Visiting a good ol' friend

We went to South Towne Mall to see our favorite santa who we go and visit every year. After waiting in line for 45 min., right when we got to the front of the line, we were informed that Santa was going to take his 1 hr. lunch break (!!!). Since we were already experiencing a 1 year old temper tantrum, we decided to go back the next day instead of wait for him to return from lunch.

Maddox asked for "a lego star wars battleship" while Parker asked for "a monster truck" (in his cute little lisp). I was worried how Kensley was going to react, but once she sat on Santa's lap, she proceeded to pull his beard, and slap him repeatedly on the face. Since he obviously didn't want any further assaulting, they took a picture with all of us in it... while I held Kensley! It turned out cute, but I wish I could've got a picture of her attacking Santa though!!

Deck the Halls...

The tree and the decorations are finally up and ready for all the parties, and festivities we have planned for December. This year it seemed more difficult getting it finished, since I had 3 (very willing) little people that wanted to "help" with everything. Plus I had already decorated Scott's office, as well as at our church, so needless to say, was pretty "decorated out". I may be one of those people that keep my decorations up until Spring though!

Scott's Staff Party

We hosted the Vincent Team Orthodontics 2009 staff party at our house this year again. We always have a great time visiting with each other outside of work. Scott and I decided on having some catered indian food from Aroma, and they did not disappoint! Indian food is my FAVORITE! We finished the night with a fun white elephant exchange. The popular items this year, was of course, the Snugli blanket/dress. Just when we thought it couldn't get "stolen" again, and Scott was still wearing it, it got taken away...but not before he put on a great fashion show! We are so lucky to have such a great staff at VTO!!

Thanksgiving 2009

So, we hosted Thanksgiving this year. Scott just got a brand new barbecue, and decided that he wanted to barbecue the turkey for Thanksgiving. I was concerned that it would burn (since I've heard stories before of others who burned theirs), but instead, the opposite happened, and the turkey was not ready until 2 1/2 hrs. after we finished eating. Luckily, Angie/Anthony brought some of their turkey that they had smoked. Oh well, we had a lot of leftovers!
We had a fun time watching the classic Thanksgiving movie, "Trains, Planes, and Automobiles", as well as some old family home movies. A great Thanksgiving with family!

the boys "enjoying" the meal (both my boys said it was "disgusting"!)

P.S. I guess I should mention that I burned some plastic in the oven (long story) which added greatly to the aroma of Thanksgiving dinner!

Wheeler Farm

We went to Wheeler Farm a few weeks ago while the weather was still warm (unusually warm), and some leaves were still around. The kids had fun looking at the farm animals, and even got to see some brand new baby pigs! They had the most fun though, throwing all the leaves that we gathered up in the air and rolled around in them!

"I want to turn around too"

french fry queen

Our New Cabin!

Here are some recent pictures of our finished cabin. We still have some things to do, but for the most part we are done---before the snow which was our goal. We're looking forward to having more visitors this winter/spring! Let us know!!

upstairs bedroom

basement bathroom

loft

main floor bathroom

main floor bedroom

family room

kitchen

Lagoon

Thankfully mom went through some paperwork last week and found 4 passes to Lagoon! We purchased them at the beginning of summer as a bribe to potty-train Parker (it had worked with Maddox, but no such luck with Parker!). They expired on halloween which was the only day we were able to go---luckily! Parker had never been to Lagoon, so loved going on all the rides. Maddox now was able to go on all the "big rides" like the roller coaster, etc. so would act extremely bored (as seen in the car picture) when we made him go on "baby rides" with Parker! I should have taken an end of the day picture of Scott and I since we both felt so sick from having gone on rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl (just writing about it makes me feel sick again), and all the roller coasters (I made poor Scott go on all the upside down ones!). It was nice to spend some one on one time with the boys while Kensley got to spend the day with Nana and Papa. After Lagoon, we were lucky enough to rush home, put on costumes, and spend a few more hours trick or treating! Whew...looking forward to some relaxing!

Halloween Festivities

We had a lot of fun activities going on this month! The gals (or should I say 'witches') had a neighborhood "Witches and Wine" party where everyone had to wear a witches hat. And then The Tedescos had a fun Halloween Party where the requirement was, of course, to dress up! I hadn't dressed up in a few years, so it was fun for a change...and of course, the kids had a blast!! And then there was neighborhood trick or treating. Parker loved it this year, and did such a good job at yelling "twik or tweet" as he either tried to open their door, or would peek in windows waiting for his "tweet". Fun times!!

Punk rockers

Post-shot---as seen by our faces!