The Merrell Family: November Happenings

"Camping" at Breckenridge Park. It was kind of chilly and the boys were getting over colds, so we just decided to eat there and let them play at the park. We came home and put up our tent in the living room. It is impossible to get Nathan and Jared to wear jackets let alone coats. I finally convinced Nathan to wear his coat, but Jared just sat on my lap while I wrapped my coat around him. We enjoyed foil dinners, hot dogs, chips, fruit, and smores.

We went to Houston for Thanksgiving and really enjoyed our time with Kayla and her family. The boys loved to play with their kids and loved all of their toys.

The beloved basketball hoop at Kayla and Randy's house.

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY TO NATHAN

Nathan loved his sports bounce house and was so excited to have family and friends come over. He kept asking me while I was decorating the cake if his friends were here yet. We enjoyed queso, chips, pop, cake, and cupcakes. My parents always let us choose what we wanted them to make for breakfast and dinner for our birthday, so I kept that tradition. Nathan wanted pancakes with strawberries, syrup, and cool whip for breakfast and pizza for dinner. I told him that we were having pizza for lunch, and he still wanted to have it for dinner. Thank goodness we had leftovers, and it became the easiest dinner ever.

Jared saying, "Cheese."

Nathan anxiously awaiting the candy to fall from the pinata.

The Candy Mob.

Nathan was so excited about his birthday cake. Last year he wanted a blue fire truck cake, and for almost a year now he has been asking for a green fire truck cake. This was my first cake to decorate with the tips and everything. It was fun, but it definitely took more time than I thought. You cannot really see the ladder in the picture. When I finished the cake and had Nathan look at it. He pointed out right away that it was missing a siren. That's my boy he knows his fire trucks. I didn't have time to put on the red siren, so it is missing. I also made 24 strawberry cupcakes and decorated them. Let's just say that Matt and I were very busy that morning.

After all that playing time, we were all exhausted and enjoyed a nap together. This is one of my favorite parts of the day...when both boys nap with me. Most the time they are both as close to me as possible. This could be a tricky transition when baby comes, but I wouldn't miss this time with them for anything.

We decorated the tree together as a family. The boys loved putting up the ornaments and only a few got broken. We have to put all of the Christmas balls up high because Jared thinks they are toys. He loves balls.