Sleepover with Grandma and Papaw

I'm headed to a craft show tomorrow with my mom and sister (a yearly tradition) and Nathan will be sleeping since he has to work tomorrow night, so his parents offered to keep the kids for us overnight.

Jacob played with remote-controlled cars and various robots

The girls discovered a fun game of running and jumping on their pillows.
Emmaline can't quite jump yet, so she would just run and fall.

Ellie catches some air

3 Kids + 1 Air Mattress = Good Times

Thanksgiving with the Stovers

We enjoyed a late lunch with my family today to celebrate Thanksgiving. It included the usual fare of turkey, dressing, Blarney stone salad, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, and of course, pumpkin and pecan pie.

Andy, Dad, Katie, Nathan, and Mom, the preparer of the yummy feast

My younger sister and brother

Jacob obviously inherited his love of monopoly from his Daddy and is becoming quite good at it. He beat Nathan today and they weren't even playing the Junior version!

Heading for Home

After the vans were packed, we took a few last pics. on the picnic table outside. It was only after we got home that we realized the picnic table was on a hill. Oops!

Aunt Katie and the kids

Mimi, Papaw, and the kids

They love each other...really!

Last Morning Walk

Before we packed up to head home, the kids took one final morning walk with my parents.

By the Lake

Fall Pics. by the Amphitheater

Near the lake is an old stone amphitheater where they used to show movies and have bonfires. We decided to used it as the backdrop for some family pictures.

Emmy in a tree

Jacob

Gabrielle

The Big Kids

Mom and her 3

Nathan and Me

Katie and Jacob

Hiking

We were able to go hiking several times while at the lake. Jacob took full advantage of his new rubber boots (Pam, are those "Wellies" in England?) and hiked in the lake too! We saw lots of animals tracks, a few different bugs, and lots of fallen leaves.

Andy and Alora

On the bridge

Let's play a game of "Where's my husband?"
There's no way you could talk me into doing that!

Peek-a-Boo!

At the Playground

Although it was a little chilly, we were still able to play outside on the playgrounds several times

S'mores

We made s'mores several times while we were at the cabin. The wood was a little wet, so it took some coaxing to get a fire started (as observed in the picture above!). The kids loved roasting their own marshmallows and then assembling it into a stack of yummy goodness. Our new favorite is using Keebler Fudgestripe Cookies instead of the graham crackers and chocolate...trust me, if you liked the original s'mores, you'll love this new update!

I love this picture of Mom and Emmaline waiting for the fire to get started

Finally time to roast!

Yummy!

What happens to kids after several s'mores!

Cowan Lake - End of Day 1

Even though it was wet and chilly, we went for a walk in the dark. Since most people are at work/school during the week, the park is almost deserted. It's nice having the place to ourselves.You can't take a walk without bringing proper hydration

And don't forget to bring your flashlight!

Cowan Lake - Mom's Birthday

Mom's birthday was on the 16th, so we celebrated when everyone was together at the cabin at Cowan Lake. Katie brought a yummy red velvet cake and there were balloons everywhere. Mom had a good time opening her presents and laughing at the kids draped in streamers.

If you don't have party hats, try streamers.
You might resemble Marley from "A Christmas Carol", but at least you'll be festive!

Jacob wanted to look like an Indian

Ellie helped blow up the balloonsEmmaline loved playing with them

Andy Turns 16!

My nephew, Andy, turned 16 this week and we celebrated today. His birthday is easy to remember because he was born the night Nathan and I had our first date in high school.

My sister, Dee, and Andy

The Kids' Table

Enjoying cake and ice cream