FINALLY!

I cannot believe I have been away from my blog for this long. I don't think I have EVER been away from my blog this long. I just can't seem to find time to keep up, so here I am at 11:00pm, watching MSU basketball (losing to N. Carolina :( ), and trying to catch up on my blog (and yes, this was a couple days ago because I got too tired that night to finish this loooonnggg post!). I was so sad when I looked at the top of my blog and realized I didn't even take time during the month of November to change my header, it just stayed on October. Life has proven to be very busy lately and I guess if something had to give it was the blog. But......WE ARE BACK! At least for one post!!! :) We have had so much go on since October, so I think I will just caption under each picture below so I don't have a gigantic paragraph for everyone to read. Enjoy catching up with the Brining household!

The weekend before Halloween we headed to the Detroit Zoo for their Zoo Boo with Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Erin, and Thatcher.  It was a little bit of a chilly day, but everyone had a great time.  We had never been before, so I didn't know what to expect.  The kids walk through the zoo and basically go trick-or-treating.  Every so often there would be a 'treat station' you would walk through and get your candy.  Norah was so cute because after we had called them treat stations a few times she said, "No Mama, it's called a gas station." 

Hazel, I mean our Very Hungry Caterpillar, all snuggled up and ready for the Zoo Boo!

Our little butterfly posing with the pumpkin flamingos!

Halloween night ended up being a really yucky night, just like last year.  We made our way out to Grammy and Papa's house first and loaded up with goodies.  

I feel like the worst mother ever because the picture above is literally the only picture (once again) that I got of Hazel on Halloween.  Last year I didn't get any pictures of her.  What is wrong with me?  We dropped her off at my parent's house so we could take Norah on the wet, soggy walk to go trick-or-treating.  Hopefully next year I will finally get smart and take a picture as soon as we get to my parent's.  :(  Anyway, I LOVE this picture of Drew and Norah.  Too precious!

Trick-or-Treat Great Grandpa Baird!

She's such a poser!

I wanted to get some pictures of a typical night in our house after we get home from work and daycare.  We usually get home around 5:00pm and it is go, go, go until bedtime.  Both girls are generally starving when they get home, so Hazel gets right in her highchair and Norah sits up at the bar or table for a snack.  Once snack is over we play for a little bit, or Norah gets some down time with the iPad while Hazey plays and we get things unpacked from the day and dinner ready.  Hazel loves rocking in this chair in her bedroom. 

All the necessary things for happy girls...iPad, rocking chair, books, paci

Hazel just observing.  She wouldn't dare try to touch it while her sister is on it!

This girl loves her lambie!

Ever since Halloween the butterfly wings continue to be a necessity for dress up!  Even when we are outside kicking around the soccer ball.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at the Brining house this year.  It was so great to have everyone home and we are so glad we got another family picture.  The last time we had one taken can be seen here.  Norah was only a little over one, so there was no Hazey.  It is amazing to see how all of the girls have grown!  

Papa, Grammy and all seven girls!  All seven girls had a sleepover on Thursday night at Grammy and Papa's.  I just love all the memories they get to make together!  

Norah and Emma were the official 'cranberry, jello-thingy, sugar rollers'.  I think that is what you would call them.  Anyway, they were pros at it! :)

Crafting....making Christmas Trees 

On Saturday afternoon Norah and I headed to Longshot Lanes for Bryn's birthday.  We were able to bowl and entire 10 frames.  This was Norah's first time bowling.  She had a great time and I have to say, bowling shoes have never looked so cute!

Love this picture of the birthday girl!  Just waiting patiently for her ball to get to the end!

Bryn and Norah!  I am always so thankful when they get to see each other.  With Flanagans living in Florida, I never take for granted the times they come back to Michigan.  It always gives us Mommies a chance to visit too!

Finally, we had our Baird Thanksgiving on Sunday evening.  Norah and Thatcher had fun playing with the Clydesdale horses at Grandpa and Gramma's!   

They even got in a few hugs!
What a great holiday week we had!  We did have two very exhausted girls after all of this activity and I have to say, dinner on Monday night was quite comical!  Two screaming girls who just simply couldn't take anymore.  They were both in bed and sleeping by 7:15pm.  Much needed!
Now on to Christmas!