Christmas 2013

Unfortunately, like Thanksgiving, illness struck our family.  This time, I was the only one affected.  I had the flu and somehow managed to make the drive to Brodhead.  I spent most of my time in bed, so I did not take many pictures.  

This year, I focused on the birth of Jesus and did not talk much about Santa and presents.  We had an advent calendar and read a lot of books.  I know it made the season more enjoyable for me.  I was more at peace and I think the kids were as well.  

 

 

 

Santa Claus!
 

 

Christmas Eve at the Bussell house
 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Morning! 

 

 

 

Enjoying their Christmas scooters!

 

 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on the many gifts and blessings that we have been given.  To assist the kids with this, I had them call things out they were thankful for and we made a paper chain of our family's blessings.  It was an exercise that encouraged them to reflect on what we have and also to think about others who do not have as much.  We also made turkeys using leaves, sticks and construction paper.  They love crafts!

  

 

 

We had illness hit our household over Thanksgiving weekend and missed our trip to Paducah.  The kids were feeling better on Thanksgiving and we decided to get out for some fresh air, given it was seasonably warm.  They love running on the trails and chasing Bela.  Moss Rock is peaceful and there is a lot to explore and learn.

It was a rather interesting day, in that Silas ran into a girl his age.  She was a free spirit and he had so much fun playing with her.  She went swimming in a pool of water and Silas' begged to join in.  While it was warm, the water was not.  He was able to convince me to let him swim, although I knew he wouldn't truly get in.  He sat on the edge, while she splashed him. Then they ran through the woods, walked across logs, and climbed rocks.  It was a joy to watch.

 

 

 

 

I thought Bela was a big dog...  

 

 

 

It was an outside day!  They convinced me to move their table on the deck so they could dine outdoors.  

 

 

 

Too many leaves!

Help Us Wes!!

Anna Kate's Best Friend is 3!

Birthday Fun at Build a Bear.  Anna is Anna Kate's best friend at school.  We were so glad to share in her special day! The first pictures are of Silas preparing his heart for implantation.  They told him to rub the bear's heart on his nose, so it would not be nosey.  And to give it a kiss, so it will share lots of love... The kids were all about it.

 

 

 

 

So excited to build her rainbow bear, whom she aptly named teddy.  It was a coincidence, but Anna Kate and her best friend chose the same bear:)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet girls!

Birthday Fun Matey!

        

Silas and Anna attended Jack, Nicholas, and Sheridan's joint birthday celebration.  They had so much fun.  It was almost made for Anna, there was a jewelry table!!  She could wear anything her heart desired.  There was also a mirror to admire yourself in after you were adorned with jewels.  How fun!  Silas got to sort through pirate attire.  They had loot bags, treasure hunts.  It was a fun day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

I don't really want to remember the bounce house because Silas got injured.  At the end of the party, Silas got to enjoy the bounce house with less people and I was glad so he does not fear them in the future.  They definitely fell asleep in the car on the way home.