Happy Birthday Mom!

We had a really nice day yesterday celebrating my Mom's birthday. We went out for a delicious lunch and then back to Kimmy's house for cake and ice cream. 

My kid's spent the morning making birthday cards for Nana...

 

They were so thoughtful...



 

 

Mom taught me how to make her yummy cakes with homemade frosting, but I've yet to master her unbelievable cake decorating skills.  I don't think I inherited that talent.

 

What fabulous genes she has too.  I can only hope that I will look as young as her when I'm her age!! 

 

 

I love you Mom!!!   

An early Thanksgiving and more....

What have we been doing these days? 

Lots of creating around here which is always a good thing.  Gianna made this dog out of play-doh...

Don't they always say kids have more fun playing with the box than what's inside the box?  So true...

 

Yes, hours of fun was had with that box....

Julia has been making all kinds of wallets and bookmarks (or barkmooks as I used to call them) out of duct tape. 

So creative and pretty!!!

 

Today we had our traditional "Smith Family Thanksgiving".  I'm sure we all felt my Dad's absence today, but I just know he was there in spirit. He loved the home cooked meal and enjoying the company of his children and grandchildren. It's really not the same without him but we must go on.  Nancy has such a pretty home.  Her house is always so inviting and of course festive...

This was her mother's pattern.  Just beautiful!! 

I picture my Dad sitting right next to Nancy. 

And Dena made THE best pies ever....

Today it was the banana cream pie that was my favorite, but of course I had to have a slice of both!

Happy Thanksgiving, Dad.  I miss you every day. 

 

Halloween

Another fun Halloween here in Pleasantville....

My little nerd....

Getting into character...

My little hockey player...not much originality this year but this is what he wanted to be this year...

My scary little vampire....

Nicholas went with friends again this year so Danny and I took the girls.  They did great this year!  They actually went around the whole block!  Usually they give out after about 10 houses. 

 

I think I've eaten my fair share of Reece's cups, peanut m&ms and snickers bars...

 

I didn't get a picture of Nicholas when he got home because I was already in bed!  But he got lots and lots too.  I put it all in the basement so I don't see it or smell it...and I'm trying my hardest not to think about it too!