Thanksgiving With Family

Ila and Vinny played pirates for the better part of one day. Grandma even moved the couches together to make a big ship. Vinny had a knife in his mouth most of the time so he didn't do much talking, but with Ila as his first mate he didn't need to.

I was really lucky because Opal woke up at about 5am and Grandpa Dean was ready for her. Melissa wasn't so lucky because when Ashlynn woke up at 5:30, Grandpa's arms were already taken. Ashlynn loved giving Opal kisses. In the end, I don't think my dad minded having them both.

Aunt Megan and Opal bonding...and doing what Heubergers do best...cat-napping.

The cousins: Kayla-10, Gus-9(almost), Vinny-7, Natalie-5(almost), Ila-4, Eliza-3, Adie-3, Ashlynn-8months, Opal-3months.

Ila couldn't believe she had two wild cards in her Uno hand.

We were so lucky to spend a little bit of time with Eric, Allison, and Luci (6 months) at Les and Judy's house on Thanksgiving. Luci is a beautiful little girl that Ila and Opal are going to have a great time growing up with.

Grandpa Les and Opal had fun getting to know each other. She was so comfortable in his arms. Our girls are extremely lucky to have such fantastic grandparents

We are no longer at Les and Judy's house. Sorry, Melissa. I had to post this picture. The twins requested corn dogs for their birthday so of course that is what they got. And they were good! On the side Melissa had made some gourmet homemade mac and cheese. It was a great party and I can't believe Eliza and Adie are already 3! They are so smart and sweet. Great job Ryan and Melissa.

Poor Grandma! Or is it lucky Grandma? All of the kids love her so much and they all want to be with her. You can see why...not much is off limits with her.

Long Days At Home

We've been telling Ila every night for the last three nights to look out her window for snow in the morning. She finally saw it this morning and was so excited. She went out on the deck in bare feet to make footprints. She said, "I hope it snows all the way to Grandma's house so we can make snow angels when we get there." Not exactly the thoughts that were going through my head about our family trip up I-5.

A typical evening at our house after dinner. Rio has to be wherever Ian is.

They are getting to know each other. Opal is a good sport and doesn't seem to mind the sponge baths.

Opal has been practicing this move. She lasts about 5 seconds and then its over, but we all cheer for her.

I think Ila is happy to have a real doll to dress up. I'm glad the wonder woman costume has another little one to wear it. She's still a little small for the body suit.

Two things happened last weekend that made me feel solid in my role as a stay at home mom.

1. The checker at shopnkart told me I'm a really good and fast bagger.

2. Ila told me that if Opal ever poops on my wedding ring she'll clean it for me.

It's a good life!

Ralphie

I couldn't help it. I had to add these pictures of Opal. I hope they put a smile on your face.

Ice Skating in Ashland

She's down...

She's up...

She's happy! The second annual father daughter ice skating trip was a success.

Fun with Aunt Livia

Ian went elk hunting for the week so we got Aunt Livia. She came down to help me with the girls and we had a great time with her. She spent lots of time playing with and reading to Ila, and even more time snuggling and rocking Opal. Both of the girls really bonded with her.

We spent one rainy, windy morning walking on a trail in Ashland. We all needed some fresh air, especially Rio. It was really refreshing. Ila doesn't need much for entertainment...just a pair of rubber boots and some puddles, sticks and leaves. She could spend all day outside. Livia said Ila taught her a few things about nature. She really is a mini Ian.

Opal Skye Reid

This is our little Opal Skye. She is already almost three months old! It is tough to capture her with a camera because her facial expressions are contantly changing. Every person that sees her
comments on her cheeks. You can see why! We are lucky to have a really happy, healthy baby.

Ila Sage Reid

Here is our four year old Ila Sage. She has many faces, but those beautiful eyes never change!

Aunt Livia came to stay with us for a week while Ian was elk hunting. We had so much fun with her. One night, Ila decided to put her clothes on. It was funny...funny that the jeans weren't really that big on Ila.

Going to a birthday party at Scienceworks. It was a costume party for one of her friends from school. She was such a beautiful princess. Too bad we missed the party because we showed up 3 hours late. I had the wrong time, which is unlike me. Luckily we ran into some friends and ended up having a great time, even without the cupcakes.

Making sushi for dinner.