November 2015

November was a pretty busy month for us.

The week of November 16th - Tommy was the VIP of his class. We made a poster with lots of pictures that he got to get up in front of the class to talk about. He was so excited about it and loved the pictures we picked out for him.

On November 21st, we attended the Pengiuns game. We did head to Pittsburgh early so we could eat dinner at Burgatory before the game.

That Sunday, we headed to the club for dinner and ended up taking some pictures of the kids in front of the Christmas tree and fireplace. I was hoping to use some of these pictures for our Christmas card, but they were all a little too dark.

My parents got in really late the night before Thanksgiving (thanks Tom for picking them up). The kids were so excited to see them the next day!

We had everyone over for Thanksgiving. Tom fried 2 turkeys and everyone enjoyed the nicer weather.

Christine and I looked over the ads.

My parents and I went out Thursday night and did some shopping (Walmart, Target & KMart). I was able to get most of the things on my list (mostly for Tom's work party).

On Saturday (the 28th), the 6 of us went to Pittsburgh for Peppa Pig. Tom and my dad went to a bar down the street and my mom and I took the kids to the play. We did have good seats and the kids loved it!

Playing with Peppa and George

On Monday night, we went to Ligonier to take my parents to Carol & Dave's Roadhouse and to take a few pictures in the diamond (again they were a little too dark).

Happy November!

Halloween Festivities

Tommy's school had a parade of costumes on October 30th. I was able to make this one (Tom was able to go to make both), since it was at 8:30 in the morning. Tommy looked like such a big boy marching in the hall.

So handsome

He had already changed out of his costume by the time we made it to class.

On Saturday (the 31st), we met Christine, Eddie & their kids at the club for a Halloween Party. The kids had fun decorating pumpkins and watching the live animal show outside.

Elsa & an astronaut

Elsa & Anna

Our township sets the time you are allowed to trick-or-treat. Our time was from 5:00 to 7:00 and I made sure to get a few photos before we headed out.

We only went down our street and a couple houses on the main street in our neighborhood (probably 10 - 12 houses total). The kids did make out with some good candy - and since Tommy doesn't like chocolate - I felt obligated to help him eat it. :)

Tom went back a little earlier than us to hand out candy. He had moved our heater and fire pit to the driveway so we could hang outside.

Tommy had to take a break from the walk (we have hills and long driveways in our neighborhood).

Grace needed a snack to keep her energy up.

We didn't have a lot of kids come to our house, but the kids did have fun running around the driveway and helping me hand out candy to the kids that did come!

Pumpkin Carving Party

We held our annual pumpkin carving party on October 24th. We had a great turnout and some new faces this year. We invited one of Tommy's friends from Aquinas (Tom went to school with the dad) and one of his friends from his old daycare.

We had a lot of pumpkin carving going on this year (more than prior years). We also had a ton of left overs....I guess people were too busy carving to eat. :)

Tom cleaned out all the pumpkins 

The only picture I got of Tommy (he was too busy running around all night)

Ryan, Sarah, their parents and Diana with Gwyneth

Grace and I carved her pumpkin

Juliette (from Kindergarten) and Johnny (from Grace's class)

Grace liked poking the holes in the pumpkin

Family Photo (minus Tommy)

Autumn Fest

On Sunday, October 18th, we all went to 7 Springs Mountain Resort for Autumn Fest. 

This was our 2nd year to go (we went with my parents last year). It was pretty chilly while we were there. The kids didn't seem to notice though - and had fun running around the hay maze and looking/feeding the animals.

Tom and I even rode the ski lift up and took the Alpine Slide down. Tim and Diana had gone first and then watched the kids while we went up.

Family Photo in front of the hay maze

If you look closely, you can see the snow falling

Tim & Diana

Riding up the ski lift

After we ate a quick lunch inside, Grace went with me to look at the crafts and to pick out teacher gifts. Tommy went with Grammy to pet the animals some more. I don't thing they stayed out that long, because it really started to snow.

Grace & Mommy selfie

Grace showing off the snow in her hair.

I did end up finding gifts for most of the teachers and Grace and Tommy had fun running around. I bet I can convince Tom to take me back next year. :)

Block Party

On October 10th, our neighborhood held a block party in the cul-de-sac by our house. The big items were catered with everyone else bringing either a side or dessert.

Hanging out with the HOA Treasurer

Scheming something

All the kids rode bikes around

That night, Michel brought over a big blow up screen (which was awesome) and the remaining kids chose to watch Brave. It was a little chilly, so we had a few heaters going.

The adults relaxing and drinking some beverages

We had a lot of fun and look forward to doing it again next year.

My Mom is 60!

We spent a long weekend in Texas the first weekend in October to celebrate my mom turning the big 6-0.

The actual party was on Saturday (October 3rd) at my sister's house. I spent a lot of time coming up with a menu, preparing the food and running around with the family getting things for the party.

My mom was so happy to spend the time with her family celebrating this milestone.

My mom with her girls and grandkids

The food spread

The Party Planners

Kimmy & Me (We did get older/newer pictures of my mom and put them along the fireplace)

The Cake

My mom with her sisters (Pam, Linda & Patty)

Tom photo bombing Uncle Bob

Grace & Grandpa playing around

Grandma and Tommy cracking up

Tommy fighting with Aunt Linda

Can you tell she likes the Kendra Scott necklace we got her?

The kids hamming it up

On Friday, the weather was so nice, so the kids spent time playing outside (while I was inside cooking)...

Grandpa and Grace playing tag

Tom and Tommy playing football

The kids hanging out on the plane Sunday morning (they loved flying Southwest)