Andrew turns 8!!!

Andrew "looking surprised"

Our firstborn is eight years old already. Almost every year he asks me for a surprise b-day party. Which obviously defeats the purpose. But this year I was able to pull it off by giving him the party the day before his birthday. And he was suprised! It was so exciting.
(it's hard to see his face in the video but you can tell he is surprised)

wink

Claire can wink. See for yourself. :0)
One of those rare times I actually caught something on camera.

Claire's Umbilical Hernia

Before
(this was on an empty stomach-it sticks out more when she's eaten well)

After the surgery (five hours later) she was up and walking around
(Don't think I'm a bad Mom, I was trying to keep her still but she wouldn't have it.)

She was in a great mood and being silly that evening

Taking that monster band-aid off four days after surgery was the hard part. That thing was stuck on there so good. The only way to get it off was to drench it in baby oil. Claire did not like the whole process. She struggled and cried and ran away from me tugging at her tummy. It took about 1 1/2 hours to get it off because I had to chase her hold her down dab it with baby oil and tug. Then I would give her a break before she got too out of control. After the bandage was off we gave her a quick bath which she did not enjoy (she usually loves baths). I couldn't get a close up because she was afraid of me and wouldn't let me get close to her. She still has some surgical tape on that will stay on for two weeks. Needless to say, all the tugging and pulling must have mad her sore, she was cranky all evening and wouldn't sleep all night. She seems fine today but well see.

Thanksgiving

I love this photo. We all match and we didn't even plan it.

We love Uncle Skotty.

Claire and Eliza. They are almost exactly one year apart. It's hard to get a picture of Claire that's not blurry b/c she is always moving. She was actually being really sweet and giving Eliza kisses.

This is the turkey bow I made for her last year. She kept in in great all day and when I said let's get the camera take a picture she ripped it out. Oh well.

My beautiful angel Mother.

We had a wonderful time on our Thanksgiving vacation. My only complaint is that it was too short. We had a blast making movies with Scott, going to the movies, doing projects, playing games, and eating, eating, eating. I think it was one of my favorite Thanksgivings yet.

Pre-Thanksgiving

Mike's Sister had her baby the week before. She was 5 lbs. 6 oz. SO TINY!!!

Ben is teaching Claire how to play Bandu.

Claire and Libby. They are two days apart in age.

Mike and his Grandpa Don wore matching shirts. (unplanned of course)

Ann and Harry

I know it's way late but better late than never. Here is some pics of our Thanksgiving at Mike's Mom's house the Saturday before.