Jack turned 7, and so much more!

With Christmas days away, it seemed like we should update the blog, since the last post was Halloween. It's been a busy couple of months, with another birthday (Jack turned 7!), Thanksgiving in Iowa, and a kitchen remodel. 

Ella reunited with her friend, Harper. They were born on the same day and were great friends as babies/toddlers until Harper moved to the suburbs. They recently started writing letters to each other, and loved seeing each other again - it was like no time had passed!

Our old kitchen. The cabinets were never good quality or well organized, so we finally decided to replace them. Like most home improvement projects, it wasn't without delays and obstacles, but we love the new kitchen!

Our temporary kitchen in the basement.

Sleeping with his dishwasher hose.

Simon loved the playground of cabinet boxes.

Our first real tree!

Clark Griswold really outdid himself this year.

Ava and Jack snuggling at Thanksgiving.

Best buds and cousins - Jack and Jace.

Cousin Daric is the fun one at family get-togethers.

We stayed a night with friends while in Iowa. They have a dog named Maeve, and the two Maeves got along very well. 

Happy birthday, Jack!

Wearing his new shirt from Uncle Sam and Lindsay.

Maeve and one of her best buds, Zoey, at school.

Jack's birthday bash at the Willis Tower.

Piano recital!

Ella participated in our school's craft fair during the annual Holiday Fair.

The finished kitchen!!

Making gingerbread houses.

Maeve had quite an afternoon at school, getting to participate in both the first and third grade holiday parties.

Girls night to the Nutcracker!

Dinner at her favorite, Frascas.

Liz and I attended the annual fundraiser for the Honeycomb Project. 

The next morning....

Jack started Lil Sluggers baseball  He obviously choose Cardinals red (The other option was Cubs blue) 

Jack had a little trouble taking off his shirt. 

We volunteered at the Ronald McDonald house to bake cookies.  

Making decorations to put on the cookie bags.  

We decided to make the world famous 3 Amigo Cookies when we got home. 

Simon is blocked in. 

Watching Frozen 2. 

Maeve was picking on Daric at Thanksgiving. 

Ella is hanging out with our friends' dog named Maeve. 

We stopped at a fun rock store on the way home from Iowa. 

Maeve had a long Thanksgiving weekend. 

Jack showing Maeve how to shoot his new Nerf Gun from Aunt Jill. 

Abbie helping Jack with his birthday gift. 

Ella reading Jack his new library book.  

Jack's birthday crew to the Willis Tower. 

Playing at Jace's birthday party. 

Ella and I went to Zoo Lights. 

I woke Simon up. 

Ginger bread house time. 

Given the nice weather, playtime in the alley. 

Maeve is Santa and Ella is the reindeer / elf. 

I taught the kids about making houses with playing cards. 

Jack was easily frustrated with they fell. 

Liz and Ella attended the Nutcracker.  

Ella made her own outfit!  She continues to amaze me!

Jack and Ella both earned Yellow belts.