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We shared a quiet Thanksgiving together this year with just our little family and it was lovely. Instead of waking up and cooking right away, we enjoyed a little sunshine and fresh air at the park. After playing together, we got to work in the kitchen. We simplified the meal a little, including making some mini pies, but it was still a huge dinner! Davin and Rowan perfected their yearly contribution of making rainbow jello which, thanks to my Aunt Val, has become a Rees family classic (not that Chris and I really love jello but it is fun to have the boys interested in making something).  We had a wonderful dinner together. We looked at all of the leaves that we put on our Gratitude tree and thought about our many blessings including having each other. We talked about how having gratitude makes us happy because we things we have rather than what we don't. Pies rounded out the meal; we had pumpkin, pecan, and a new favorite: chocolate mousse...

Rowan's latest love affair with How to Train a Dragon  came full circle with his birthday this year. He decided that he wanted a dragon party which was a fun challenge. The boys arrived at our house and we put them to work making their viking costumes. Once they were properly outfitted, we helped them to train as they prepared to face the dragons. The training routine included punching balloons for sword practice, a sheep target throw, and sumo wrestling for strength development.  The boys searched for paper dragons hidden around the yard and once captured, they worked on helping the dragons to fly by throwing them down the hill.  After training their dragons, the boys fought victoriously against the large alpha dragon, spilling its insides to everyone's delight!  After all that work it was time for feasting! The boys enjoyed roasting cocktail dogs and marshmallows over the fire,...