Ten on Tuesday

1. I worked on Thursday but hear that the boys had a good time at home without me. Friday morning we headed North to see Grandma at the farm. Since we weren't sure when we'd be back we went ahead and helped her decorate all of her Christmas tree, put up her big golden angels, and set up the Nativity Scene with all the class animals from my childhood.

 2. The new hand holds on the big mulberry tree means that both boys can climb up into this huge tree. Rowan might actually have it a bit easier since he only has thirty pounds to pull up the tree not seventy like Zane. There's not much room once you get up there, but I'm sure it's an amazing view.

 3. One of Zane's favorite things to do in St. Louis was jumping in big leaf piles. Sadly all the leaves by our house blow away, but there are plenty to jump in at the farm. It was a chilly morning and the leaves were wet, so less fun than usual, but still good times.

 4. Of course there were chickens to take care of. They are still pretty traumatized from their recent attach, but the boys took great care of them. Gathering the eggs, feeding them, holding them, watering them. They are great fun!

 5. Possibly the highlight of the whole visit was Zane's public reading of One Fish Two Fish Saturday evening. He read the book in it's entirety, which is way too long, but he did great with it. Sounding out words, figuring out the random made up Dr. Seuss words, it was wonderful. A month ago it was like pulling teeth trying to get this kid to read out loud, to anyone. Now it's a daily occurrence and he's continues to do amazing with it.

 6. Grandma's elves also helped with the Thanksgiving Day prep. Our family celebrations weren't until Sunday evening, so this cute little elf helped with bread making Sunday before we headed home. The hat was really too much cuteness..

 7. Then back home to put up our Christmas tree! This year we added bubble lights, a la my childhood.

 8. Our big Thanksgiving celebration was Sunday evening at The Richards Casa. I took all of two pics, this one of Uncle Able and MJ. And then the one of Rowan working on the turkey for approximately two seconds. It was a great time, I just forgot to document it!

 9. Our little elf friend was a little late this year, I hear he couldn't find one of his reindeer, but he did show up Monday morning after eating our turkey cookies all night.

 This morning we woke up to Gary's yearly decorating. This year he wrapped our table in wrapping paper, hung some ornaments from the lights, and added a festive garland to the playroom. He does this every year, he thinks our Christmas decorations are subpar.

 10. Monday morning was dentist day for both boys, for the first time. I am so proud to report that little Rowan did amazing with his first dentist visit. In adorable news Rowan and Zane both picked the same toy from the prize box, little bouncy balls. True brothers. Then Rowan's world exploded when we had to take Zane back to school. Sad faces, all around!