Thanksgiving Break

We just got back from our great Thanksgiving break. We ate amazing homemade food as well as visited our two favorite places...Portillo's and Oberweis! Let me tell you how thrilled I am to see the look on the nurses face when I step on the scale at my next appointment. We also spent time with extended family and had a great time. Lots of late nights, good laughs, and tons of memories were had by all.

The weekend started at our local Santa parade where Abby got to march with her school. She was so excited and loved to hear our group of friends cheering her on as she walked by.

We packed our bags and headed for Chicago. We had planned in advance for each one of the kids to have some special one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa. They each had so much fun and I know they will remember their special time that they had for a long time.

Abby and Grandma made an apron together. They picked out the fabric and sewed it all together. It turned out great and Abby will have many chances to use it over the years and think of her grandma each time she does.

Ethan was in heaven working with Grandpa in his workshop. They fixed a power cord, hung a fire extinguisher, and fixed up the old bird house. Ethan was so sad when it was time to leave he just burst into tears. All he wanted to do was find Grandpa and give him a big hug.

Morgan made pies with Grandma. She stuck right by her side until each pie was finished. She was so proud of her work that night when we ate them all up and told her what a good job she had done.

Our next favorite part was going to work at the storehouse where Charlie's parents are serving their mission.

We got to see what they do each day and fill some orders. The kids LOVED it. Abby got to go and spend an entire day there with her cousin and they had a blast. I wish we lived closer so we could go more often, it was a great experience for all of us and we appreciate what they do there each day.

Lots of time was spent just playing and hanging out with all the family. It is always a little loud and crazy but well worth it for the memories that are made.

We also visited the local children's museum. My kids love it there and this trip did not disappoint. Samuel was in all his glory...can you tell?

We are glad to be back but sure enjoyed time with family. We have learned over the years that nothing means more than family. We don't get to enjoy time with any of them very often and when we do it just reminds us of how wonderful they all are and how much we love and miss them.

Thanks Ross and Diane for always being so welcoming and opening your home up to a million crazy kids. We appreciate it more than you could ever know!