Thanksgiving Weekend

This year our Thanksgiving was a little smaller (with family out of town), but nonetheless we still found lots to be thankful for - more than just Steve's 4-day weekend. Wednesday afternoon Makenzie came up for a sleepover with the girls. We watched Toy Story 3 and ate lots of popcorn. We are so thankful to be able to spend time with our favorite niece - she's such a wonderful girl! Thursday morning dad joined us for a Thanksgiving brunch filled with food, Wii bowling, and Brooklynn's infamous pillow fights! We're thankful we were able to all get together (minus Andy), because we haven't been able to do that since September! Cousins!
Papa and his girls

Thursday afternoon we drove down to A-town for mom's dinner. Again, a small get together, but luckily the Deegans were able to join us. We're thankful mom let us bring over our hillbilly friends! We're also thankful our little angel can't walk yet - she's already into everything!

Hazel learned to do a somersault - yeah!

While the mobs of people were out shopping on Friday we decided to stay in and do some cooking and decorating. I'm thankful my girls love to cook with me - one of my favorite hobbies, so I look forward to doing this together for years!

Caught chocolate faced!

In the afternoon we put up the Christmas decorations. I haven't bought anything in a few years, since our last house was getting overran by decorations. Now that we have a larger house I can finally buy more! The girls loved it all - the lights, the stockings, and all the Santas. Brooklynn is amazed by all the outdoor lights - we've been driving through the neighborhood on a nightly basis to check them all out! I can't wait for all the Christmas activities this year! I'm thankful we finally have a "front window" to show off our Christmas tree!

Decorating the tree - only 2 broken ornaments so far.....

Friday night we had some friends over for some games and drinks - so much fun! We dragged ourselves out of bed early on Saturday to go to the science museum with the girls. We braved our first movie theater with the girls - the IMAX film "Under the Sea". Brooklynn did fantastic and even wore her 3D glasses, but I had to stand in the back while Chandler crawled around. I'm thankful my girls have an early love for science - they're definitely going to be nerds!

Sunday we went to the Broncos vs. Rams game (thanks to Jan & Forney). The forecast called for snow by halftime, so we knew we were in for a cold time. We showed up early for some intense tailgating! Unfortunately the Broncos lost - after making it close at the end. We're thankful for the opportunity to enjoy our love of sports together and getting a babysitter (thanks mom) to party like the good ole' days.

Steve modeling his Timmy jersey at the tailgate

Great seats

Bundled up before the sub-zero temps hit

What a weekend - busy but a little of everything and a lot to be thankful for!

Winter Cooking of the Gourds

With me staying home this winter I'm looking forward to some cold weather cooking. Every year I convince myself I will try new soup recipes. I feel like I finally have the time now to do the cooking I've wanted to do for years. This fall season I've been cooking and freezing lots of butternut squash and pumpkin (my 2 favorite). I thought I'd share my 2 favorite soups (so far).

Butternut Squash Soup (adapted from allrecipes.com)

6 T. chopped onion

4 T. margarine

6 c. mashed butternut squash (I cook mine ahead of time in the oven)

3 c. chicken broth

1/2 tsp. dried marjoram

pepper

cayenne pepper (depends on how spicy you want it)

1 c. fat-free half & half (the recipe calls for 2 pkg. cream cheese, but I like the healthier version)

1. Saute onions in margarine.

2. Add squash, chicken broth, spices, and squash

3. Cook for 20-30 minutes

4. Puree mix in blender in batches

5. Return to low heat and add half & half

So easy and yummy! I recommend the cayenne to give the sweet & spicy flavor!

Pumpkin Soup (from Aunt Jan)

2 T. butter

1 c. chopped onion

2 c. pumpkin (again I bake covered and mash)

1/2 c. fat-free half & half

1 tsp. thyme

1 large can diced tomatoes

4 c. chicken broth

nutmeg

chopped green onions

1. Saute onions and cook until tender.

2. Stir in thyme, tomatoes, and pumpkin.

3. Simmer for few minutes

4. Stir in broth and return to simmer (I usually cook for 30 minutes or so)

5. Puree soup in batches in blender

6. Season with nutmeg, salt, & pepper (nutmeg is KEY!)

7. Stir in half & half and return to simmer

8. Serve with green onions on top

Enjoy! There is nothing better than warm soup on a cold day!

Our Future Gymnasts

This weekend we were working on getting the kids to do somersaults. Tonight Brooklynn finally conquered it! She was so excited and made us do them with her. Doing somersaults at our age is much tougher than it used to be but sure is a good time! Also noticed Chandler on the side trying - poor girl kept trying to be like sissy. Last week we went to the local rec center for the open gym with Steph and J.D. They let the kids play around on all the gymnastics equipment. Brooklynn absolutely loved it, so we may have a gymnast on our hands.

It's a Start......

So Chandler did take a couple steps this weekend, but it looks like I didn't get the "big walk" on video, so this is the best I have. Of course as a parent you always feel this pressure to capture the first steps! I think this is the start to actually walking.

Weekend Mountain Getaway

Friday afternoon we drove up to Keystone for a weekend getaway with the Doogans and Startzels! We were expecting to be welcomed with lots of snow, but to our surprise it was only a dusting. The kids were awesome! They absolutely loved playing together and spending so much time together. They were really flexible sleeping in bedrooms with parents and sleeping through our loud, intense game nights.

Saturday morning they decided to be monkeys jumping on the bed! After breakfast we thought we'd brave the cold weather and try sledding. Luckily the ski runs weren't open and were perfect trails for us! We didn't last too long because of the cold, but the kids had a good time nonetheless. I think we spent more time bundling them up than actually sledding!

Trekking our way up the mountain

Hazel is ready to go!

Steve & Brooklynn ready to take off!

Chandler enjoyed being pulled around

Sisterly love!

(And no we did not send them down like that, but maybe next time)

With all the excitement the kids were ready to nap and the ladies ready to shop! After naps on Saturday we took a dip in the pool before dinner. The boys did all the swimming with the kids - the moms were wusses! Brooklynn & Chandler got to show off those swimming lessons skills!

Guncle love and their noodles!

Saturday night after the kiddos went to bed another intense game night ensued! We broke out the Apples to Apples (which I had never played before - great game). Then the Startzels brought the "T-Shirt Game", which is similar to Apples to Apples but even better! If you're looking for an entertaining, comical game....buy it! Then came Balderdash (after some drinks in) it became pretty hilarious with Steve topping the night off with his definition.

Sunday we were on the road fairly early to make sure we'd be home in time for the Broncos game. Hazel & Brooklynn had to get in one last hoorah before we left and had some fun in the Pack 'n Play.

What a fabulous relaxing weekend! It's always great to get away (and it helps having Joan & Doug's sweet condo) and just hang out with friends. We feel so lucky to have such great friends for us and our kiddos. Can't wait for next year's trip - hopefully more incriminating pics!

*On a side note, Chandler did take her first steps this weekend - how could she not with 3 kids constantly running circles around her? YEAH CHANDLER! I'll post the video (if it's decent) soon, so stay tuned!

More Shots....Ouch!

Today was Chandler's one year check-up. We picked up Steve from work, so he could help me with the girls. Him and Brooklynn were going to wait in the lobby for us, but Brooklynn just couldn't be without her sister. Chandler is healthy, developing wonderfully, and is getting big! She weighs 22 1/2 lb (73%) and is 30 inches long
(77%). She didn't enjoy the 6 shots, but fell asleep after we got home. Brooklynn had to get her flu shot too, and did amazing ( no crying at all)!

The only issue we've had this week is Chandler adjusting to the time change - she wants to go to bed at 7 at night and then wakes at 6:30 each morning. Hopefully we'll get her adjusted soon!

Chandler's Birthday Party

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The Big Day

Thursday was Chandler's big day! Poor girl was still sick, so we stayed home to rest. She had a runny nose (with boogers glued to her pacifier) and a cough at night. We were just worried we would have to cancel the big party on Saturday. So dad came over in the morning to spend some time with his favorite birthday girl and we had a little mini-party. Here she is getting ready to dig in. It was our rehearsal for the big cake day. Totally indulging herself!

After dinner on Thursday we had another little party for her. This time it was a cookie! It was so cute to watch Brooklynn sing "Happy Birthday" and how excited she was for Chandler's birthday. She wanted to be involved in everything!

Chandler going straight for the candle - must be a Wesling girl thing but luckily I grabbed it before she could pull a "Brooklynn"

Brooklynn loving all the birthday sweets

Happy Birthday my sweet baby girl! This last year has been amazing to watch you grow. You have gone from a high-maintenance mommy's girl to a fun-loving laid-back cuddlebug! The best part of this year has been watching your relationship with Brooklynn blossom. You are so lucky to have the best sister that loves you so much! We love you so much and now understand the saying "Everything in life happens for a reason", because you are our little blessing!

Halloween Weekend Fun

We had such a great time this Halloween - there's so much to do with the kids at this age! Saturday morning we braved the crowds to take on our annual Boo at the Zoo trip. We met our fantastic friends (and their parents) for a day of fun in the sun - it was almost 80 degrees. Whew! Because it was so hot Chandler couldn't wear the ladybug costume, so we had to improvise with the ballerina, which actually turned out really cute. Here's some cute pics from the day:

Princess Brooklynn meeting her conductor - she likes a man in uniform! Sibling rivalry - Chandler was sneaking in on Brooklynn's man and wooing him with the candy
The cutest lioness ever - Gabby!

Weird Jurassic Park guy who made the dinosaur Julian (a.k.a. baby daddy)

Minnie loving on her Joauntie!

So this was probably the most fun they had all day - no candy, no animals even in the exhibit, just a glass wall and something to stand on.

Saturday evening we went to the Startzels for more Halloween fun - dinner and more cookie decorating. Again, kids gave up quickly so we were left to decorate.

Favorite toy - being pushed around by daddy in an empty beer box. We're working on patenting it as we speak!

Sunday was the big trick-or-treating night. We headed out pretty early, before it got too chilly (although it was good weather which never happens on Colorado Halloweens). We kept it pretty low-key, because the last thing Brooklynn needs is tons of sugar! She did a great job - always saying "Trick or Treat" and never forgetting her "Thank you"s. I stayed home and handed out candy to the trick or treaters and was amazed at how many cute kids we had this year. Usually we seem to get the teenagers who don't even dress up - but none of those this year! Yeah! Of course that meant we had lots of leftover candy.

When Brooklynn got home from trick-or-treating she was even more excited to hand out candy to the other trick-or-treaters. She kept asking where the kids were and loved putting the candy in their bags herself.

Brooklynn & J.D. (neighbor friend)

They were both excited to see each other but didn't know what to do once they finally did.

Brooklynn & Grandma trick-or-treating

Chandler just wants to crawl around and get some candy!

After trick-or-treating we decided we'd better carve our last pumpkin. Every year Steve tries to do a "pimpin" pumpkin. A couple years ago it was the Rams, last year the Broncos, so this year he thought he'd take on the Nuggets logo. It came out great and hopefully will send good vibes their way. It's going to be hard to root for Melo and all his drama though!

Overall, a great Halloween! Now it's on to preparing for the big birthday bash on Saturday. I can't believe Chandler is already a year old. More on that later.......