THANKSGIVING WAS 10 DAYS AGO - REALLY?!

I can't believe Thanksgiving was 10 days ago! 2008 is speeding to a close. We had a great Thanksgiving. Ryan and Crystal's family came and stayed with us. They drove up which they hadn't done in several years. (They like to fly, but the road trip turned out good). It was a brave move because they also brought Kelly's girls, so they could have Thanksgiving with their dad. (I got to see Addy and Sophia on Sunday, before they headed home with Ryan and Crystal on Monday). Ryan and Crystal had Thanksgiving with Darla, Ryan's mom. Jim, Kevin and I did something we have never done. We went out to eat and then to the new movie "Australia". The dinner and the movie were very good.
Thanksgiving 2008

Grandma Darla loving baby Owen.

Uncle Kevin met Baby Owen for the first time. He really enjoyed holding Owen.

Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Jim enjoyed our time with the grandkids on Thanksgiving weekend. Owen is getting so good at smiling and cooing. He makes such cute baby sounds.

Alex enjoyed the jacquzzi tub,
After a rousing Boxing Game on the Wii. Notice Grandpa's "game face", we tease him about it regularly.

Payton liked cooking with grandma, but she liked licking the spoon better.
Tubby time is always fun - nothing smells sweeter or feels softer than a fresh bathed baby!

Grandpa Jim gets some tips from Payton on potatoe head assembly.
Payton loves the dollies. She plays with them a lot, she'll make a good mama someday.

We missed Chris and Kelly and Dylan and the rest of the Burks clan. They all had Thanksgiving at Chris and Kelly house in CA. Looks like quite a "spread"!
Grandma Pam has a cute "little turkey"
Nice going Grandpa Bob, teaching the little man what to do after the Thanksgiving feast.
Grinning from ear to ear, Dylan must have had a great Thanksgiving!

GRANDMAS ON THE GO, GO, GO

On Nov. 5th, Grandma Darla and Grandma Kathy headed south to visit the grandkids. We drove home on Nov. 11th. It was a fun trip. Thank you Smiths and Burks for having us.We arrived at Crystal's house. Darla stayed with Crystal and I stayed with Kelly.
Grandma Darla met baby Owen for the first time. He is 6 weeks old already!

Happy Grandma #1 and Happy Grandma #2.

I have Dylan, he will be 2 months old on Nov. 12th.

GRAMMIE TIME IN CALIFORNIA

Grammie time was spent doing fun things with the grandkiddies and their parents. On mornings after the older grandkids go to school, Kelly, Crystal and friend, Amy go on a 2 mile walk. The grammies had to step up the pace.Double stroller with Payton and Owen.

Dylan was snoozing away on the walk.

Owen, bundled and ready for a cruising good walk.

Other grammie time was spent "cashing" in on "smile checks" . . .

And "roll call" --- can you count all the rolls on Dylan and Owen.

After school treats at this ice cream parlor was a "cool" good time.

TV time at the Smiths.

Lots of cuddle time.

And I played Addy and Sophia on the Wii game at their house and they beat me every time. I accidently hit Sophia in the arm while we were playing Wii baseball. Injuring my opponent didn't even help. She still beat me.

RYAN'S 31ST BIRTHDAY

It was Ryan's birthday while we were visiting in CA. We had a family party for him on Mon. He was in Chicago for 4 days before that on business. At least Ryan said it was business, he must not have been counting the Bulls AND Bears games he got to attend. Crystal was very glad to have Darla's help while he was gone.

I think Payton liked daddy's cake better than daddy. It started out with just a "finger taste".
Then it went to a "two handed" taste.

And soon it was mmmmm, so good.

GOODBYE, WE MISS YOU ALREADY!!

Goodbye to the dads, Chris and Ryan.To the moms, Kelly and Crystal.

To grandsons Dylan and Owen.

And all the rest of the gang. Thanks soooo much for letting us come to "grandma heaven." It was wonderful!!!

2 BIG EVENTS FOR SMITH FAMILY

Alex takes martial arts. He participated in his first competition. As you can see he is a brown belt. He did a series of moves where he is judged on his form. He received the bronze metal - WAY TO GO ALEX!!

The other big event is that Payton went and got her first haircut. Does she look like a little foo-foo girl here or what?
Candy reward, for being such a big girl. She responds well to sweets, I believe. The bag she has in her hand is her cut hair.

SWEET FACES OF HALLOWEEN

Here's Grandpa Jim's and Grandma Kathy's 6 sweet trick or treaters.
Minnie Mouse with a mighty big grin.

Addy was a "candy hander outer" this year. Here she is with cousins, Minnie Mouse and Mr. Bumble Bee Owen.
Heeerrrreee Chick, chick, chick, Dylan

Did your mama ever tell ya about the birds and bees? Well here's a couple of cute ones. Dylan the chick and Owen the bee.

Hope your Halloween was a good, safe and SWEET!