8 tiny reindeer...

Having the kids in two different schools was working out fantatsic until they both had activities going on at the same time! Dylan had his first holiday "Sing a Long" the same day (and pretty much same time) as Brynnie's first Christmas Pageant. Stephen decided he would go to Brynn's since it is closer to the office and would tape it for me since I couldn't make it to both of the kids shows. Dylan and his classmates looked absolutely adorable wearing their reindeer jingling-bell antlers and did a fabulous job singing and dancing to their song "8 Tiny Reindeer". It was so cute and I'm so glad I was able to see his first performance!

Thanksgiving 2010

I have so much to post, but little time to do it (and I lost the cord to download pics from my phone). This year's Thanksgiving was extremely enjoyable. As we do every year, we spend Thanksgiving with the Poley Family. I cook dinner which I love to do. Thanksgiving is always and entertaining night with lots of laughs. This year Dylan got his Pop Pop to even play Wii with him. The girls played with their cousin Abigele and the football games were on in the background. The Christmas Tree didn't go up but I did deliver a tree to the cemetery with the kids to put on my dad's headstone. There's certain Douglass traditions that I won't forget, but now that I have my own family, some traditions can go on but changed a little--

Here's a pic of my beautiful kids wearing matching turkey outfits.

Halloween 2010

This Halloween was something else! I felt like the parties never ended, and, oh my, the CANDY!!! The kids were wonderful this year. They got dressed, could not wait to knock on doors and politely said "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You", without the unnecessary song that last year snuck it's way in at every house (you know what song I'm talking about). It was freezing out and Emily fell asleep after the 4th house we stopped at. Brynn and Dylan loved walking in the 32 Degree FREEZING temperatures. After several houses I reminded Dylan that we wanted to go home and scare some kids and hand out Halloween candy to Trick or Treaters at our house. He was a little bummed when only 4 kids showed up. Maybe next year we'll have a better plan and Dylan can stay closer to home and really scare some kiddies!

Pumpkins

I'm so far behind blogging I'm going to try to catch up. A couple of days before Halloween the kids designed their Jack o' lanterns. Dylan I have to say really enjoyed this experience this year. He drew a face on his pumpkin, took his shirt off (I guess it was easier than pulling up his sleeeves) and cleaned out his pumpkin all by himself. He then (with daddy's assistance) cut the pumpkins face and couldn't wait to see it lit up. Brynn also got right in the pumpkin and while making some hysterical noises (she was slightly grossed out), cleaned her pumpkin out and explained to daddy what her pumpkin should look like. Emily, oh sweet Emily, was grossed out and even with a spoon didn't really enjoy the jack o lantern experience. The faces she made were too funny. Until next year....

Cruise 2010

Stephen and I left for our annual Fall vacation together last Monday. We had such a wonderful time but missed the kids terribly by Thursday when we spent the day "out at sea". The cruise ship was much smaller than the ones we typically go on. I actually cruised on this same boat with Dylan four years ago. Not much has changed and apparently we were informed that the week we vacationed was the last week the boat would be sailing this year because it was going to be dry docked for refurbishing. Key West was a ton of fun and Mexico was beautiful. We went to an old Spanish church, toured a tequila factory (and of course sampled some authentic Mexican tequila), visited a Mayan relic, the City of Cozumel and relaxed at a nice beach front resort before heading back on the ship. What beautiful views and sunsets Cozumel has to offer- Cannot wait to start planning our next family cruise vacation! I'm sure the kids would have loved this trip but sometimes Mommy and Daddy need a little break-- It was much needed and I cannot wait for our trip next October! It was hard leaving the 80 degree + weather and heading back to 40 degree New York temperatures I can tell you that~!

The final camping trip of the season

Purchasing a camper at the beginning of the Summer had to be one of the best things I think we have ever done. We camped 6 out of 8 weekends during the summer and went camping Labor Day and this past Columbus weekend. It was a little chilly but when you camp with the wonderful group of people like we do, there are NO complaints! My kids carved a pumpkin, played from the minute they woke up with the beautiful fallen leaves and relaxed by the fire before bedtime. I LOVE camping in the Fall. We cleaned our little summer home out when we got home Monday night and I cannot wait for Spring to arrive for our Memorial Day weekend at Gilbert Lake

Michelle's Wedding

My sister Michelle was married last Saturday, October 9th. My kids are thrilled to have a new uncle. Here are some pictures of the beautiful day....