Prepping for the Holidays

As Christmas quickly approached, we had plenty to see and do.  In one week, we managed to see Santa two times, attend three Christmas parties, and shop for gifts all while having FUN!  It has truly been a magical time of year.   

Visiting Santa at our favorite spot - the Bass Pro Shop

Carousel Fun

Posing for a picture while shopping.

An exciting dinner out at Rainforest Cafe

Face painting at Aron's work Christmas party

Having way too much fun in the carnival tent!

Just one of the many prize tables!

Race track wars!

Waiting to see Santa with the elves.

These were the sweetest elves. 

A visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Before the night ended, we were sure to get balloons.  They even lit up!

Watch out!



Tis the Season

This weekend has been one filled with cozy family moments around home.  After spending Friday evening at the Detroit Zoo for their Wild Lights event, we were filled with Christmas spirit.  On Saturday, with Christmas music playing in the background, Sloane and I put on aprons and made cut out cookies from scratch.  We also spent Sunday morning in the kitchen with all four of us making a delicious breakfast that included eggs, bacon, and pancakes.  It's been wonderful spending the weekend together listening to the sounds of the holidays while a fire crackles in the background.  We are definitely on the Christmas countdown... 10 more school days until vacation!!!

Wild Lights at the zoo with our neighbors.

The little rascals waiting to see the Polar Express 4D movie -Super COOL!

A Portion of the Lego Exhibit

It was difficult pulling this guy away from the Lego's!

We even got to see Santa!  Sloane was very concerned because she only told Santa one wish and she has three.  Luckily we have plans to visit him again this week.

Russell shared Santa's lap with a neighbor buddy.  How is it these two look like family?  Such cute boys!!! 

Silly boys goofing around by the ice sculptures.

The baker is ready!

Mixing all the ingredients.

Her favorite part - licking the beaters!

Look who showed up to help decorate.

Thanks for Thanksgiving!

This year was Thanksgiving in Gladwin with the Sleeper and Wilcox crew.  We had a total of 21 people which made for a very full house.  Dad had the turkey roasting before 6 a.m. and as our family trickled in, the house was filled with every mouth watering delight a person could imagine.  Since the Lions were playing the Packers we had a divided family as well.  At any given moment you could hear hoots and hollers and snide remarks.  At the end, it was our home team that pulled ahead for the win!  It was truly a Thanksgiving to remember, but not because of football.  It was the laughter and love that filled my childhood home this Thanksgiving that makes it one of the best.  The holidays are difficult without Mom, but when I have my family surrounding me, I feel her presence so strong.  She was surely watching from above laughing along with us!

The Carlson Ladies in our Lions gear!

The Sleeper clan divided in colors.

A couple of Cheese Heads (by marriage)!

Crazy Cousins

Three of my favorite people!  Love them!!!

One tuckered out girl.  Thanksgiving is tiring!

The day after = Christmas tree hunting!

Hauling it home.

Happy Birthday Russell!

Russell celebrated his 8th birthday at the beginning of November.  He had multiple celebrations with family and friends.  I still can't believe he is 8!!!!  Where does the time go???

He had to bust out of his room when he woke up.  He loved the streamers so instead of tearing through them, he army crawled under and kept the streamers up for almost a week!

Lions' Birthday at home with the family.

Lone Ranger wish came true.

Nerf wish came true.

And thanks to Papa and Uncle Keith, scooter wish came true!

Birthday meal wish...  Big Boy breakfast buffet.  LOL!!!  He loves it!

Star Trek/Laser Tag party with friends.

The boys had a blast!!!

What better place for boys?  Running, shooting, and arcade games!

October in a Nutshell

Technical problems have put me waaaaayyyy behind in blogging so October will be told in pictures...



I posted about Russell playing soccer in September, but wanted to post some pictures of Sloane as well.  Both kids had terrific seasons and look forward to playing again in the spring.

Here's a shot of Sloane playing goalie.  She loves defense positions.

Team Purpliscious after their last game.  Sweetest group of girls I've ever met!

I love this picture of Russell with his Coach :-)  The Pirates finished strong with only one loss in the season.

This picture is NOT that great, but we may never run another marathon together.  Very memorable weekend.

Chicago Marathon with AC and Gregg.  Fun city!

Russell and AC watched the Tigers in action during play-offs.

Halloween - The Lone Ranger

And Princess Sloane

We can't forget pumpkin carving.

Scooping out the guts.

Finished Products!

Well, that was October!  Wish I had time to add more details.  It was an extremely busy month and we loved every minute of it!