{thanksgiving feast}

Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining Addison and her classmates for a lunchtime Thanksgiving Feast. She was so excited when I showed up!

She showed me her lovely Thanksgiving creations...

Then we headed over to eat our feast of turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, stuffing and cranberry sauce. She picked at her turkey, but left most of what was on her plate. She's like her Mama...a picky eater for sure! When it came time for dessert, she was a little apprehensive about trying the pumpkin pie. After she took a bite, her eyes lit up and it was game on!

I'm curious to see how she handles the actual big day tomorrow. It should be fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

{a spontaneuous day of fun}

Last week, we decided on a whim to head on down to the Merriest Place on Earth. We didn't make any mention of where we were headed to Addie, so it was a total surprise when we pulled up.

It was all Christmas-ed out and not crowded at all. The longest line we (I) waited in all day was for ice cream at Gibson Girl while we were camped out waiting for the parade.

I recently got a new little point & shoot camera and we took that this time rather than my DSLR. It's definitely not the same. It's nice to have a little camera in your pocket, but the image quality and capturing abilities are definitely different. It is much more user-friendly for Karl though, so that's a big plus!

{chicken spaghetti}

Yet another yummy recipe to share that I've recently discovered! Lucky you! :)

Spaghetti is a favorite here in our house, but when I came across this very different style of spaghetti I was intrigued! It doesn't sound tasty, but goodness...it is divine! You make make this stat!

Chicken Spaghetti
4 boneless chicken breast
8oz Velveeta (cubed)
1 can Ro-tel
1 can Cream of Mushroom (or any other Cream of soup that you have on hand)
1 package spaghetti noodles
salt, pepper, garlic- to taste

- Boil or bake chicken
- Boil spaghetti noodles according to package directions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces
- In pan combine Cream of Mushroom soup, Ro-tel (I use the whole can but you can use half if you don't want it as spicy) and cubed Velveeta in pan and heat over low to medium until the Velveeta melts
- Once heated through, combine with noodles and chicken. Mix together, season to taste and serve

Enjoy!

{crockpot chicken tacos}

via

I found this amazing recipe via one of the blogs that I read regularly. It is easy-peasy to make and it's so delicious!

-chicken (3-4 breasts), frozen or thawed
-chicken taco seasoning (can substitute with regular, but chicken is best)
-one can of Ro-tel
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup water

Cover the bottom of the crock pot with the chicken taco seasoning. Set the chicken on top. Dump the Ro-tel over that. Then pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil and a 1/4 cup of water. Resist the urge to stir, just leave it be. Then set your crock pot on low for about 4-6 hours (4 hours for thawed/6 for frozen). Remove chicken at the end of 4-6 hours, shred, and put back into the crock pot. Stir it all up and let it cook another 30 minutes or so.

Serve with your favorite toppings & enjoy!

The leftovers from this are great the next day, or for making enchiladas!

{wordless wednesday}

Addie had a Well Child visit last week. Our little over-achiever is still hanging out in the "above 95th percentile," as she has been since birth. Her current stats are 37 pounds & 38 1/2-3/4" tall...she wouldn't stand up straight! LOL

{the holidays are nearing!}

I know, I know...there's 47 days until Christmas, but I'm already itching to pull out the tree, hang the stockings and blare Christmas music!

I think retailers are to blame for putting me in the Christmas spirit extra early this year. There have been some amazing deals already! We made a nice dent on our shopping list this weekend shopping online and in-stores. It must be their ploy to get people to spend more by starting early...it's working, that's for sure!

Karl wasn't able to do too much since he had knee surgery on Friday, but he was feeling well enough to limp around Toys R Us for a bit yesterday afternoon. He's feeling pretty good today, and will have a follow up with his Dr on Friday. Hopefully some physical therapy will be in store so that he can start re-strengthening his knee and get back to playing his beloved softball and golf!

That's what we've been up to lately. Super-exciting stuff! :)

{big girl room}

So long to the nursery (and here), hello to the big girl room! Although it's not 100% complete, it will be soon. I'm waiting on a few small accessories and pondering the idea of painting her bedside table aqua. Other than that, it's ready to rock.

To say that she loves her new room is an understatement. She loves bouncing on her bed and playing at her new chalkboard table.

The details: Bedding Bed Bed Skirt Chalkboard Table Curtains Under Bed Storage

The chalkboard table was a $19.99 set from Ikea. We painted the table & chairs different colors and then applied chalkboard paint to the table top. Awesome table on the cheap!

Under her bed we have several of these rolling bins for her toys, since there isn't much room for a toy box. So far, they seem to be working out great!

{trick or treat}

We spent the Halloween holiday out in our hometown so that Addison could trick-or-treat with her cousins. Just as last year, they had a blast!

I'm kind of sad that Halloween will be on a Monday next year, and this will be our last time to trick or treat with them for quite a few years. She enjoys it so much, and it's so fun to watch them grow.

Oh well, hope you all had a great Halloween!

Skyler as Dumbo


Jake as a Grave Reaper (or something along those lines)


The best picture of the 3 kidlets that I could get


Someone was afraid of her cousin's costume, but she soon got over it!


First house of the night...


Trick or treat!


On the hunt for more candy


My brother-in-law...isn't he adorable?! LOL