The Christmas Tree

We put up the Christmas Tree, or should I say trees, this weekend.

This year, Madison put up her pink tree in her room. It's a totally princess tree, and she loves it. She put all of her princess figurines under it to "sleep." Yes, the tree is as gaudy as it looks. Luke has been asking for a "boy" tree, so I tried to get him a blue one at Wal-Mart. Our store doesn't carry any in-store, but I did order him one. As soon as it comes, we'll post pictures of the boy tree.

The boys had a great time decorating the big tree. Luke didn't want to have his picture taken, but I did try :) Both boys are in love with the tree and can't stay away from it.

Jones Family Ornament Count

Days Tree has Been Up=2

Days Without a Broken Ornament=0

Thanksgiving at Our House

Hmmm, no wonder we were alone for Thanksgiving...it's crazy at our house :)

Alex is scared of the mixer, so anytime I start it, he comes over and wants to hold hands. Here, I'm mashing the potatoes one-handed.

While scared of the process, Alex loves mashed potatoes and is happy to lick the beaters.

This is how Madison wanted to come to Thanksgiving dinner. Mind you, she had a nice outfit on earlier in the day and decided this was "prettier."

Ready for Thanksgiving, even though it's Friday! Edward worked in the ER on Thanksgiving, so we celebrated a day late. Madison is wearing her "Thankful" hat she made at school.

Alex LOVED the sweet potato casserole (my mother-in-law's recipe). Edward is kind of disappointed he now has to share his favorite dish :)

Madison's Favorite Thanksgiving Foods-CRANBERRIES!!! She also loved the Jello and mashed potatoes.

Luke's Favorite Thanksgiving Foods-Stuffing, Jello, and Deviled Eggs

Alex's Favorite Thanksgiving Foods-Sweet Potato Casserole, Stuffing, Jello (glad the Jello was so popular!)

I made all of the food, and it included: turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberries, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn, rolls, Jello, deviled eggs, marshmallow fruit salad, apple pie, and key lime pie.

We had a great Thanksgiving, topped with homemade apple pie and a key lime pie. While key lime may not sound like Thanksgiving, we lived in Florida for four years, where most Thanksgivings there, someone in our group of friends brought a key lime pie. It just now sounds like Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! My flock of turkeys have had a good day. Edward is working in the ER, so we're going to have our turkey dinner tomorrow. Today has been full of baking (and eating).

Madison has been studying the pilgrims at school, so we made pilgrim hats.

Today, she assisted me in the kitchen with the apple pie. She seemed to be happy with her role as taste-tester.

Luke actually took this picture of our matching aprons.

Madison took this one. Notice we are all in JEANS!!! It's "only" 60 degrees here today, a very cool day for us!

The apple pie...

Can't wait to eat it.

My neighbor, Kellie, borrowed my food processor last night while I took Madison and her daughter to dance class. When I got home with the girls, she had made salsa. Good deal in my opinion...borrow a gadet and get yummy salsa in return. This has been my Thanksgiving meal today. I've been munching on it all day as I've been baking.

Madison made "Thankful" hats at school. The kids had to write out, "I am thankful for..." and then fill in the end of the sentence. Madison's says, "I am thankful for Mom." So sweet!

Little man was around. He was napping during the pie baking.

Luke just enjoyed sampling apples and checking on the oven's progress. He's waiting for the cinnamon roll to cool off right now.

I hope everyone has a very blessed day. I am so thanful for the beautiful, healthy family I have.

And, my thoughts today are with my dear friend and college roommate, Jenn, whose dad passed away last night. He was a really nice man and will be missed. Jenn, you and your family are in our prayers.

Ballerinas in Combat Boots

My neighbor Kellie did a photo shoot a couple of weeks ago with a lot of the little girls here on post. Their dads might wear combat boots, but the girls looked much cuter in them. The girls ranged in age from eight months old to eight years old.

Kellie took the pictures on our parade ground, which is right at the entrance to the post. The palm trees line the entire parade ground. Directly behind Madison, you see a house, and while not our house, it's our street. Our house is at the end of that street.

Ballerina in a field cap

Trying to salute...emphasize trying

Ballerina pose

Disneyland-Day 2

Sorry for the lack of posts the last couple of days. The fan on our computer went out...chalk that up to the desert dust. Anyways, we are back in business.

Day 2 at Disneyland, Friday, was a VERY busy day due to the California schools being out. Nonetheless, we had a good day. Madison and I made a quick break for the teacups and Dumbo as soon as we got to the park, and the guys headed for the pirate ship.

Ready to board the pirate ship

Luke had a really good time.

Boys being boys

Ready to shoot the cannon

This is Alex's obsession. Most of you don't ever see Alex, so you don't know that he does this ALL the time. He LOVES to wave. He loves to tell you, "Bye," and cries when you leave. Out and about like this, he loves to say, "Bye" to everyone. It's really cute, and he has the sweetest wave to go with it.

The crew...tired already after rides including the pirate ship, teacups, and Dumbo.

We went over to Pirate Island, where Madison and Luke had so much fun climbing this wall of sorts.

Alex and I watched.

Alex found a pile of treasure.

So did Luke.

I caught Madison in a normal smile for once!

Fussy

Good to go with Daddy's sunglasses

Friday was also the first day Santa was at the park for Christmas. The kids were SO excited. Alex was so excited that he fell asleep for his very late nap on the walk over to see Santa. While waiting (the shortest wait at the park...only about 10 minutes!!!), the kids colored pictures to give to the reindeer. Santa had flown the reindeer down for the day, and they on display in Santa's workshop area. It wasn't a petting zoo, but you could walk along and look at each one.

Best picture I could get...we'll try again with all three kids before Christmas...Santa was super nice and LOVED the kids' pictures. He said they were the only pictures he'd been given all day. Funny thing was the idea to give the pictures to him was all Madison's.

Outside Santa's Workshop at Disneyland

As soon as we walked out of Santa's Village, we saw Woody and Jessie walk by. Luke was THRILLED!

Back by Dumbo

The kids had to ride in the "Casey Jr. Train" from Dumbo. I think they got into the appropriate car.

Cooling off for the evening...a happy camper

Sleeping Beauty's Castle at night

Since it was the first night of the Christmas decorations, it was also the first night of the Christmas parade! The kids enjoyed it very much. Cinderella is passing by here.

Woody again for Luke

The happy crew

Buzz

Finally, Santa

We had a really nice visit to Disneyland. We bought a great deal through the military, three-day park-hopper tickets. At Disneyland, there aren't the options for park hopping like in Florida; it's either Disneyland or California Adventure (more roller coasters and such). We decided not to use the third day yet after finding out we have until next October to use it. We may go back in the spring to use our final day. Our kids were exhausted after two days!!! Thanks, Disneyland, for honoring those who served with your GREAT deal on tickets.