Thanksgiving Recap

We long to be back in Atlanta with our family . . .

And not just because of all of the great food.

Although I have to brag about my sister-in-laws and their amazing cooking skills. Stephanie makes THE best turkey and Tracie makes homemade samosas every year. Seriously, I don't think I stopped eating all weekend long.

The cousins had a GREAT time together. They ran around the house chasing each other, watched movies and even went on a Turkey Egg hunt orchestrated by the favorite Uncle Mikey.

(headbands from Grandma Shirlene. Adorable)

Addy wore the binoculars almost the entire weekend. She usually had a sword too but she needed her hands free to carry her turkey eggs. She's a character.

I almost brought Caleb home with me as my carry-on. He is one cute boy.
He and Joshua would both sing and try to entertain Ella.
These two girls are about 7 months apart.

We attempted a picture of the kids. Notice anyone missing?
Yep, Addy refused to participate in any group shots of the cousins.
This was the best we could do.
(Lily is missing too.)

So glad that we are able to spend Thanksgiving with Ryan's sisters.

First Thanksgiving

was a success!!!

She traveled well, was loved by all and no one got sick.

More pictures of our family filled weekend of good food and good company to come.

We love visitors

We had some great times with family the weekend of Ella's blessing.

Aunt Stephie snuggling Ella.

Uncle Mike reading to Jack and Addy.

Grandma Shirlene holding Ella. Grandma brought fun with her. Addy and Jack had fun with her at Strong Museum and Jack still sleeps with the airplane she got him.

Mike is always a favorite. He can make the kids fly like airplanes and he set up an adorable game of fixing the airplanes' (the kids) broken wings and other parts of the planes.

Uncle Jay came too and brought an iPad full of fun games.

Glad we get to see you at Thanksgiving in one week!

Blessed Day

Saturday was a day full of family and friends coming together to celebrate Baby Ella.

It is tradition in the Mormon Church to give a child and name and a blessing.

We decided to bless her in our home instead of at church.
Something,I now wish, I had done with all of our children.

I got a little teary-eyed when I looked at the circle of family and friends gathered to help Ryan perform the blessing.

Family of Five.

Ella wore a dress made by her Grandma Peggy with cute pink shoes from Grandma Shirlene and was wrapped in a blanket made by her only living great-grandparent, Great Grandma Matthews.

Ryan's sister Stephanie, brothers-in-law Mike and Jay and his mom, Shirlene, all joined us for the weekend.

Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Jim were able to stay to participate too.

Dad and Daughter.

They have to go home sometime . . .

Sadly, it means they are leaving on Monday.
(So I am writing this post today before my breakdown at the airport)

We have had the best live in help for the past month. My mom came and took over all of the day to day tasks so that I could concentrate on feeding a baby and sleeping. She made every breakfast so that I could sleep a little longer. She played games, did crafts, and read story after story to the two older siblings. Did I mention that I have not done any laundry in 4 weeks? Highlight was when Addy would sneak into my mom's room and say, "Boo!" in the mornings.

In addition to all of the day to day activities she completely redid my living room. (Pictures to come) She sewed 6 roman shades, made 4 valences, recovered a rocking chair, recovered two bean bag chairs, helped pick out 3 rugs and a table, made 3 throw pillows, made Addy's zebra chair, and designed my mantle.

When my dad arrived last week, he went right to work on a to do list and so now I have vent covers that fit in my dining room, pictures hung on my walls and valences and Roman shades installed. Plus, the kids are now all reacquainted with the fun that is grandpa. He's read stories, did puzzles, played spider and gave free spats. Favorite memory was when he was trying to tell Addy that her sister was named Eleanor. Addy's response was, "No she's Baby Ella."


Come again anytime.
I promise we will have fun and not make you work so hard next time.

We love you and can't thank you enough!

Team Shelton

Sure glad these three joined our team.

The giggling is contagious.

Guess who is a whole month old?
She was nice enough to share her cupcake with me.

She is too sweet.

Boo!

Ella excited to leave for her first Halloween Party.

Snuggled together in their Halloween pajamas/costumes.

Mmmmm Chocolate.
She was very efficient in her candy eating.

The spoils of the Church Trunk or Treat.

"I Love CANDY!"

The kids are now passed out in a sugar induced coma.