Thanksgiving

This year we traveled for Thanksgiving, something we have not done since I met Drew in 2000. But I have to say, I'm so glad we did because it was one of the BEST Thanksgivings ever! Why someone who barely cooks has tried to host a family feast for the past 8 years, I'll never know. Mom did some cooking and the rest was catered so no one stressed out over cooking, especially ME! Below are some photo highlights . . .

Alyssa, trying her hand at photography.

Alyssa all dressed up to go see Annie, putting on a show for her Eya. She has entered the make-a-face stage of her life. Bribing helps but I guess it's just one of those things where you just go with it and pray it ends soon!

Making sure Eya is enjoying the show.

Alyssa and Holt had some great bonding time - Holt lovin' his Alyssa (AA).

Can you say, "Ahhhhhh!"

Dr. Brad and his babies - Jovie and Holt. One of the funniest quotes of the visit: "Your brother's dog peed on the floor! Go tell your brother!" Alyssa to Kim :)

The Dr. Brad Ellisons - Brad, AA and Holt

A special treat - Dr. Robert Sullivan and Molly (who did not pee on the floor) joining us for Thanksgiving Dinner.

We stopped in Irmo on the way home to visit with Granny, Clay, Lisa and Miller and Uncle Chevy. This is Granny with Make-a-face and Miller.

A Little Christmas

The easiest Christmas decorating I have ever done, all while sitting down at my computer - A little Christmas spirit has hit the blog! Happy Holidays everyone!

Dance Class - Parents Watch Day

This week we had a special treat - watching Alyssa's dance class. It was especially enjoyable because Hali, Piper and Alyssa were right next to each other and right in front of where I was sitting - so I have a FEW photos, more than the average person would probably like to see, but probably not enough for the grandparents! Drew videotaped the class but I can't seem to make video work on Blogger - so still life will have to do - Enjoy!

First they tapped - shake it, girls!

Too cute!

Then onto ballet - STRETCH!


First position . . .

First arabesque . . .

Second arabesque . . .

Last but not least - kiss for Momma and Dada - we sure love our girls!

Some of November 2008

Here we are in line voting in the world's most historic election. Our wait was not too bad, only an hour and a half.

Here is our sweet girl at a festival at her school, she had just had a flower painted on her cheek.

Another shot from the festival of Alyssa and Hali at the top of the slide.

The incredibly brave firemen let Alyssa and Hali sit in the front of their firetruck - what were they thinking?!?!

Alyssa and her "My Twinn" doll hamming it up

It's hard to capture how much fun Alyssa had flying her kite, for those of us who experienced her first disastrous try at Kiawah in 2007, let's just say it was it's opposite (smirk)!

Alyssa doing Hopscotch, she drew the course and as she says, "I'm pretty good at it, you know!"

Ailing Andersons

My friend Cameron says blogs are supposed to help you remember the good and forget the bad but for posterity's sake I must record the fact that we have been sick for most of October and November. We manage to make it to work and school but flop into bed early, get up and do it again and do nothing on the weekends but scramble for REST. Teaching 15 toddlers has made ME the Petri dish! One regret is that this has been one of the nicest Falls I can remember in Charleston, as far as the weather goes but we have only been looking forward to our beds! Oh well, many viruses we won't have to endure later, I hope and we have done a few low key activities, you will see. My main hope by recording this blog is that when I look back next year, I will be enjoying the great weather outside and the Ailing Andersons will be a distant memory!

Butterflies for Katherine's Birthday

We miss our dear friend Katherine terribly but remember her birthday each year with butterflies. This year she would have been 32 had she not lost her battle with small cell lung carcinoma. She was a truly inspiring person and touched so many people in so many ways.

When Katherine began brain radiation her hair first came out on the back of her head in the shape of a butterfly. When her hair started to grow back it grew out in the butterfly area first. The butterfly became a symbol of hope for Katherine and her family as she fought her courageous battle.

Below are some photos of our butterflies, they have always been worn with great honor. If you want to see an amazing living monument check out this site: Katherine's Butterflies

Butterflies and Care Bears - 2005

2006 - Alyssa's is on her tummy

Butterflies and Care Bears - 2006

More Butterflies and Care Bears 2008

Happy Birthday Katherine we LOVE you and MISS you so MUCH ! ! ! ! !

Halloween Olympics

This year Halloween lasted for me a full 12 hours! It started with pumpkin cookies at 10:30 am in my pre-school class and wrapped up at 10:30 pm after the "Monster Mash" at a fun Halloween Party hosted by friends. Thus, the Halloween Olympics - Alyssa had her Tinkerbell costume on earlier in the morning than that! But what a fun day - Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday! When else can you dress up like anyone/thing you want, request candy from neighbors and friends and not have the stress of buying gifts?!? I'm sure there are more reasons I love Halloween so much but it's time for the photos . . .

Alyssa's Halloween Party at school - with her Dada and diva teacher Ms. Elsa

Fairies and Knights

Piper and Alyssa a double thumbs up!

Our Little Tink

Mr. Ed and the Mer-i-tones, singing the Monster Mash

The Cat-in-the-hat and Tinkerbell capping off Halloween night to the Monster Mash! Where this girl gets her energy her father and I do not know!