New traditions

So for the first time EVER in 35 years I had Thanksgiving without my parents.  I cooked everything by myself and it was delicious!  While I enjoyed being with my family I really missed Mom and Dad too.  The kids even said, "Mommy the food tastes like Thanksgiving but it doesn't fee like it without Grandma and Grandpa."  Break my heart why don't they. 

We started our own Turkey Day tradition.  It began on Wednesday when Em and I made pies than Tyson made the traditional Grace "tomorrow salad" all by himself.  Then on Thanksgiving morning we all got up bright and early and Tyson and I ran the Edmond Turkey Trot 5k.  After burning some calories, we came back and finished preparing lunch.  We all ate, went for a walk around the neighborhood then came home and played an exciting game of Monopoly while eating dessert.

 Emmy helping me make pumpkin pies

 Buddy's favorite dish at Thanksgiving has been "tomorrow salad."  So this year I let him make it.  He did all of the chopping and mixing.

 heading out for Tyson's first 5K run at 7 am

 Go Buddy Go!!!

 He did it!  And I couldn't be more proud!  I didn't run my first 5K till I was 33, he's 25 years ahead of me.  Now it was time for some tasty turkey and lots of yummy sides!

 Family Shot

 The kids thought it was pretty cool that I let them use my good wedding china and crystal stemware.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Lucas'!

Kindergarten Feast 2012

Even the kindergarten class had a Thanksgiving Feast!  I was in charge of the "dessert station."  Surprise?!? 

Em's teacher had stations set up for the kids.  Each station represented a thanksgiving type food.  For example at station #1 the kids made patterns on toothpicks with ham and cheese cubes, them #2 they made fruit salad, then stuffing and even mashed potatoes.  At my station the kids mixed pudding with canned pumpkin pie filling in little cups, put a few crushed Nilla Wafers in there and then added a scoop of cool whip on top...........and just like that they have pumpkin pie cups.

It was a really cute "whole group" learning activity and I feel lucky that both Paul and I could be there.

CT Music program 2012

Another school year means another music program for Tyson.  This year was all about music around the world.  It was super cute and Tyson had another speaking part.

The cute blond in every picture is Addy.  She was Tyson's dance partner so by default she made every picture.  Buddy did great, he spoke very clear into the microphone, remembered all his lines and all of the song lyrics but when it came to the dancing part he failed to "let loose and shake it."

Quick weekend trip

Our good friends and special ex-neighboors invited us to their son's wedding in Ft. Worth.  We couldn't pass up an opportunity to see Cathy and Dave.  The kids were super excited to see them.  We headed out right after school on Friday and made it to the Metrolpex around 8:30 that night.  It was a quick short weekend there but we had a great time and it was so nice to visit our friends.  And my kids love an chance to get dressed up.

 Em and Savannah.........such pretty girls!

 It's nice to get dressed up every once and a while!

 Wonder where she gets this "hand on the hip" pose?

 They were so happy to see their Cathy!

 And Cathy was SO HAPPY to see all of her kiddos!

All of the kids were so well behaved, I was proud of all four of them!  Thanks Cathy for including us.

Pumpkin carving 101

Carving the pumpkin is always a big deal around here.  Em and I chose two really BIG pumpkins this year.  We felt Paul was up to the challenge. It was a beautiful fall evening, we even had the fire pit going and roasted marshmallows for s'mores after.  

 Em did NOT mind getting her hands a little dirty!

neither did he.....

The finished jack-o-lanterns!!!!  Em told her Daddy she "really wanted hers to have heart shaped eyes."  He did a great job for free handing it!!!!

Trick-or-Treat 2012

 I realize I'm a whole holiday behind.  Ironic that today is Thanksgiving and I'm finally getting around to blogging about Halloween.  Oh well, it's been a busy November!

 This year my little angels insisted on going as "something scary."  Tyson went as a zombie and Em as a Vampire Princess.  Just like last year we had everyone over for a little "pre trick-or-treat" party.  Everyone ate, and drank then we headed out!

 Tyson's costume was a "Tyson original," he crafted and designed it himself with some help from me.
Make-up courtesy Paul.  Who knew costume make-up could be a career for Paul?

 Hunger Games REPRESENT!!!!!

 The spread!!!  Once again I think Sherri and I outdid ourselves!

 Bloody fingers and worms!!!

 What's a Halloween party with out a floating hand in a bowl full of black punch?!?

 The whole crew about to head out!  Clearly "scary" is in!

 Some of the kids we picked up along the way checking out their loot.  Em was ready to call it a night after about an hour and a half of trick-or-treating.  Tyson however went for about 3 hours.  He was serious about it!