Thanksgiving 2011

We had a nice low-key Thanksgiving at my parents' house this year. The kids hadn't been there in awhile so they had fun exploring, re-discovering old toys, and trying to climb the stairs.

But before I show you those pictures, I have to share some outdoor arts & crafts. Jason and my dad have been doing a lot of pruning this fall, since the yard was really overgrown when we moved in. I decided to use some of the cuttings to make my own wreaths for the front door. I'm really pleased with how they turned out, and I discovered that I like making wreaths!





Getting ready for the big family picture (no preview of that - sorry - have to save it for the Christmas card)

Their appetites were off all day and they didn't eat much of the meal. They loved the sweet potato casserole though!

Lucas checking out the toys

Abby using the turkey baster as a vuvuzela (no, it wasn't used for basting this year)

While preparing for the post-meal walk, Zoey decided she needed to get a toy from the stroller basket.


We arrived home stuffed and exhausted, and thankful for our family!

Outside!

We had some relaxed family time outside today. The weather was nice - not too cold. We're trying to let them play outside as much as possible before it gets really freezing out. Their first words in the morning usually involve "outside!" and "shoes!".

Yesterday we got 3 more cozy coupes from a local triplet family (their trips are 5 years old and have moved on to bikes). The kids were excited to have so many cars to choose from.

Lucas is ready to roll!

Abby relaxing in the police cruiser.

Zoey making a face.

Lucas driving the minivan.

As predicted, they still fought over their favorites.

Trying to cover dad in leaves.

Zoey's dirty pants. Sigh. I let her go outside in pale pink because she usually gets the least dirty. We really need a sandbox so they won't dig in the dirt & mulch as much.

Downspouts are fun, apparently.

Zoey trying to turn the concrete diverter under the downspout into a slide. She didn't go very fast.

Hanging out with dad


Zoey escaping


All of these pics were taken within the space of an hour. And I forgot to take pics of them kicking their mini soccer balls around. They are busy kiddos!

Antics

No energy to write a lot tonight - they are into everything these days and childproofing is becoming more and more difficult!

This is what the tub looks like after they've been outside playing in the dirt.



Raiding the dirty laundry



Peekaboo!



Zoey feeling cozy in the toy box.

Photo Shoot

Here are some photos from our recent professional shoot with Earthdarling Portraits (http://whttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifww.earthdarlingportraits.com/). They were amazing, as usual.

Apple Festival

On Saturday we took the crew to a local apple festival. We bravely did not put them in a stroller since it was a small festival and we were able to park really nearby. It was definitely a challenge to herd the triplets but they had a good time. We didn't stay too long but it was nice to get out of the house for a little while. Too bad Jason and I didn't get to sit down and enjoy some hard cider.




Petting some sheep [while I try not to worry about germs]

Waiting for dad to buy some apples [while I fielded a conversation with a guy who just had to come up to me and ask about having triplets. sigh.]

Zoey enjoying a fresh orchard apple. She loves biting into apples now.

Videos - a slice of life

Jason walked in the room and found them all pointing at each other and laughing hysterically.


Abby and Lucas love playing piano and singing together


They are great dancers! :)


Couldn't resist one more.

A visit from the Grandmas

We are sorry this blog post about the visit from Grandmas Di and Peg is so delayed. We have felt so busy and tired lately...

It was great that they could stay almost a whole week. We scheduled our 2nd (out of a series of 4) professional photo shoot for the first day of their visit. Here are a few pics taken with our own camera - can't wait to post the professional ones!

Lucas taking a stroll. He is so handsome! I wish I could put him in a sweater vest every day.




Monday was Grandma Di's birthday, so we celebrated by going to a local pizza place that has great food but a very tiny dining room.

Abby loves sharing her food

Their first juice boxes (can you believe the restaurant didn't have any milk??)

Lucas hated the booster seat and only stayed in it for a few seconds

Zoey took her dinner very seriously


There was also a lot of playtime at home, both in the living room and outside. The grandmas were very tired by the end of the week!

Playing in the leaves


LEAF!

Relaxing with Max after lots of leaf play


Grandma Di reading to the trio on her last night here



As usual, we had a great visit and hope the grandmas will be able to come back soon. Since we're not brave or crazy enough to attempt the 12 hour drive to Michigan yet, we'll just have to wait for their next trip.

ooh wait, here's a video of the leaf play!