Decorating the Tree

With Thanksgiving so late this year I was determined to have the tree up and decorated soon after so it could be enjoyed as long as possible.  Kristin put the tree up for me this year, all I did was help fluff the branches.  Then her, Megan and Paul put the lights on.  We had a little glitch with one of the strands of lights but thankfully I had an extra set that had never been opened so we used that one instead.  

Of course Zach had to help whenever he could.  He makes a cute tree!

The tree skirt makes a cute skirt for Kristin.  I dared her to wear it out of the house but she wouldn't take me up on it!

Megan the garland goes on the tree, not Zach! 

 Megan and Kristin eventually put the garland on the tree.  I just sat back and watched.  Best year I've ever had with putting up the tree.  :)  Now onto the ornaments!

I have my general ornaments and then each child has a box of special ornaments, either ones they've made, ones that were given to them or ones I've bought for them over the years.  For example, Lauren has a Baby Bop in her box because when she was little she loved her.  Zach, of course, has a Lightning McQueen ornament in his box.  They all have a special Disney ornament they were given when we were in Disney World last.  So anyway, they get to pick 3 ornaments from their box to put on the tree.  Zach always has to place his ornaments up high on the tree. 

Lauren even came down to help put ornaments on the tree. 

It's finished!  Doesn't it look beautiful? 

It's a lot of work for such little time that it's actually up.  Now hopefully Santa comes and puts presents under it.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was at my parents house and as a surprise Zach had been planning all week to wear a moustache there.  Here he is after getting out of the car when we arrived.

We can always count on Zach for a few laughs!

Lauren and Kristin went up to help Mamaw cook some yesterday plus Kristin spent the night.

There were lots of yummy appetizers.

Lauren helped make this yummy hot drink.

Megan was the best gravy stirrer ever!

When you're waiting for the turkey to get done you can get a little silly.

Notice the sippy cups in Megan and Kristin's hands? 

Three beautiful sisters!

Now it's time to take some selfies.  Kristin doesn't look too enthused.

One last picture before we get ready to eat.  I love how Lauren and Kristin are photo bombing!

The food was delicious and of course we all stuffed ourselves.  Time to sit and relax a little.

This was another wonderful Thanksgiving!

Volleyball Banquet

Kristin had her volleyball banquet tonight which was held at the Cavalier Country Club.  I wasn't sure what to expect since all of Lauren's volleyball banquets were held at the school but it was pretty nice going to a country club for a change.  Of course the downside of going to a country club involves a much higher price of admission!

 

After dinner the coaches recognized the individual players and handed out awards.  Kristin received "best passer" for her team.  Way to go Kristin!  Each player also got their own personalized jacket.  As soon as we got home I had to have her model for me.  Here she is!

Zach Cooks

Zach so proudly came up with his own recipe about a week ago and has been wanting to make it every day since.  Finally Paul helped him create his masterpiece before bed tonight.  You want to know what his recipe was?  Candy salad!  You had to cut the candy into pieces.

 Lots of different candy...

 Then put it in a bowl and mix together.

 He was very excited that he finally got to make his candy salad!

 

No, he didn't eat all of that at once.  Paul and I aren't crazy!  He got to eat a couple of pieces and then the rest got placed in a Ziploc bag for later.  If anyone would ever like to make his recipe I'm sure he would love to assist you!

Guess where Zach went?

To a Flyer's game!  His very first.  Lauren was supposed to go with Paul but she ended up having to work and couldn't get off so Zach jumped at the chance to go. 

 

He enjoyed a pretzel...

...a huge soda! (With many trips to the bathroom I'm sure!)

Paul said he was pretty good.  He got a little tired at one point but then a fight broke out on the ice and he perked back up. 

Here's one last picture of him posing as a Flyer. 

Lauren is the one that usually goes with Paul to the games but now she's got competition because Zach wants to go again.  I guess it's a good thing that Megan and Kristin have shown no interest in them yet.