the mandel 5

Are you sick on me yet? On Friday, I took some pictures of Brady and Jennifer. Just now getting to posting them. What a busy weekend. I can't believe it's back to work tomorrow! my little monkey my two monkeys climbing on Uncle Brady Aren't we pretty? If you haven't read the kayaking post below this, you need to.

We traded Logan for Corey today. Logan can't kayak with his cast and we had been talking about bringing Corey out. Corey is such a great cousin - Megan and Nathan loved having him along. He did great! First we went down a channel and then across the harbor in Ventura to Milano's where we tied up the kayaks and had pizza and ice cream for lunch. Nathan and Daddy snuggling up at Milano's Miss Megan Mr. Nathan mommy and her cool no-blister paddling gloves that daddy got her :) Corey asked me to take pictures of wildlife. The seals were too far away today so here's a pelican for you, Core! On the way back from Milano's, Corey rode with Rob and Nathan paddled the blue kayak When we got back to the docks, the kids took turns going out on the blue kayak and practicing their paddling. I think they are all ready for their own kayaks! Now, only because I love you all, I will share the most exciting part of our day. While Nathan and Rob were paddling around and Corey an...

Wednesday afternoon, Logan had his Thanksgiving feast at preschool. So cute. giving thanks Thursday we went to Grandma Verna's for yummy Thanksgiving dinner. Mmmm... This morning we had a relaxing morning. Well, I was out shopping at 4AM along with other crazy people like my two brothers. I got home at 7:00. Then we decided to get out the Christmas decorations. Our pre-lit tree was no longer lit and most of the extra strands didn't work so we set out to buy more lights but ended up getting a new tree. The kids insisted on colored lights (I wanted white) but the good news is that the new tree fit in the old stand so it still turns round and round (much to Jojo's delight!). Tonight we went to my dad's for turkey dinner. The kids made these bead crafts. Actually, it was Rob who headed up the craft this time. He and Megan made this duckie. :) Here's our group! I am embarrassed to say that my kids window shop at my dad's house. They ask him every time if t...

It's that time of year again! Our family's tradition is to take photos on Thanksgiving Day. I've been torturing them with this since Kari was born. Papa and the grandkids Dad and the grown kids cousins sort-of cousins Grantie and UB with their grandkids me and my girl - first time EVER that I have seen a resemblance to me. I think just because of our hair though? I haven't had it cut in months because I keep forgetting - finally made an appt for next week! getting ready for our family photo each year this one keeps getting better! my boys the Casey Burrills The Choates All Choates With Aunt Janey and Uncle Richard - they've been doing Thanksgiving with us since before I was born. I love Thanksgiving because I know they'll be here! The happy couple Blake B and K LOVE this one! Kari and Corey Kayla I apologize in advance for what you are about to see. The "girl" portion of our session got out of hand very quickly this year. Lise and Jen were rather ...