Visiting Gigi

Yesterday Mom, Amelia, Truman and I went to visit Gigi and the rest of the Studleys in Ottawa. The kids were excited to go on a trip in Grandma's buggy. We got there in time for dinner, then went over to Bryan and Gayle's to visit. We went out for a nice breakfast this morning, did a little antique shopping, then headed home.

Greyson wanted to take a pic with me.

2nd cousins.

Amelia wanted Gigi to paint her fingernails.

 On the way home, we stopped in Wichita at a big Dillons to get some supplies for the upcoming Christmas hoopla. Amelia spotted this cart in the parking lot and had to ride in it.

A Soda Fountain Christmas

 Tonight was Christmas at the Soda Fountain. Mom and I played a few songs, Travis helped serve ice cream/drinks, and dad (the Mayor) read The Night Before Christmas to everyone. It was a fun night.

 The next few pictures are of Amelia and Dick Huckriede's cardboard cutout at the fountain. As we were leaving she said, "look we match, take my picture!" She was calling her jacket her Ho, Ho, Ho jacket.

Cheese Balls

Ok, let's just say it, it's hard not to talk about cheese balls and not giggle a little like a 4th grade boy. Especially if you have watched the SNL Pete Schweddy skit. So, with that introduction, tonight Travis and I made two kinds of cheese ball/logs to give away as gifts. The first is Pat's recipe, cream cheese, cheddar, onion, green pepper, pimentos, rolled in pecans. The second is a concoction that we came up with tonight cream cheese, cheddar, pineapple, onion, a few dashes of hot sauce, rolled in mined cranberries and parsley to give that nice Christmas red and green. What I did not get a picture was of how Travis helped. He mixed together everything in the bowls, with his hands. He decided that was easier than a spoon.

One for Trav to take to work.

One tray for gifts.

And one for us ;)

Our good helper Marley.

Quality Time

Another nice Sunday. Church, church dinner, naps, etc. Late afternoon the kids were asking to go to the park so we got coats on and walked over. It was about 45 degrees this afternoon, so cool, but not cold.

 These next two pictures Amelia took by herself.

 We decided to warm up a bit when we got home from the park. I made the kids hot chocolate. It was the first time they'd had it. They had fun fishing the marshmallows out with a spoon. They kept saying it was their hot coffee.

Amelia went to the back door and said "Mommy! It's pink!!!"

 My latest crafty project. I found a bunch of ornaments at the antique store yesterday for pretty cheap, so I thought I'd try making a wreath with them. It's not finished, I need to find something more to fill in the gaps.

Wichita date day

Today Travis and I got away for the day to wichita to Christmas shop, eat, and actually talk to each other ;) Grandma Pat was kind enough to watch the kids for us (thanks!) It was a good day of food and shopping. We are officially ready for Christmas.

Basketball

Tonight was the first home high school basketball games of the season. Travis is broadcasting the games again for the Media Center and this year they are doing on camera, so he and Matt both had their suits on. I took the kids and mom and dad went too. At half time of the girls game, we had the unveiling of this year's self portrait tile mural. It was great, the students all gathered around to find their tiles.

Sharing pie with daddy.

Truman couldn't wait to get into the gym, so dad took him in. I got these pics of them from outside.

Getting ready to broadcast the games. ESPN, here they come!

Bobby and Dick.