More November...

Just before Thanksgiving, Lauren got her shots and had a fever for a day. She felt so sick she just wanted to lay on the floor like this, but I took this picture because Hannah was such a GREAT big sister and laid down next to her to read her books :) So sweet.

Feeling better again and on the go at Gramma Jan and Grampa Bill's house for Thanksgiving! She loves this ride-on toy :)

The kids always seem to gravitate toward playing in the driveway with the big bin of balls. This keeps them busy for hours! Lauren acts like she is 5 years old and tries to keep up with the big boys!

What do you get when you try to get a Thanksgiving picture of 7 kids? This.

So about 8 kids were jumping on the air mattress earlier in the day...and then "somehow" it deflated when Hannah was sleeping during the middle of the night. Ha! I think we owe Gramma Jan and Grampa Bill a new mattress...

Back at home a few days later...we celebrated Thanksgiving with my side of the family on Saturday. Mom brought the cats, which was a huge hit with this kids, especially Lauren. Kitties are her favorite things in the whole world, apparently. She is starting to be able to say "cat" now too.

Hugging Ray-Ray :) This cat is the most patient and docile cat in the world!

Reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Lauren loves all Eric Carle books, especially Brown Bear and Head to Toe. And here's her blankie and little penguin with her...that's her toy that she sleeps with each night.

Grace was such a great playmate/babysitter for Lauren during Thanksgiving. She loved playing with her and kept her entertained for hours. Here they are having a "tea party" :)

Even Papa and Aunt Geni joined in the tea party :)

The obligatory Thanksgiving picture with the turkey :) I think we're thinking "Thank God we didn't burn it!" :)

Making Advent calendars! This Mees Family tradition has been shared with the Alexander side, and now the cousins look forward to it every year. Lots of fun, and Grace was promoted to "glue gun director" this year, which made it easier for all of us :)

The day after Thanksgiving means...putting up the Christmas decorations! Hooray!

Hannah learned to use the camera self-timer independently and loved it! So while Lauren was taking her (very early) morning nap, we had some camera fun.

No caption can do this one good...

Lauren wakes up and sees the dancing Santa!!

Grace helping Lauren-Lou on the big bike! I think her legs are still a *little* too short :)

Someone likes stickers! (And doesn't like barrettes)

The great Christmas Tree Hunt!

The perfect tree!

Even holding hands...how sweet :)

Decorating the tree! A several-day adventure. Lauren wasn't too interested in decorating (she was interested in looking at all of the ornaments and occasionally taking them OFF the tree, though!). Hannah loved decorating the tree. Several low branches even had 5-6 ornaments :)

Very independent, as always! She was a great helper, and even helped me take the ornaments off after Christmas was over.

Hugs and Kisses...such sweet sisters.