Thanksgiving and Branson

                                    Asia making Elf Ears while waiting to see Santa

                                          Roberts Elf Ears

We had our annual Lindley family and friends Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 21st.  It was awesome food for sure!  The kids had a great time playing in Aunt JJ's sunroom.  They did fantastic while we were at Thanksgiving dinner.  Asia even got to help Nana make the dressing.  After Neosho, we headed to Branson and Silver Dollar City.  The kids had the best time looking at the lights.  Nana, me, and Asia attended the cooking school- an annual tradition for us.  We learned how to make an awesome pumpkin ginger pie.  It was delicious.  Robert and Luke rode rides while we were cooking.  After that, we headed to the pizzeria for dinner.  We then waited in line about an hour to see Santa.  He was fantastic.  The kids were so thrilled to see him.  It was so much different than 2 years ago.  They were scared little rats.  This year, they walked right up to him with confidence.  It was definitely progress.  Robert asked for a Kinex Roller Coaster.  Asia asked for a frozen set.  Then, it was time for the parade.  The kids loved it.  It had all new things in it, and even starred Rudolph!   It was a fun family filled vacation.

Christmas at Mom and Dad's

Yesterday, we went to Mom and Dad's house to help them put up their Christmas tree.  Mom fixed a huge lunch.  We had brisket, hashbrown casserole, green beans, corn on the cob, and cheese dip and chips.  Luke and little Robert put the Christmas tree up and we soon discovered not a lick of lights would light up!  So, Asia and I went to Walmart to buy 900 lights for the tree.  After it was lit, we went to town decorating it.  I think the kids had it done in no time.  Chris and Summer were there too.  Chris has put on a few pounds that we like to tease him about.  I have never seen my brother have a gut in 30 years.  Luke was eating a cookie and I told him, "You'd better stop eating those or you'll look like him!" and pointed to Chris.  Now, while it sounds mean, I meant no harm.  We all laughed our heads off.  Chris has teased me for years about my weight so I just had to say it. 

Robert discovered a Captain Kirk ornament Mom and Dad have.  He fell off his chair and once I pulled him from the box, Robert says, "Look Mom, this dude is doing wall squats." I busted out laughing.  He then had to take a picture doing a squat with Captain Kirk. 

I think the tree turned out great.  The whole family had a blast doing it.  It's been a while since everyone's gotten together to decorate the family tree.

Reindeer Feet

On Saturday we had the Morris and Barber clan come over for some Taco Soup.  I wanted to do a craft with all the kids.  Foster kids usually don't get to do crafty stuff from preschool years like normal kids do.  I wasn't sure the older kids would want to make reindeer feet, but they sure did.  Gavin asked me why we do stuff like this.  I told him it was what Christmas was all about.  I had him look at the lower right hand side of our tree.  There is a bear ornament with my picture in it from the fourth grade- big glasses and all.  I told him Christmas was all about getting out ornaments you made and celebrating family.  I can't post pics of the whole group on here, but enjoy the ones I have. It was a true act of love on my part- I simply cannot stand feet.  Ugh, Gross!

Silver Dollar City

This past Saturday, we took the kids to Silver Dollar City for the day.  It was the parks first day of Christmas.  It was packed.  We let the kids ride a few rides before eating a funnel cake.  We splurged and got on with apple butter and cream cheese on it.  It was so good!  We stayed until about 4 and then headed on over to the Landings for dinner.  We ate at Joe's Crab Shack.  We love that place and I love me some crab legs.  We were home by 10 that day.  It was a fun family day enjoying early Christmas stuff!

Decorating the Tree

We put up the Christmas tree on Monday night.  The kids always have a blast decorating it.  They love to see the ornaments from each year that they made.  It really helps us connect and feel like a family.  This year, we roasted hot dogs in the fire.  Robert touched his hot dogs to the logs and then preceded to touch his head with them after they had cooled.  He had soot on this head and hotdogs! The kids each get an ornament every year.  This year, they picked out Minion ornaments.  It's always a hoot to see how much of the pre-lit tree actually lights up....well we are down to the bare bones on lights!  I still love this tree, even if it leans a little!