Thanksmas

We had another wonderful trip to Michigan this past week to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas (a.k.a. Thanksmas) with Jeff's extended family. It's the one time each year we all get together so it's an extra special time with lots of food, fun, and wonderful memories. Jeff's Aunt Patti and Uncle John are our incredible hosts each year, finding 30-plus adults and children a place to stay in neighboring homes and then having everyone over during the day at their beautiful cabin, tucked away in the woods. I finally remembered to take a picture of it this year.



Aunt Patti and Uncle John's cabin home in the woods. Isn't it beautiful?

We feel so fortunate to visit Michigan each year and enjoy such a wonderful time with family and friends during Thanksgiving. Our kids all look forward to it as much as we do! Here are some (OK, a LOT of) pictures from our awesome visit.

This is where we stayed during our visit, at this gorgeous home belonging to Aunt Patti and Uncle John's neighbors. It's just a short walk down the secluded drive.

The kids love staying there because of the toys, bunk beds, and air hockey table!



This is Kaitlynn's cousin Lennyn, and they were so cute playing together this trip. (When they weren't fighting over baby dolls, haha!)

The boys love to wrestle.

Kaitlynn had some quality time with her brothers during our trip.

Playing pool.

Another source of fun during our trip: playing with Riley the dog. Twice her size and so sweet!

The Daddy train.

Peek a boo!

A mouth full of apples.

Loved Lennyn's precious turkey day outfit!

Collin and Kaitlynn spent a lot of time together this trip. They have really missed each other now that he's at college.

Jeff lost a bet (that he won't admit to) and was forced to wear Jon's Oakland Raiders jersey for the day.

The kids table was lots of fun all week.

Connor was most excited about playing with his cousin Liam.

Collin and Kaitlynn.

Kevin kept the fire going all week.

Connor was obsessed with football on Thanksgiving day.

Kaitlynn with Uncle Chris (Jeff's brother).

Playing cards, a Thanksgiving tradition.

Shooting some pool.

Nana got some quality time with Kaitlynn.

The kids' table at Thanksgiving.

Jeff and Chris washed the Thanksgiving dishes.

On Thanksgiving night, we hold our Christmas celebration with songs and gift exchanges.

Quality time with her brothers.

Uncle Denny and Cousin Matt entertain us with Christmas carols as we all sing along, Jeff's favorite part of the week!

This is only part of our gathering. Love that Riley right in the middle!

Kaitlynn's gift was Brianna the doll with feeding accessories.

She LOVES it!

Connor with one of his gifts.

Kevin got his own set of poker chips.

...As did Collin.

Jeff with his new Texans wallet.

Poker around the pool table.

Kaitlynn with Riley the dog.

Going for a walk.

The other half of the group stayed at a beach cottage right on Lake Michigan. We visited to check out the gorgeous views!



Jeff reading to Connor and Kaitlynn.

Here's the Courtright clan with Grandpa Dave, Nana, and Uncle Chris.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Courtrights!

Amazing photos courtesy of MckMama

Thanksgiving Feast

A couple of weeks ago Connor's elementary school hosted family and friends for their annual Thanksgiving Feast. Jeff left work to attend with us and it was really neat. We had a full Thanksgiving meal with turkey, dressing, veggies, fruit, and even ice cream for dessert. Connor ate everything on his plate except the turkey, dressing, veggies, and fruit, haha!

Waiting in the cafeteria line for our meal

In this picture I think Connor was contemplating the veggies he was supposed to eat.

Mom and Dad with our favorite kindergartner :-)

Kevin and Kaitlynn at the Texans Game

One of our entire family's favorite things to do is attend the Houston Texans home games during football season. Our most recent game at home was against the Cleveland Browns and we were all able to go as a family (minus Collin). When I looked back through my pictures from the game, I realized that the majority of them were of Kevin and Kaitlynn together. There is definitely no shortage of love between those two. So sweet!

Picture Catch-Up Post

My sweet friend Amanda recently paid me a nice compliment about how diligent I've been with blogging. Little did she know that I had this post in the works in an effort to catch up on all the pictures I have mistakenly forgotten about over the past couple of months! :-)

I love this picture of my babies in September and can't figure out how I forgot to post it sooner.

Towards the end of summer we discovered the joy of having ice cream for dinner.

One of the last swims of the season. It was so hot this year that we swam all the way through the month of Sept.

Also in September was Kevin's homecoming parade. Here are Connor and Kaitlynn walking towards the parade route.

They loved the parade. Especially how the people on the floats would throw out candy for the kids.

Happy guy at the homecoming parade.

Despite this face, she had a blast too.

We loved seeing Kevin on his homecoming float for the Jersey Village swim team.

Found this picture on my camera and loved it. Me and my baby girl. :-)

Jeff's cousin Jon visited last month and we all went to the Texans vs. Raiders game. It was fun despite our loss.

Kaitlynn enjoyed Jon's visit and gave him a lesson in caring for babies.

Feeding a baby her bottle is exhausting.

This is what happens when Mommy tries to volunteer in Kaitlynn's preschool class. Kaitlynn starts whining and doesn't want Mommy to leave her side.

It was the school's Wheelie-O-Thon fundraiser. All the kids were outfitted with bike helmets and then given a chance to ride bikes and scooters outside. Kaitlynn was still whining for Mommy.

Outside at the Wheelie-O-Thon, Kaitlynn completely forgot about Mommy.

So much fun!

After the Wheelie portion of the Wheelie-O-Thon, the kids were treated to storytime and snacks. Again, no thought whatsoever of Mommy.

Here is Connor at "Crazy Sock" day at his reading class.

With all the school papers and artwork coming home with the kids, we decided to create an art wall for the kids' masterpieces.

They love adding their papers and proudly displaying them for family and visitors.

Kaitlynn has recently begun making her babies and toys kiss each other. It cracks me up how different girls are made from boys!

Lastly, this post wouldn't be complete without another daredevil stunt from Kaitlynn. She was caught in the act!

11-5-11

A couple of weeks ago, Jeff was outside with the kids playing with sidewalk chalk. The next morning when I went to leave, I was greeted with these messages on the driveway:

6 years later and we still got it! Happy Anniversary Babe!

Kindergarten Field Day

Connor participated in his very first Field Day last week at school. I was excited to attend and see the kids in action. We had a cold front coming in the same morning so it was a bit chilly, but the kids and adults alike still had such a fun time.

Mrs. Hunter's class ready for their big day!

Connor is lined up and ready for the first event.

The egg race: walking with an egg in a wooden spoon.

Ready for the soccer ball race.

Mommy and Connor enjoyed some special time together.

Love those Field Day t-shirts. Side note: Connor's class is all boys except for 4 girls!!

Here is Connor's class back in the classroom. They are such a cute bunch!