November Holidays and More

School projects in November got us into the holiday spirit quite quickly. Zeb had an assignment to disguise a turkey to protect it from becoming the Thanksgiving dinner feast. He then had to write a story to present to his class. 

 Zeb's idea was to make his turkey a superhero...introducing Bat-Turkey!

 His story was very creative and even more fun to hear him present it. We have videos...but also have issues getting the videos to work on the blog so you'll just have to imagine him reading this to you. 

Another holiday event in November was visiting the local outdoor mall to see their very large and impressive Christmas tree and "snow" (think soap bubbles) with friends. 

 The kids had a blast catching the "snow" and seeing all the Christmas lights and decorations. 

 Look at that excitement!

 Maggie Belle wasn't quite sure of it, but had a fun night seeing all the lights anyway. 

Zeb was given an award at the end-of-trimester award ceremony at school! 

 His award was for excelling in math. What a smart cookie we have! He was so excited that we were able to come see him get his award (so excited that he spilled his water bottle all over his front right before the assembly started...haha!) and we were so proud of him. 

The craziness fun continues no matter what time of year. 

 Maggie (with the help of older siblings and friends) decided that the blocks bucket was the perfect hat/face-mask/whatever. They would all take turns putting the bucket on their heads...then running around bumping into each other. Fun? Can't argue with the giggles!

Abigail got to have a surprise fun time one morning while shopping with Mommy. We were running some errands and came across this cute display at Target. They also had goodie bags for all the kids. Such a fun thing to do...made us glad we had put off our shopping until that morning! 

Abby was so excited to get home to tell everyone else about her fun time and to share the spoils. What a sweet girl we have!

On one of our family ice cream nights, Maggie decided to put the entire base of her cone in her mouth at one time. Maybe that's progress from getting the ice cream all over her face? 

Any way you look at it, it was pretty hysterical! She brings us so much joy.

 Zeb couldn't resist getting in on the picture-taking action. Abigail was content to sit and watch while she finished her cone.

We had a special weekend with Gpa and Gma Downs just before the Thanksgiving holiday. They came up to spend the day with us and we decided to make the most of it.

We saw a fantastic movie together. Abigail and Zebediah have since taught Margaret to make the bubbles sound after pounding fists (just like Baymax) and it makes us smile and/or laugh every time. 

 We visited Santa's workshop at Bass Pro Shop. We didn't wait in the already long line to visit the big guy, but did some fun exploring and playing with all of the fun decorations, activities, and general fun times they offer.

The kids got to ride on the carousel that was set up for the holiday season. Yay!

 This might have been Maggie's first time on a carousel...but maybe not...we really can't remember. She loved it!

 All smiles and giggles from Abby!

 Zeb was thrilled with all the animal choices and could hardly stand that he got to ride on a bear. It was a fabulous day and we are so lucky to have such wonderful family to share things with!

We spent Thanksgiving week up in Utah with the Sagers clan. We started off the week of fun times with a good game of bowling. Apologies for the half-videos, but this is what we have to work with.
 

Back at the house...

 One of Maggie Belle's new favorite playtime activities is to bury herself under couch pillows and play with whatever she has handy (typically a baby doll). So cute!

We got to take advantage of the free day at Hogle Zoo!

 We love going to the zoo and seeing all the animals. Aunt Rachel joined us in the fun. It was a gorgeous day (we all ended up shedding our jackets) and it was worth braving the crowds for a fun adventure.


Nothing like a Thanksgiving feast to make this girl smile!

On our last full day in Utah we got to go up to Salt Lake City again...this time for the baby blessing of our newest cousin Samuel.

Abigail loves babies of all sorts...and was so sweet to help hold baby Sammy. He is really so adorable and we were glad to spend some time with him (and his parents and brother, of course!).

On our way to Phil and Mandy's home (not really on the way but close enough to warrant it), we made a quick stop at Temple Square to see the lights...the only downside was that it was the first night the lights were turned on so it was super crowded. It was still beautiful and the kids loved seeing it all.

What a good reminder of why we celebrate Christmas!

Good family memories!