Slumber party

We have hosted family before but last weekend was our first extreme cousin fest. I have to admit I was anxious at first. A total of 9 kids in our little bungalow made my heart race, but once they were here it was awesome. Everyone fit right in!
There was a dance party.


Some video game playing.


And a movie with twinkle lights.


It makes my heart dance to think of all the fun they had, and to remember those awesome moments of my childhood. I hope we can host again very soon!

Winter festival

Our local community had a nice winter fest, and Patrick was invited to play.



There was face painting





And fun with cousins



Free carriage rides


"hi, dad."



And a visit with Santa!


A great event for everyone, and hopefully we can make it next year.

Our Black Friday

Patrick had a solo gig on black Friday. It was even in a family friendly pub, and at a family friendly hour. We had a great time, and I love when we can go as a family to listen and have a good time.

Elfie our elf

Elfie is our elf on the shelf. This is how we found him this morning.



He was circling cool things in the toy advertisement. He even picked all the things the girls loved!

It was a long, long, long, long, long way home

Patrick unfortunately lost one of his college friends. So yesterday we drove to the showing. The trip should have taken 2.5 hours one way, but it took us four hours to get there because of the weather. Starting off it was just cold and wet, and no signs of the doom ahead.



The rain quickly turned to snow. The snow led to "are we there yet."









White out.






Heading home was much better. Patrick was disappointed that he battled the snow beast and it was gone by the time we got home.

Happy Thanksgiving

This thanksgiving I made a spinach galette. It was yummy, but I think next year I will have to go back to the traditional green bean casserole. Need to remember to save back more beans from the garden next year.


The kitchen was in full swing. A busy and happy place to be cooking. Grandma looks like she is yelling in the bottom, but she totally wasn't and I love that oxymoron.


Littlest kids table. You know the family is big when you have a teen table, a kids table, and a littlest kids table.


And after dinner there was music.


And some super late night crafting, note it was almost eleven pm in this picture.


We crashed hard that night!

Refrigerator Raider

I find myself repeating, "Claire get out of the refrigerator!" I love her determination and her new found independence. I especially love her joy in whole carrots for a snack, but goodness the constant opening of the door will be my demise.

Dia de Los Muertos

In remembrance of those that have passed in my life, may they be lifted up with love and light and that their memories alway stay warm in my heart.
We celebrated the day of the dead on Saturday.



We attended a great event, and Emma really loved the crafts.


Claire on the other hand was not thrilled and was content watching from her stroller.



Feliz Dia de Los Muertos a tí

Happy Halloween!

Emma was a starlight fairy and Claire was a care bear.
We had such a great time trick or treating.



It was a perfect night to be out.



The big kids had to hike.


While the little ones cruised in style, with the drive thru trick or treating approach.



Happy Halloween!

Making lanterns

First paint a piece of watercolor paper and let it dry. Then oil it with vegetable oil, massage the oil in until you see the paper become transparent. Gather your supplies. This is a half sheet of 11"x15" paper.


Fold the corner over to get a 7.5" square.


Cut excess off.



Fold diagonally the other direction.



Fold in half length wise, and then again width wise.



Off set the corners, matching the length and width folds with diagonal folds.


Fold the corners down.



Open folds.


Cut the corners off, and now you an octagon.


Make sure you have 16 segments, you may need to half some of the larger segments if you do not have 16.

Fold up a section of four segments matching to the angles.


Continue around.



Open up and do the same to the other octagon points.
Looks the same but you will see triangles in the center this time of the framed area.


Turn over.


Fold down on the line.


Repeat folding down the triangles around.





Finish shaping.



Enjoy!