"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"

And so it did, about 7.5 inches, although it felt like a lot more on the outside of town.  It was our first, of many, snow fall on Brentwood and it was beautiful!! 
Just in case anyone forgot what snow looks like, here are some pics!!

I can dance and spin!!

Please excuse the camerman's voice, they were caught up in the good vibes!!

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

We finally finished the tree last night. Braylen was helping with a few ornaments, but I was too slow with the camera. I think the house's ready for the holidays now!

the stockings were hung by the chimney with care

He's pointing to his favorite

the angle makes us look like we're giants!

Our little beauty.  I she's still standing coming Dec 25!

Watching for Santa's sleigh and 8 miniature reindeer

Christmas time at Brentwood Ct

Sunday Braylen and I put up Christmas decorations in our pjs all day!  We started off the day with toast

Messy and yummy

 and played with some of the Christmas beads,

Probably the most fun toy, ever!!

then we found Rudolph and his book

"How exactly do you get your nose to do that light up thing?"

 and lastly it was time for a bath.  I had to put my robe on to keep me warm on the way to the tub and couldn't dare to part with my own personal snow globe.

a new bath time toy

Thanksgiving in East Dubuque

We had so much fun with the Fluhr's during our Saturday Thanksgiving dinner.  The food was awesome!!  Seeing everyone and watching the kids together was a blast.  We also got some exciting news...Madison is going to be a big sister!!  Joleen is pregnant with her second and is about 12 weeks along, I think it's going to be a boy...we'll see.

Gavin has a perfect sized seat, just a little warm...

the beef jerky bag was passed around a lot

Joleen, Madison and grandpa

Hi five from Alana to uncle Pat

calmly watching the destruction occur

their own personal jungle gym

cuties

having a chugging contest

just in case the video's not working, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMXM-OOvmIg

This is the funny incident taking place near the end of the night after the sugar has set in!!

Thanksgiving in Highland

Brad and Angi were brave enough to have 46 crazy Scott's and spouses and kids to their house for Thanksgiving.  Fortunately they have an amazing house and it never felt crowded or full the entire day!  We had wonderful food, great conversations, cold drinks and fun games!!  It was a super fun day! 

the family sitting around the bar

Bray's probably thinking, "Don't take me away from my favorite person, mom!"

Apparently we had had a few drinks...

Braylen's wondering why everyone's looking at him?!

loungin on the couch watchin football

Kids corner

Mandi says, "Hey my Guinness is almost gone and where did my headband go?"
Andriy doesn't say anything at all

Jess and Clint and their favorite nephew!

I think Braylen was composing a song for papa here

best buds!

The Wii remotes really entertained

spoons- spoon- spoon- spoon- spoons

Thanks...

I'm mimicking this after an email we received from a professor here at UD and I felt the need to create a Thanksgiving list of my own, to put the day and season in prospective. 
I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband.  I give him a hard time and razz him about helping, or not, but really my life would not be the same without him.  Ever since I met him my sophomore year of college, oh how long ago that was, my life has changed for the better.  Thanks for being who you are and for helping make me who I am.
I feel this is an overly obvious statement, but I am thankful every day for my turkey pants, Braylen.  For all of the reasons I love and adore him, please refer to the past 240 blogs devote, mostly, to the Bugman!!
Of course our family and friends.  I feel we are so fortunate to have such a loving and caring support system of close family.  They love me, Jeremy and Braylen unconditionally.  Our friends provide a get away from our day to day and are such giving people.  We love and would do anything for you all, as I know would be reversed on any giving day or situation.
Our home, this is slightly material, I know, but I love our house that we have made a home.  I pray that we will be here for a very long time and have lots of cherished memories, as will our children, while our family grows and is protected by it's sturdy walls and warm rooms.  While so many are suffering or struggling to make ends meet day to day, we are truly so lucky to have so much and a place to call home for years to come.  Dubuque itself has also offered a wonderful home to us and as many communities are in economic downturn, we seem to flourish and rise above those difficulties. 
I am extremely thankful for those that are serving, have served or will serve to protect me and my family and our country.  I don't feel like I express regularly enough to those I know or come in contact with my gratitude and appreciation for all that they do and sacrifice for others.  My thoughts and prayers to go to those that have family oversees and I think of your often.  Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.
I am also thankful to those of your who read this regularly.  Lots of love, Lara