Visit From Family

Jon and Jenny came up for Thanksgiving and were able to stay with us for ten days.  It was fun to see them and I was glad that the kids could get to know one another.

 Ben was very territorial and earned the nickname baby vampire because he kept biting Violet when she would try to play with his toys.  Other than that the visit was great and we really enjoyed having them here!

 Dancing with cousins!

 Violet, Bethany, Ben, and Sam

 Love our cousins!

Jaxson and Matthew playing a very serious game of Wii!

Thanks for the good memories Jon and Jenny!

Thanksgiving

Every year we go out to dinner for Thanksgiving! I love this tradition. I don't have to do tons of dishes so I actually get to participate with the family and the activities.

Bethany and Sam can't wait to start eating!

Andy, Scott, Sam, Timmy, Bethany, Matthew, Ellen, and Ben

We had a lot of family and friends join us this year in our tradition at Gustav's.

Grandma and Grandpa Lay

Brevin, Brent, T.J., Ian, Amy, and Davis

Jenny, Violet, Jon, and Jaxson

Clint, Owen, Evan, and Kerry

Jasimyne and Grandma

Maddy, Amy, Brevin, and T.J.

We ate our Thanksgiving feast around 11 and then went to a movie.  After the movie we went over to the church and played dodge ball with the kids to get all that good food to digest.  After a little exercise we all came back to the house for our favorite appetizers, pie, and games!

I am so thankful for my family and the good times we share together.  It is my favorite thing to do, to be together, laugh, and make memories!  There is nothing better than family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Matthew's 10th Birthday

Matthew is 10! He is super sweet and is such a good helper. He is always willing to play with the younger kids and if there is a baby around he is ready and willing to hold it!  He is good in school and great at it. He always brings home good grades and when I meet with his teachers they always LOVE having Matthew in their class! We LOVE having Matthew as a part of our family!

Matthew has a major sweet tooth!  He could be in the opposite side of the house and I'll get in the cupboard for a little treat and Matthew is right there asking me what I'm eating.  It's amazing that he can sense sugar from that far away!

Matthew's friends!  He has a lot of them because he is such an awesome kid!

Matthew's favorite gift, a Kindle Fire!

Happy Birthday, Matthew!