It is beautiful...but I think I am ready for the roads to be clear and for Andrew to go back to school. We are all going a little crazy, being couped up! Chad hung christmas lights tonight...burrrrr (he was in shorts). We have played a lot of games, done lots of puzzles and played with play doh more than I would like. I didn't ever think I would look forward to rain.
This morning Andrew and Nicholas helped Nana stuff the turkey. They also dressed up as a pilgrim and an indian!
I have so much to be thankful for...my spunky husband, my healthy and active boys, family: mom, dad, grandma, brothers, sister, and extended family.
Hope your day is full of thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Love the Carlson Family!
Nicholas (almost 2 years)
"throw cows" = throw cows food
"baby Jesus" = every baby he sees
"T for trouble (with hand motions of a T" =taught to him by Pom Pom
Andrew (4 years)
Looking at Curious George doll..."Hey mom, its George Bush"
Conversation between Andrew and Mom on our way to the airport in New Orleans
Cindy asks "Andrew, what fun stores did you see in New Orleans" Andrew answers, "Old McDonalds, umm Starbucks"
"Mom, I am broken" (he hurt his finger)
We just arrived home from New Orleans this morning. We had a great time with our friends Mike and Susanne. They showed us around New Orleans...the good and the not so good. It was quite a shock to the system to see so much devastation still from Katrina. You don't realize until you are there going up and down street after street seeing the same thing. Rich or poor, black or white, young or old, it affected everyone. 
We were able to go to the front door of this house. It was almost to overwhelming to look inside. To see someones memories on the wall, clothes, toys, and a porch swing in the front room. 
This is a typical marking on a house, stating who checked the house, and what they found.
The water level was to the roof of this house, but you can see where the water settled.
3...2...1 Till we leave for New Orleans! Chad, Andrew and I leave Wednesday for 6 days. Nicholas is going to stay with Nana and Pom Pom. He is excited to go "throw cows"! Our plans while in New Orleans...to experience culture, look at houses, have fun and enjoy the warmer weather. Pray for us as we travel and seek to understand life in NO. And for Nicholas as he is away from us.
Andrew loves his cats! Especially Ginger. Ginger enjoys sleeping with Andrew. We have told him that when we move to New Orleans, we are not taking the cats. He has been very sad when he thinks about the cats not going with us. I have told him that we will try to find them a good home. His first thought was..."Mr Randy (our next door neighbor) will take them. 
So if anyone wants or knows of someone who wants 2 great indoor cats, let us know. Andrew would be very grateful!
Thursday night the boys and I went to Centralia to see my parents and to stay the night. On friday my friend and college roommate, Laura and her daughter Claire came to visit us. We have a good time catching up and letting the kids play together.
Nicholas having a great time..."throwing cows"
Laura and Claire checking out the cows. Claire turns 1 on November 18th!
Andrew, Nicholas and Claire having snacks and hanging out.
Thanks Laura fore getting together. We all had a great time.
To become a part of our support team, click here