just us.

It's been a while since we had an entire day of just us time.  Today we welcome it with open arms.  And yes, we are all still in our jammies.  I am so thankful for days like this to come along once in a while, with no agenda, no to-do list, just nothing, just us.  It's a special treat and we savor it. 

We enjoy leftovers, Christmas decorations around us, white lights brightly filling the room, a few episodes of Pawn Stars from the DVR, a little football and maybe a movie, playing tea party and picnic time and cuddles galore.

We are officially a family this year. 
just the three (plus Lucy makes four) of us.

thankful.

Thanksgiving was a busy day, and I could tell because I only had one picture that was taken.  Camera toted everywhere, not a chance to take it out.  It was a day with Todd's family.  Relaxing time with his Dad, time seeing all of the Blasdell's, and then dinner with all of the Snyder's.  We were able to see so many people, and that's great since we don't get out that way often enough.

Four generations in the Snyder family

On Friday, we spent more time with Todd's mom and celebrated our Christmas with her as well.

November was a great month with an abundance of family time.  We have so much to be thankful for this year, our family is so important to us.  But most of all, we received the most precious joy in the world this year topped with a pink little bow.  We love you so much baby girl.  Mommy and Daddy could not be more thankful for the greatest gift of all...you.

a merry thanksmas.

It's hard to adjust to the reality of holidays with family stretched across the country.  This year we had a combination Thanksgiving/Christmas with my family already, pulling in also the birth of a new family member (our niece Brynn).  We are so grateful for the good chunk of time we were able to spend together, its just going to take some getting used to when these holidays arrive. 

Our holiday gatherings also look and sound a little different as well.  Instead of Christmas music playing during dinner, we hear screams, whines, loud talking, and cries; instead of taking our precious time opening gifts in birth order, we randomly open presents and are lucky if you get to see half of them.  It's crazy, it's chaotic, but it's memories of this time with a 5 year old, 2 year old, 9 month old, and newborn in the family that we will all look back on and laugh at.  Aidan is old enough to read the names and hand out presents, Liam randomly opens everyone's presents with the expected patience of a 2 year old, Quinn crawls on them, and Brynn cries and then just might poop on them (yes, someone was even pooped on for this family gathering). 

Hello a very Griswold Christmas.

Despite the chaos, there was room leftover for good family time, a delicious meal (fried turkeys by Uncle Drew included), and the fun of gift-giving.

A first for this little girl...

cute turkey outfit huh? another masterpiece by grandma

Quinn with Thor (aka  cousin Liam)

matching turkey outfits made by Grandma for Quinn and Brynn.

complete with precious boots (turkey headband, tutu, turkey shirt)

adorable cousins.

Merry Thanksmas!

quinn & lucy.

It doesn't take much to entertain a baby or a cat.  A ball of yarn is all you need. :)

oh, she totally knew what she was doing. "here kitty kitty" may as well be coming out of her mouth.

just a few more days...and this little girl will be a big 9 months.

swinging along.

November is cruising along, and we are fortunate to spend a big chunk of this month with family.  A brand new cousin has arrived, my parents are in town, and Quinn's Uncle Drew will be here very soon.  We are so grateful for this time.

It's been a little chilly this past week, yet yesterday brought some mild air (and today even better) so we took advantage of taking in a little fresh air with a trip to our closest little park (on grandpa's birthday). 

Quinn loves the swing.

I think we are ready to welcome winter now.

With a warm day today we took advantage and got the Christmas lights up.  Since we were already doing that I went ahead and figured I could decorate the house with some Christmas things too.  We don't have our tree up yet, but I love Christmas decorations so the longer we can have them up the better. :)  It was a productive day.  Aside from getting the Christmas lights up and decorations, Todd also cleaned and straightened up the garage (needed it bad) and I made some peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, among the usual house chores, and not to leave out all of our time chasing Quinn around.  She was a good napper today, so that helped with how much we were able to do today.

I think with the Christmas decorations up, that helps us feel more ready for snow.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

the cuteness.

sometimes the cuteness is just too much.

Love you so so much pretty girl.