Checkers with Grandpa Forte

Still learning to play without getting so upset.  Thankfully there are some patient people around him to give him grace.

Just one picture...

Not sure why I only have one picture but that is it.  Just a shot of Josh and I decorating the tree with Christmas lights.  Oh well...I'll try to remember to take more next year.

They love each other

Andrew and Gabby share a special bond.  They even share the same birthday.  I love to see these two play together and just enjoy each others company.

Picking the right tree

Andrew was a great little helper this year.

Check him out....he conquered cutting down the Christmas tree!!

They had this awesome little one room store all warmed by the fire.  It was perfect and so nice that even Santa came in to get warm.

Rainy, cold, muddy, ride to the trees

Once we got to the tree it wasn't that bad....

Come on Andrew...just one picture with Santa????

Mr. Grumpy pants made it impossible to get a picture with everyone smiling.  Oh well....more fun pictures to use for his graduation open house.

Driving to get the tree

One was really asleep and the other is just pretending.

Hmmm...I wonder which one it is??

Thanksgiving Day

Heading down to Grandma and Grandpa's

Kids table

I was very thankful once again to have my Dad and Grandpa be apart of our Thanksgiving dinner.  I really appreciate how the Bean family has always been so welcoming to my family, this is the second year we've all been together.  The second year without Grandma.

The girls playing and singing at the piano

Me and my girl

Such a tender heart she has.

Andrew playing checkers with Great Grandpa.  Andrew does not like to lose and there were some tears shed.  But Grandpa was patient with him and it all ended up fine.

(i sure hope Andrew grows out of this always having to win/sore loser phase)

And of course there is always time for Euchre.  Might I add that Josh and James lost to Grandpa and Dad.  But then James and I played them and we WON!!

Cousin Time

My cousin Cassidy from North Carolina came up to visit Grandpa and introduce him to her daughter Kali.  Grandpa's health has declined since the loss of Grandma and we are not sure of how much time we have left with him.  So with Cassidy bringing her daughter up and just herself I know that it meant a lot to Grandpa.

The boys were definitely outnumbered today.  Five great granddaughters and two great grandsons.  The girls all had a great time together.  Even making it outside to play in the fun snowstorm going on.

Fun in the snowstorm!!

Grandpa with all of his Great Grandkids

Grandpa with his Grandkids...(just missing Katy and Justina)

Ready for outside

There are a few boys at school who have worn their ski goggles.  Well... I guess Andrew wants to be like them.  This morning before school he went down and got his Dads goggles and put them on.  he is very proud of the way he looks and thinks it's super cool!  I think he looks pretty cool too!

Sleepy Girl

I don't quite remember what tuckered Adeline out but this rarely happens.  She is out cold on the couch.  I had to take a picture of her sweet face.

Brooke in Mary Poppins

It's been a long time since we've been together.  Thank goodness Aleisha isn't forcing us to play house!!!

I got to sit next to these two.

Aunt Jackie and Brooke

Brooke and Jenny

It was very sweet of Jenny to come all the way from California to support Brooke

Our group shot

Addy and Aliyah at the restaurant 

Adeline and I headed down to Grand Ledge to watch my cousin Brooke (Flower Girl) perform in her Mary Poppins Musical.  Aleisha and Aliyah also came over from Detroit and my cousin Jenny came in from California.

It was a nice night.  Brooke did really well and I think appreciated us being there to support her.  

Decorating for Christmas

Yes, we decorated.....and it's only November 13th.  To all the haters just be thankful I didn't take more pictures.  Our house is always so cozy with all of the decorations up.  The kids had been asking to decorate and since I finally took down all of the Halloween decorations I decided to set up the Christmas ones.  It just made sense.

Christmas in November

Adeline and I got dressed up and spent the evening with a bunch of others ladies from our church.  This is the kickoff for our Angel Tree program.  Adeline was involved in the skit on stage and did a great job.  I love having this one on one time with Addy.

A sweet surprise date

James showed up outside of the school I was at and took me out on a date.  This was very sweet of him.  The note was very creative and our date was a lot of fun.  I always appreciate the creative things James does in our marriage....I just need to remember to take pictures and post them more.

Thanks for the date James....I love you!