Thanksgiving

My side of the family got together for our Thanksgiving meal the Sunday before. We are missing Marie and Tyler's families and Boston

My parents

On Thanksgiving Day I ran a 5K in Fountain Hills for the second year. 

Derek and the kids got donuts and hot chocolate to eat while I ran.

Kim, Colin and I 

Laurel was in their parade afterwards so we stayed for that. 

We came home and got ready then headed to Derek's families house for about an hour to see some family members in town. After that we hung out at home together. The kids spent the night at my parents house so Derek and I could do some shopping together. It was a great Thanksgiving week. 

Halloween

Chase as Indiana Jones

Zoe as The Boulder

As in the boulder from the Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark

She came up with that one on her own after hearing Chase wanted to be Indian Jones.

Maeley a witch (year 2)

Chase loved his costume

So did Zoe! 

I saw this sweater at Target a few days before Halloween. If you know me well you know this fits my personality perfectly. Funny how later I read an article that it offended people. People get offended way too easily these days. I love Christmas. I was waiting for Halloween to end so I could decorate my house for Christmas. 

Family birthday party

The day after Maeley's friend party we had a family birthday party. 

Zoe was thrilled the cake had purple frosting this time.

Having the girls birthdays days before Halloween is intense. Too much sugar! 

These girls love everything American Girl doll and play with their dolls often. 

Lego's are always a hit as well.

They were spoiled by family as well! 

A couple days later was Zoe's actual birthday so she finally got to open her gifts from mom and dad.

I love her excitement! She truly loves anything you get her.

What Zoe loves these days:

her doll Kit

school

Lego's

singing

friends

Maeley's friend birthday party!

Somehow we made it this long without doing any friends birthday parties with our kids. Part of that has been we've moved so many times. Earlier this year Maeley got the idea in her head that this was going to be her year for a friends birthday party. Her theme started off as baking but also turned ino an doll party as well. 

The party has begun as the first friend showed up. 

For Maeley's birthday present this year we sent her doll Molly to the doll hospital because she hair became ragged. Now she's practically brand new!  

Playing baking bingo

The girls managed to fit all the dolls into the doll tree house.

Getting the cookies and icing ready for the girls.

I think the girls enjoyed decorating the sugar cookies. 

She definitely got spoiled by all her friends.

Maeley even decided the cake she wanted. 

This cake was so easy! 

Maeley had a smile on her face the whole time! 

This really is a fun age. She is growing up and changing so much. I'm grateful she has such wonderful friends.