ABCs

Monroe started saying her ABCs this weekend.  She says them all the time now.  Here is the best video I could get.  I love her to pieces!

Thanksgiving

We started our Thanksgiving break in Hastings.  We spent our time relaxing, laughing at Monroe and Josiah, and playing games. Bridge, Up the River and Back, and 5 Second Rule were the games of choice.  After dinner on Thursday, we took family pictures and got a lot of good ones.

Our family

Grandpa and Grandma with Josiah and Monroe

Derek, Dustin, Julie, Josiah, Melinda, Doug, Monroe, Erin, Zach

Great Grandpa and Grandma with Josiah, Monroe, and Dedrick

On Friday morning, we drove to North Platte to see my family.  We were excited to watch our two teams (Nebraska and Iowa) go head to head.

Grandpa reading Monroe her favorite book

On Saturday, Grandma planned a fun project for the grandkids.  They made an ice cream dessert with cool whip and ice cream sandwiches.  The kids had a blast making it, and it tasted even better than it looked.

Monroe took an early bite

Notice the Burkle tongue

Kaiya enjoying an ice cream sandwich

Caught in the act

The kids spent the weekend playing well together.  Monroe learned how to play rough like the boys.  Karter's rule that he made himself was that Monroe could push him, but he couldn't push Monroe.  I wonder how much longer he'll show her mercy.

The three big kids loved hanging on Uncle Yeah

Grandpa and Samara

On Sunday, I took family pictures for my sister and her family.  Here are some of my favorites.

We had a wonderful, relaxing weekend with both families.  

First haircut (kind of)

Monroe's hair has been crazy for a while now.  After a bath, she has adorable curls in the back.  After she sleeps or sits in her carseat, however, the back is ratty and frizzy.  On our day off last week, Zach and I were both getting haircuts so I made an appointment for her too.  When we got there, our hairstylist looked at Monroe's hair and suggested that we not cut it.  She said we need to gel it instead.  She showed us how she would gel it, and then she did decide to even out a few places. I normally trim her bangs.  Since Monroe was already in the chair, I had Whitney do that as well.

Monroe was perfectly content the whole time.  I think the sucker did the trick.

Happy Halloween!

Monroe was an adorable little lion this Halloween.  

I thought the mane would bother her, but she didn't seem to mind it.  She loved to roar and play with her tail. 

Grandma and Grandpa Runcie

We went to Hastings again this year.  Zach's brothers were both home, so it was a fun evening.

Yes, we had to tickle her to get her to stay on our laps for the picture.

The boys and their kids

I know she doesn't look too thrilled, but I love this picture.

Dustin, Julie, and Josiah

Monroe and Josiah

Great Grandma Dee

My favorite picture of the night!

Cousin Dedrick (Nemo) came over to play for awhile. The two played well together.  

Next year, I think we will try Trick or Treating, but we will probably still go to Hastings to see grandparents.