Usborne Book Orders

I am placing one last book order before the holidays. You may shop online at www.ubah.com/HOS75622 and place an order for educational, fun children's books. The kids have a wishlist as well.

The order will be closing on Friday, December 1.

Playing in the Leaves

I raked up a HUGE pile of leaves for the kid's enjoyment while in Nebraska. Aine & Rachel loved bringing piles to Grandpa Loudon. Eamon found tons of acorns to collect, while Ashlyn burrowed in the leaves.

Twins

Recently Erin & I have been asked if the youngest cousins are twins. A few months ago, I bought all the female cousins the same skirt. Today, Rachel & Aine sported the matching look. They were adorable!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Grandma Ghrist!!!

We all want to wish you a HAPPY, HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

David, Heather, Eamon & Aine

Henry Doorly Zoo

On Friday, we went to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo with Aunt Sue, Molly, Carly, Matt, Aunt Steph, Donovan, Auntie Lori, Auntie Erin, Ashlyn and Rachel. We had a fun time. We went through the huge Scott Aquarium, the Lied Jungle and the Hubbard Gorilla Valley.

Trip to Nebraska

As we were entering Lincoln, NE, we passed the state capitol. The kids were awake, so we started to talk about the building. Eamon piped up, "No, actually, it is a rocket ship."

Foiled Again

Eamon and Ashlyn visited a very posh salon and had their hair foiled by the one and only world-renowned, Boss Nathan.

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

We can hardly believe Thanksgiving will be here in a week! Christmas will be here before we know it. Dave and I have received a few requests about what the family wants for Christmas. Here are a few ideas:

Our family would enjoy family memberships to the Phoenix Zoo (our membership expires in December) and the Arizona Science Center. We have a few other memberships and really enjoy them.

Eamon would like a few laminated maps (the world and the United States). Like his cousin, Ashlyn, he would also like a globe. The two of them enjoyed looking for the different continents, where the Wiggles live and where they live. He also LOVES Thomas the Tank Engine and all things train. He enjoys completing puzzles and doing crafts so gifts of this nature would be very much appreciated and enjoyed. He could also use clothes for the coming summer season (4T/5T).

Aine is discovering her own interests and very much loves her doll babies. She could use a wooden high chair for them. Aine also enjoys music making. Her xylophone broke, so a new wooden one would be nice. She also would like a wooden drum or bongo. She will also be in need of clothes for the coming summer season (2T).

Books and games are enjoyed by both (if you need ideas, please ask, as we have many). We enjoy toys with an educational bent or those that inspire imagination and creativity or physical activity. If you need more ideas please let us know.

Update on our Visit

Eamon and Aine love visiting their cousins. Eamon repeatedly tells me that he loves Ashlyn and wants to live with her. He isn't really concerned with the fact that we have our own house. Aine giggles with delight when her cousins wake up in the morning. She loves hanging out with Rachel. They all appear to be having a delightful time.

First Haircut

Aine had her first haircut today. We had it trimmed to chin length. It looks terrific! She is so pleased with herself. She hopped out of the chair and spun around the room strutting her stuff. Erin took a few pictures on a film camera of the event which I will share once they are printed.

Car Rides

Today in the car, Eamon and Ashlyn were having a disagreement. Eamon told Ashlyn, "When we get to the airport to pick up Boss Nathan, I am going to tie you in a bow."

I Love You

This morning I picked Eamon up, gave him a big hug, and said, "I love you." He replied, "I love Ashlyn."

Travels to Texas

The kids, Ava and I headed to Texas for a few weeks. We drove yesterday starting at 4:45am and arrived 10:45pm local time. The trip went very smoothly. While we are away Dave will list our house for sale. Very exciting....

Look out, Judy, here comes Harik

Today while I was prepping dinner, Eamon and Aine were playing in the playroom. I asked Eamon what he was doing. He replied that he was playing with Harik ("Hair-ick"). I was sure about the pronounciation, so I asked again. He clarified and told me that Harik drove to our house and was playing with the trains. He said Aine was playing with Harik now.

Hmmmm, perhaps Harik should meet Judy....

Puzzles

Eamon loves puzzles. He is becoming a master. Recently he put this Thomas the Tan Engine puzzle together by himself. It glows in the dark which added to the fun.

Playing at the Park

We have been walking almost every morning now that the weather has cooled. The kids play at the park on the return home. They love it. Aine can hold her own on the climbing equipment. Eamon likes to help Aine climb and explore the area. They often make up games and fun.

Artistic Endeavors

I have decided to photograph some of our art projects to share.

Walking through paint to capture our footprints...

Using the coffee stirrers from Ikea in our artwork. Here we used them to make windows. Eamon's window is on the right...

Recent Inquiries

Eamon has had some interesting conversation starters lately:

Mama, what does horse poop look like?

Why is Leigh's little brother a boy?

Is Ashlyn at Ikea today? Can we go and visit her?

I want to play with Ashlyn. Let's start driving to Texas now.

Dress-Up

Eamon and Aine love to dress up and pretend. We have a box in the playroom full of options. Here are a few recent ensembles...

Eamon is dressed as a butterfly. He laid down and covered himself with the wings telling me that he was in his cocoon.

The hat, gloves, and outfit are transformed by Eamon into a firefighter's garb. Sometimes he add a giraffe mask as extra protection.
Eamon donning his wacky glasses and nose.

Pumpkin Festival

The whole family attended the Pumpkin Festival at the Desert Botanical Gardens. We visited the butterfly exhibit, watched model trains, made bean mosaics, had our faces painted and rode on a hay ride to pick a pumpkin. It was a wonderful time. Here are some photos of the face painting after we came home (Eamon had a spider web and spider; Aine had a butterfly)