Colin's Kinder Korner: Thanksgiving

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Kindergarten is SO.MUCH.FUN! We make Pilgrim and Native American outfits, have a Turkey parade and feast, and learn fun Thanksgiving songs and plays. So, at Colin's school they celebrate with a Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast and (on a separate day) a Thankful party. Pete was able to attend both events and I was so thankful for that! Colin chose to dress as a Native American. I asked him why he chose that and he said "Because the Pilgrim outfit is boring!". Ah, the mind of a 5 year old boy.

For the feast, each family was asked to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish. Colin LOVES this fruit salad his grandmother makes, so naturally we whipped that up and Pete served it at the feast. His class learned 2 Thanksgiving songs/poems and performed them at the feast. Pete video recorded the performance and maybe one day I'll figure out how to post them on the blog. Colin isn't one for being on stage so he doesn't usually smile or really get into character. But when he's practicing at home, it's a different story. :)

For the Thankful party, the school PTA provided food and a Thanksgiving BINGO game. COLIN WON! How fun is that?! He picked out a red sports watch that has his school name on it. It is digital so for the past 5 days now, he tells us what time it is...Oh, about EVERY 4 minutes.

We are so so so thankful for SSE!

a season of birthday parties (post 1 of 3)

From October 3 until the end of February our weekends are JAM PACKED with birthday parties. Pete, Nicki, Gina, Me, friend's kids, Andrew...the list goes on.

For Pete's birthday (this year) we celebrated 4 times...home team, family, friends and just with the kids.


home team

We went to the Rainforest Cafe with our family to say Happy Birthday to my fabulous hubby! We chose there because it was family friendly. As soon as we walked in, Ava LOVED it! She started waving at the monkeys, butterflies and birds that were hanging from the ceiling, and she kept asking to go see the fish. But when the thunderstorm started, she got a little nervous. The gorillas and elephants were yelling and moving...to be honest...it was a little scary. :0/

I also wanted to celebrate with our best friends so I planned a surprise birthday party for Pete at a neighborhood family restaurant. Pete had NO IDEA!!! It was awesome!

Last year we celebrated family style...as usual. Cheesecake Factory, La Finca and Bowling!

And for your viewing pleasure...Pete's 32nd birthday...Oct. 3, 2009

Nicki and Gina have the same birthday, October 8th. Yes, their birthday's are on the same day but 2 years apart. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see Nicki on her birthday because she is Costa Rica but we did Skype and send her a birthday card and some goodies from the kids.

Gina turned 21 this year but still made it over to Mom and Dad's for lunch and birthday cake. :) We poured a glass for Nicki too!

Nicki 22, Gina 20 (Oct. 8, 2010)

Nicki 21, Gina 19 (Oct. 8, 2009)

We celebrate birthdays no matter what the age/number! Our family's birthday traditions are something that will always be close to my heart and Pete and I plan on creating those memories with our kids too.

Come back soon for a post on the tons of fall birthday parties!

Flag Football Update: End of Season Events

Hello family and friends! I know I have been WAYYYY behind on my blog posts but life has been busy busy!

Colin's football season came to an end at the beginning of November. He truly has turned into a (flag) football super-star! Below are some pictures from the last games and the team party.

game 8: dolphins vs texans

game 9: texans vs broncos

TOUCHDOWN!!!

The team party was also a huge success. The boys were presented with a trophy and a photo book to remember the season by.

This football season has exceeded any of our expectations. Pete had a great experience coaching and can't wait to take Colin all the way to the pros. ;o) I enjoyed being my motherly self and volunteering as a team parent. In doing so, our family has made new (forever) friends! The Traynors, Peerys and Crists are 3 wonderful, caring, and hilarious families that we have welcomed into our life. We are so thankful and feel honored to share our life experiences with our new friends! Here's to next football season!

PS: We are going to purchase this Texans Pillow Pet for Colin for his birthday in January.