6462 Summit Cove-Mail box

 While Liam and I were painting the jazz note pieces we also stained the mailbox. I was so excited to get it put in place now that the yard was done.

Dunions were pouring concrete across the street and they happened to come to finish while Matt was out of town so that left me to frame the forms, track down some rebar, and get the concrete in the hole. I was a little intimidated but I did it. I went to a neighboring construction site and dug through their dumpster to find what I needed. I measure and cut it down to the sizes I needed and secured it with some concrete stakes. It wasn't perfect but I was so happy with how it turned out.

The Dunions used all the concrete they had ordered but the concrete guy said if I got a wheelbarrow I could have what came out of the pump truck. So I went to get a wheel barrow and shovel. I think the concrete guys felt bad for me so they grabbed some of their buckets and hauled the concrete down and put it in the forms for me. I went to grab the concrete tools to finish it. Although I don't think it was the best concrete job ever...I did it.

Thanksgiving Weekend

 Saturday morning Kimber left for her flight home and Maddi had gone home Friday night. Kyle and dad went hunting so some of the rest of us went to see Bree's puppies that Milo was the sire for. They were tiny and kinda looked like rats since their eyes weren't even open.

Then we headed to Hallie's indoor soccer game. They were playing the other swat team so at the end they all did the swat cheer.

Hallie's cheering section for the game...it's usually just us so it was fun to have some extras

That night Kyle and Nic headed to Ron and Jill's to spend some time with them so it was just us, Nate, mom, and dad. It was a pretty chill night. We picked up pizza and watched a movie.

 Everyone else headed home the next morning and we spent the day tearing the house apart, cleaning, and getting it all put together again. It was an amazing weekend and we loved having everyone here to celebrate. Can't wait to do it again.

Norr Christmas

The next morning we woke up and got everything ready before the kids were up. Luckily we had worn them out so they slept in a little. We got all the casseroles going and then hung out while we waited for the last couple kids to get up. Once they did they couldn't wait to open their gifts. They actually did a really good job in taking turns first from youngest to oldest and then in reverse. It was fun to see them open all thier gifts.

Kim caught this darling picture of Liam playing with Griff's gift. The kids were really good to share their gifts they received. As you can imagine with 10 kids there were plenty of toys

Then we spent most of the day just hanging out and playing. We had planned enough food on Thursday that we just had leftovers on Friday so no more cooking either.

Puzzles were a key part of our relax day. I think we did 4 different ones and everyone took turns just putting in some pieces when they'd walk past 

That afternoon before dinner we put together our service project. Nic was in charge and had bought all the item to put together pantry packs for the church services to pass out to needy families. Nic started by explaining what we were going to be doing and why.

We split into 3 groups and started putting together our designated meals. Then loaded all 60 of them into the car

That night Maddi decided to go home and it was funny to see the kids try to have her stay.

Norr Thanksgiving

 We were so excited about hosting Thanksgiving this year. Everyone arrived Wednesday afternoon/evening and we got everyone settled in. This house is so perfect for hosting. All the married couples got their own room and bathroom while we put Nate and Maddi in the bunkroom with a couple of the nieces and nephews. We used our cots to put the younger ones in with their parents and it was great. We did some prepping Wed night but mostly just had dinner and got everyone ready for bed. I did all the grocery shopping since everyone was traveling and this year my parents graciously paid for all the food. Thursday morning we all got up excited to get the day started. The kids that were up early headed to the gym while the rest slept in. The house is set up so great to allow people to still be entertained while others are resting. Liam was the quality controller for the cheese.

The weather was beautiful and I was once again so happy we finished the yard. Most of the kids spent hours playing in the sand and on the playground.

But when it was chilly outside there was plenty to do inside as well.

Once the whipped cream came out the line grew. Nic was everyone's favorite.

While we made the food the kids built a restaurant in the foam pit

The it was the time we had worked so hard for...to eat

If you notice in the pictures below you'll see the purple trays. Most would use those for a veggie tray but we used them for our plates. Kim had this idea and we all kinda laughed it off until we really thought about it and decided it was brilliant. We washed them after we ate and used them again for our desserts. I think they will make an appearance every year now.

After lunch we all cleaned up the kitchen and did dishes which was so nice to have it done and out of the way and to not have to do it alone. Then we all took a break and then decided it was time to get "Christmas" going. We wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas while we were together so we started putting up all the Christmas decor. The number one part of that is of coarse the tree. It was a bigger undertaking than we anticipated and I was so glad I had a lot of help. The lights I had put on last year weren't working and it was so frustrating. While they restrung lights I tried to fix the ones that weren't working and at one point even went outside and took some off the trees outside so we had enough to finish.

The kids were all a great help to get the decor put on the trees and it was a real group effort. Then it was time for Christmas Eve fun. PJs for all after baths but before bed.

Matching plaid for our family

All these cute cousins can't wait to add another one in March when Nic and Kyle welcome a little boy

Liam was fascinated with the tree. He was really gentle but also wanted to touch and see everything. I loved watching him and it really brought the spirit of Christmas for me.

After we got the kids to bed each of us took a recipe and put together a Christmas morning casserole. It made quick work of something that would have taken me a while. I love my family and how they all jump in to help even though everyone was so tired form the day...they're the best. And while we finished this what you can't see is the other crew doing dishes and cleaning the kitchen.

That night I went to bed feeling exhausted but also on cloud nine. I have waited to host a party my family and it has come together so well. I hope everyone is also having such a great time. It has been so nice for the kids to have a space to play and for the adults to still be able to visit or watch a movie. Now off to bed for tomorrow morning is "Christmas."