Twas the Night Before Christmas

A Ride on the Polar Express!!!

Well maybe not the polar express but it was quite a nice Christmas ride.  We left from the Bellefonte train station and went out about 30 minutes picked up Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and the Gingerbread-man and then went back to Bellefonte.  The train was filled with holiday music and music from the Polar Express movie.  The Polar Express book was also read during the ride.  The kids all seemed to enjoy the trip 

(even Sammy & Grant!).

 

Grant wasn't to sure about Santa but was a little more tolerant of Rudolph.

The train conductor was into his character and really added to the ride.

 

Here Pookie and Sophia are checking out their tickets after they were punched by the conductor.

Overall it was a quaint little trip and may just be a new Christmas tradition.

Tis the season!!!

This past week we got in the Christmas spirit and got our tree and outside lights up.  We went to the same place as we did last year.  Grant of course bundled up again this year and helped us pick a tree.

Our finished product!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Lara and I got to have three great Thanksgiving gatherings over the course of a week or so.  We got to visit Gram and Aunt Peg, went to my Dad's to visit him and meet up with Jason and his family, and lastly we went to Lara's parents.  It was great to get to see ALL our nieces and nephews (& everybody else too!).

 Carly being pretty with her hands in her hair.

 

The whole Standfest crew.  Poor Sammy was even woken up to be a part of the pic.  Notice all children older than one are looking and smiling.  How did that happen?! 

He cuddles & kisses,

plays with the dishes,

and is always cute as can be!

Can't believe he's so sweet,

makes us feel so complete,

our beautiful, wonderful, Grant! 

 He just turned one,

the party was fun,

it was a turkey-laden occasion.

Our thanksgiving boy,

enjoyed more than one toy.

It was quite the celebration.

 

 

Dog...a cat's worst enemy!

Not in this house.

Happy Halloween

Here are a few pics from Grant's first Halloween.  We went out with Lara's family by where she grew up.  It was quite the crew and each family had adorable themed costumes!  You can check out Jenny's blog for some family pics.

A little dose of Grant!

Could 10 months old get any cuter??!!  I know I'm a month behind (exactly) on posting this but I thought it's better late then never.  I fall more and more in love with this little man every day!!!

The Big 3!

This weekend was a full one.  It started with Nate celebrating his 3rd birthday.  Lisa did so great putting together a party perfect for a little boy.  Then we were off to Cuyahoga Valley National Park to watch Jenny run her 3rd marathon!

Nate's construction cake was awesome!!! It was a GREAT party for everyone!

On Sunday morning we started our journey to Ohio at 4am to see Jenny run in her 3rd marathon.  I am happy to report that our vehicle did NOT let us down and we had a smooth trip!  The leaves were beautiful and it was a great place and time of year to have a race.

Jenny did amazing!  She finished with her best marathon time yet and a 2nd place women's finish!!!  It certainly took a lot of hardwork and effort to get from here...

to here in 3 hours and 16 minutes.

Here's Jenny doin' work!


We followed Jenny around the course, jumping in our car driving from location to location, throughout the race.  As it ended up we saw her about every 4 miles or so.  Here are two of her youngest and cutest spectators.

Congratulations, Jenny, on a well-deserved 2nd place finish.  Thanks so much for giving us another fun-filled day packed full of excitment and inspiration.

As I mentioned the location of the race was beautiful!  Here are a few of our other favorite pics from the day.