conrad jay - week 29 + thanksgiving

Conrad started off this past week with a rattly sounding cough.  With going into the Holidays and travelling, we didn't take any chances and took him into see the doctor.  We were glad to hear that his lungs were clear and it was only a cold.  His first one, but we can deal with that.

After that, we hit up the library to pick up some books for the car rides. 

Something happened to Amos face that he thought required a band-aide.  The impressive part is that he went and got it and put it on.  He may have chosen one a wee bit big.

Tuesday evening meant Dad was home for the next five days!  We were ALL excited about this. 

On Thursday, we drove to Lebanon to have Thanksgiving with Jason's family.  I forgot the boys' coats, but that didn't keep them from riding bikes.

 Their deep frying the turkey.

Ivan was definitely a Papa's Boy this weekend.  And his lovey.  It goes with him everywhere.  We may need to do something about that.

Conrad was pretty happy the whole weekend.  He spent most of his time just watching everything that was going on.  He really liked the fire.

During what should have been nap time, I spied the boys over together reading books!  I love it!

Papa's showing them all the Black Friday deals.

Ivan was figuring out the three-wheeled scooter.

Saturday brought time with my side of the family in Chanute, KS.  The boys were more than thrilled to wake up and repeat all the fun we had just been having.  I didn't snap any pictures, but we had a great time catching up with everyone.  

After church Sunday, we ate out with some friends and then went to pick out our Christmas tree!  It was definitely time!

Amos was positive that it was his year to put the star on the top. Now, we have it documented.  Next year will be Ivan.

Amos and Silas helped me string the lights.  They were both really good helpers this year.  And Ivan got to join in the fun for the first time. 

Conrad was pretty content just staring at the pretty lights and watching all the activity.

Yesterday was spent getting back into the swing of normal. We made our felt tree and "hung" up the ornaments.  Everyone was amazed that everything stuck to the tree. 

The advent of Christmas is going to be most of our school for the month of December.  We are excited to eagerly wait and watch for our Savior's birth.  

We're doing all we do because Jesus came, and he's coming again!

conrad jay - week 28

Conrad says, "Phooey" to shots and being sick!

Conrad got his six month shots this past week.  The boys were more than happy to wait and watch Scooby Doo in the waiting room rather than come back to watch brother get his shots.

Later that week, we hung out with the Corcoran kids!  They were all so sweet.  These four worked happily together on this puzzle until it was completed!

The boys spent A LOT of time outside this week.  They seem to take after their parents, and enjoy the cooler weather.  It's definitely a nice change.

On Saturday, we all bundled up to go to friends house for a celebration.  This guy hasn't been feeling well all week.  He hasn't had many symptoms other than a cough.  I've been hoping it will just pass, but I guess time will tell.

Smiling to crying in a split second...

You can tell here that his eyes have been a little gunky, but he's still been pretty happy!  Still, we are ready for a laid-back boy to reappear.  It stinks that we are just entering the sick season!

We're excited for this Holiday week.  Jason is off after today.  It's been fun keeping a gratitude journal with the boys this month.  Some of the things they come up with are a hoot.  I think I'll tuck it away to look at in the future.  Silas might appreciate some of his drawings.

ivan jude turns 2

Monday morning brought Ivan's 2nd birthday.  We celebrated in our new Vance Family style with a balloon from the Dollar Tree and birthday pancakes.  All day long there was lots of singing of the Happy Birthday Song, which Ivan was sure to join in, heartily!  He opened a few presents before Daddy left for work and everyone took turns playing with them through-out the day.  His balloon was probably his favorite though.

We ended the day with a family date to Chick-fi-la - every 2 year old's favorite restaurant.

We celebrated Ivan and Aunt Amelia the day before at my parents house.  

Silas got in on a little late birthday action!! He's so happy about it.

We've decided Ivan may be our first extrovert in the family!  He's always ready for a good time and doesn't want to be left behind!  He's not scared of much and loves being around people!  We can't wait to see what the future holds for this sweet, yet spicy little boy!