DOVE FAMILY

Black Friday night- we decided to have a date night with a few friends.  So you know its very difficult for me to leave the kids with just "anybody".... That is the reason why Dave and I usually don't have a date night. because I have a hard time just leaving the kids.  Plus we just always love to do things with the kids- so we usually do a date night, movie night-- with the kids!

Luckily, our friend  has a wonderful babysitter that she has known for YEARS and that she trusts with her kids.  I have met her before, and she is wonderful, responsible and just loves all of our kids.  She took on the difficult task to watch three 6 year old boys,  a 4 year old princess and a 2 year old adorable wild princess!  So needless to say- she certainly has her hands full when she watches our kids!  Pizza, movie, popcorn, toys, blankets and PJs- the kids were so excited for their parents to go out because this was their "free" night!

We decided to go to Irish Channel in Crofton. Although the first band (lets just say...One Man Band) was singing some slow tunes...it did pick up later that evening.  We spent a few hours eating great food, shared great stories, laughed so hard and had just a "few" cocktails.  I do have to admit that I was bugging my friend to text our babysitter throughout the night to just check-in and see how the kids were doing!  We had a great night and can't wait for our next TRIPLE DATE NIGHT!

Amber, Joe, Dave, me, Alex & Andres

We hardly ever get a picture of the two of us together!

Fa La La La La.....
It's Christmastime...
Silver Bells....

Along with eating 2 thanksgiving feast, shopping for some great black Friday deals, triple date night...we also took some time out to start decorating our new house for Christmas!  Our home was filled with boxes again but this time it was to put up the tree, garland, lights, decorations and more.  We still have a few more small things to do...but I think it's starting to look like Christmas at our home.  Have fun decorating and sit back, relax and enjoy the holiday sights all around!

Whats Up!

LOVE

HUG ME!

Garland on the steps..still not sure about this look.  It may change again....

Picture of me & daddy next to some holiday decorations

The tree!

Fireplace, kids, stockings.....what a sight!

Julia has had this nagging cough for a few days now but its worse at night when she lays her head down.  The other night she couldn't stop coughing and I was ready to move her to our room so we could get... maybe ...just a few hours of sleep.  She wanted her daddy so Dave decided to lay down on her floor until she fell asleep.  Later that night, I found this.  Daddy sleeping on her floor using her Minnie Mouse pillow.  Look closely-- the best part of this picture is that Dave is holding her Teddy Bear that wears a red tutu.

Each fall the kids look forward to carving pumpkins.  We started this a few years ago and once October hits...they keep asking and asking until we do it.  This year was no exception- we took their pumpkins to Grammy's house and they were so excited.  We lined the table with old newspaper, decided what kind of faces to make and we got our hands dirty!  Although its dirty- the kids do love take the pumpkin guts out!  I love doing this each year with the kids and I can't wait until next year's pumpkin carving!

Matthew is his silly face- he was trying to act "grossed out" by the pumpkin guts!

Julia telling Auntie Debbie what type of face to draw!

We were very fortunate that Hurricane Sandy didn't bring us too much damage. Although we were without power for about 14 hours- we did just fine.  We are just thankful that our family and friends all did OK as well.  Since Sandy left by Halloween we were able to enjoy lots of festivities.  We had a school halloween parade, haunting hallways at Ashley's school, and of course the big night- Halloween night!  Such fun and we are so glad that the kids continue to want to get dressed up and in the spirit of Halloween!  I think they just want the candy!

Halloween Night 2012-- starting from the left: Daniel (Hawkeye), Amaya (Cinderella), Alex (IronMan), Julia (Rockstar),  Matthew (Hulk), Abe (Captain America)

Matthew's School Halloween Parade (Severna Park Elementary School)

The HULK!

We have 2 Hulks!  Matthew is the one in the back...the bigger one  :)

Alex, Amaya, Matthew & Julia at Aunt Ashley's Huanting Hallways at Parkville Middle School

We have never done this before!  We left candy out on our step for the neighborhood kids.  Dave was so worried about his crab pot that he TAPED it onto the bar stool!  Although- the kids could have just ran away with the crab pot and bar stool!  Thankfully when we arrived home, we didn't have any candy left but our crab pot and stool were still there!

We love parties-- especially because of the good friends and good food!  We went to a friends house a few days before Halloween and we had an awesome time.  Great food, snacks, cookies, brownies and CAKE-- for me!  A birthday cake.  They are great friends and we are so thankful and blessed to have them in our lives.  We had a great time and the kids just loved wearing their costumes all day and the moon bounce...of course!