Gingerbread Houses

Frei Family Gingerbread making was a success once again! I am all about traditions and this is one of my favorites.  I know Christmas just wouldn't be the same unless we made Gingerbread's at Grandpa Dennis'. It is a huge mess, and a lot of work but we are getting smarter when it comes to construction. This year we hot glued all the houses together and Bradi found this little village which turned out to be the perfect size for each child to decorate. Even Addie made her very own. She was into it a lot more than I thought she would be, she gave her house a wreath, bushes, a gumball roof and even added a deer for effect! It was fun to watch her create it all on her own. (I just placed frosting where I was told!) The boys did great too! It was a fun night spent with family!

Gingerbread Train with Dad and a Concert...

Carlee had her 2 month check up on the morning that Preston was making a Gingerbread Train at school. Thank goodness Gavin was happy to go in my place and help him make this really cute train! Preston was so happy he went, he came home and told me all about it. He said "Dad even read us a story, and he was the only Dad there!" I am so thankful Gavin is so involved in our kids lives, I don't know what I would do without him. Great job boys!

The PTA had a Santa Breakfast and the 2nd Grader's were invited to sing. We all went to the school had a fun breakfast, and watched Landon sign.  He did great! Gotta love that hat! ;o)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same with out a Turkey Bowl to start out the morning. This year it was unusually cold on Thanksgiving, it was FREEZING when they left at 8:00 am to go play. They still had fun though. Gavin was pretty sore when he got to Thanksgiving dinner. Next year he might want to start training for the Turkey Bowl a few weeks before!

We had dinner at Grandma's house this year and it was nice. It was great to be with both of them especially because of all Grandpa has been through this year. We played our annual card game after dinner. Gavin took all the kids home and took a nap... I think he needed it more than the kids did! Then we went to Ken and Katie's for the evening. It was a great Thanksgiving.  I think it just might be my favorite holiday! Well, it comes in a close second to Christmas. Which is only a couple days away! Yea!!

2 Months

Carlee was 2 months old on November 22nd. (She will be 3 months tomorrow...think I'm a little behind!) Her second month of life was so fun! She is a darling little thing. Her first smile was for Gavin at about 5 1/2 weeks. Now she smiles and coo's all the time. She loves mornings and is so happy when she wakes up. She likes her swing and loves to ride in the car. If she is crying or fussy all I have to do is get in the car and before we even leave the driveway she has quit. Her hardest time is still in the evening. She gets a pretty fussy right about the time I need to fix dinner, clean up dinner and get all the kids ready for bed. Isn't that typical? My busiest time of day, is when she is sad. She started sleeping through the night at about 2 1/2 months. Hallelujah! 

At her 2 month appointment she weighted 11 lbs 31 oz and was 23 inches long. She is growing like a weed, she gained 5 lbs. She also received her shots, she cried for a little while but was okay after. She had a lump on her leg, but didn't get a fever. 

We love our little Carlee Jane!

Dancing Addie

It was such a joy to go and watch Addie dance on her showoff day! She was so excited we were there to watch. She danced her little heart out! Her favorite dance was when she danced with her baby, it was so cute. Heaven is where I was during the whole class, I loved every minute!

Wrestling

Roll him over... Lay him flat...

Pin his shoulders to the mat!!

Preston wrestled this fall and had a great time. He is a scrappy little guy and won a lot of matches and even pinned a few opponents. It was fun to watch! The first tournament of the season he won, so we let him pick what to eat for dinner. This motivated him to win for the rest of the season! I didn't know picking dinner was such a coveted job... in fact I dread picking what to eat! So, on the nights he won it was a win for me too! :) 

Way to go Press, your a great little wrestler. Those 43 lbs must be solid steel! :)

Carlee's Blessing

 November 7th was such a wonderful day. Blessing day is always stressful, but I guess by the fourth one I kind of have the hang of it! Gavin did an amazing job giving Carlee her name and a blessing. He blessed her with health and wisdom, along with the strength to choose the right. It was such a powerful blessing, words can't even express how grateful I am that Carlee received it. 

 

And what is Blessing without a luncheon??  There was lots of yummy food to share with family and friends. Roast, Cheesy potatoes, lots of salads and great desserts. The typical LDS dinner... thinking about it right now makes me hungry! Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special. I find great strength from the support my family has received.  This day will be treasured forever.