garth.  They won the best look a likes.

Justin and Sara won best snack.

Jessica didn’t win a prize but she came as grumpy cat and rocked the trivia game.

RJ and I were wedding day Ken and Barbie.  RJ won best dressed.  He looked great! He’s always such a great sport always supporting me in everything I do.

Here is one of the 6 awards.  They were big boxes of candy.

My stars!