Happy, happy, happy HOLIDAYS!!!!!!

I thought we deserved three "happys" since it has been so long since we posted anything on the blog. I noticed that Stacie hasn't made a blog post in awhile and realize it is correlated with her calling as the Young Womens President. Considering that November had 10+ night time extra commitments and December was equally full, I will give her a pass and update you all on our Holiday season.

Happy number one, HALLOWEEN!

Halloween was great this year, though fairly low key. Elli was Tinkerbell and Ashlan was Ariel. I was trying to steer them clear of the Disney propaganda...er Princess Halloween theme, but I lost. And with the expectation of a third darling girl coming our way (which I am very thrilled about, truly overjoyed) I suppose that Princesses will prevail for another 8-10 years. As it turns out, Elli was very sick for the better part of the week which was sad. She missed the party with friends and I had to leave the ward party early with her (surprise surprise, Stacie had a major role to play in that party as the youth were in charge of the games, which means the YW leaders were in charge of the games). But we did carry her trick or treating to a few homes in the neighborhood. Then Ashlan and I really pounded the pavement and came back with quite a stash of candy, which she didn't eat (as she doesn't really like candy) but she did like having control over it as she used the new found wealth to persuade Elli to do her bidding.

Heading out to beg for candy.



Elli trying to be a good sport



Ashlan checking out her haul



Happy number two, Giving Thanks...

This Thanksgiving was very special for me, my parents and sister Megan came the week before Thanksgiving and Stacie's brother and wife, Scott and Alisa, came for the Holiday too. I haven't been with my parents for a major holiday in years and it was really fun to be with them for a week. We had a fabulous time cooking, then we did some cooking, and after that we cooked for a while. Then we ate. It was FANTASTIC. Stacie acted as Head Chef (though she didn't force us to address her as chef) and pulled off an amazing meal with all the trimmings. She had some help from mom and Alisa, and of course I made the rolls. All in all it was great to have family celebrate with us and take a few days off for food, family, fun and football. We also ventured off into the wilderness to get that very important of Christmas symbols, "The Gruwell Family Christmas Tree." Other highlights for my family members were Niagara Falls, Movies, Wegmens (my mom went to this grocery store 4 or 5 times, and each experience was bliss) and the Dancing with the Stars live ending, torture for some, life changing for Megan. After the Holiday I made Scott risk life and limb by climbing the ladder and helping me hang Christmas lights. Good times were had by all.

Elli and Corduroy enjoy Pumpkin Pie




The Tree Cutting/Thanksgiving Crew



Here comes Christmas




Happy number three......DELAYED
(just like our attempts to get to California, I will delay the Chirstmas update. I hope it doesn't get canceled.)

This shot was taken after the first of three good storms that resulted in about 2 feet of snow and grounded us awhile when trying to get to California.