We have always spent a lot of time at Lowes... but lately when we've been working on the bathrooms we've been spending even more time there. There is always a late night trip at least once a week...

With usually just Stewart running in to find something or figure out something that will work... so the kiddos and I usually stay in the car so he can think. This is usually going on in the back seat with Ainsley while Walker is singing away or asking a bazillion questions...

The plumbing aisle has been where we have been spending most of our time... the kiddos do their best to keep themselves entertained while we parents review why we are there and what we need. There was the day they were submarines...

As usual Ainsley always has a book in hand and can find just about anywhere comfy to read...

We also have the Frankenstein walk that must be done frequently in the aisles...

But Saturday the trip to Lowes was all about the kiddos...

We did the build and grow workshop that is offered free... the project was to build a train engine... the kiddos loved it! Even Ainsley who complained about going said, "This is so much fun... can we do it again next time?"

Walker had a little help from Daddy...

While Ainsley pretty much did her own thing..

How cute is this?...

They got an apron and glasses to keep. When they were finished with the project and returned the hammer they got a certificate and badge that can be put on their apron. They are just at the right age to do these little workshops. Already signed them up for the next workshop in January... which will be a game box.

Here is the finished train engine project...

Ainsley had her Christmas program this week... it included all 2nd and 3rd graders... talk about a lot of people and kids to get crammed into a small gym.

Love this picture of her..

She had a little speaking part and although she said she was a bit nervous she did great... couldn't tell she was nervous at all!

For those of you who knew about the Christmas dress ordeal we did find one... that fit... was liked... and on sale. How rarely does that all happen... especially so close to Christmas? It just happened to be the only dress in town as well that fit all 3 criteria. She looked pretty cute with her hair in curlers and the "had to have in ribbon bow".

He checked out his very first chapter book...

So far he is loving the Magic Tree House books. I was excited to re-hear all the Henry and Mudge books again since he's in that book level now ..(Ainsley went through all of them in 2nd grade) but Walker just isn't interested in that series. Probably because he heard them all last year! Oh well... so excited for him to really enjoy good books and read in bed at night.

The Bathroom project is moving along... shower plumbing done... new tub in place... walls are painted... linen closet painted... over the toilet cabinet and sink mirrors are up... tile went down on Monday...

It was grouted Tuesday (sorry no picture yet) and tonight the vanity will go in! Possibly the trim may get touched up tonight as well.

Took the kiddos to go and see Santa last week...

It was the usual... "You go first"... shove... shove... "No you go!"

They ended up going together and were still pretty nervous... Ainsley kept rolling up the edge of her skirt and Walker didn't dare make eye contact with Santa while he gripped onto the inside of his sleeves.

They were most impressed that Santa asked them how first and third grade were going... Santa was pretty good to get both grades right! I was most impressed about Santa's words of wisdom, 'Listen to Mom and Dad... when they ask you do something... do it right then... don't make them ask you a second time!" Thank you Santa!!

These are some of my favorite pictures taken over Thanksgiving holiday. Three cousins and 2 Dads trying to figure out how to all fit all 3 kiddos on 1 sled for sledding...

Success..

Today is the first day of the Advent calendar. This year besides doing our "traditional" advent calendar I found a Lego one... you build something each day. Well there was much excitement about it and the kiddos got up this morning with out the usual nagging, "It's time to get up... you are going to be late!"

We did a little pick the number closest to ten to see who would go first... Little Bug won.

I think it is going to be a fun thing for the countdown to the holiday. Today's creation... a snowman... how cute is he??

Poor Mulan we got back from the Thanksgiving weekend to find her with an owie on her bum. Loaded her up yesterday in her favorite thing... "The Box" and headed for the Vet...

Can you just imagine the howling that went on here... along with the constant shaking and scratching in the box?

By the time the Vet came in I could have passed the test of being a cat... I was completely covered in Mulan hair. So after a mouth full of kitty asprin, a shot of antibiotics and a bill of $105 we came home with this... the cone of shame..

She had an anal gland abscess... which is equivalent in humans to a Pilonidal cyst... poor thing talking about making you feel awful when the vet says that she has been in pain for days while we were gone.

So this is what she thinks of her new found accessory...

For those of you who have seen the movie "UP" you'll get the quote... for those of you who haven't... go redbox it... one of the best Disney movies of all time.

She has a hard time walking in it, has a hard time with depth perception as well and just tends to not do anything but yowl when it is on... so we took it off for a while and she settled into a much needed nap...

There were lots of "whoo.hoos!!" followed by a little dance this morning when school was announced it was closed. They have been bouncing off the walls since 6:45 this morning!

Currently they are curled up watching Tinkerbell..

Due to this...

all work has been halted. So last night we grabbed a pizza and sat down to watch the next installment of our Harry Potter marathon.

This morning we woke up to this...

And this... which made for some upset parents and almost crying kiddos... it was a good lesson on how not to behave when you get older. Walker's been busy thinking about a trap to plan for next year... in case it happens again.