Today was Eli's first visit to the Dunlap Library. He loved being able to walk around and look at all the books. We ended up checking out 5 books and 2 DVDs. Eli watched "Sesame Street All-Star Alphabet" when we got home, and this weekend we're hoping to watch the other video, "Alvin & the Chipmunks". The library was an enjoyable experience for Eli and I'm hoping to return about once a week.
Today, Eli & I went over to Lindsay and Cole's house to play. Eli and Cole had lots of fun playing with trains, cars, blocks, etc. It was also nice for the mommy's to get some time to chat. Eli had such a fun time that he didn't want to leave. The whole way home he cried, "Come back to Cole's house." We'll definitely need to get together again soon! Thanks Lindsay & Cole!
Tonight we put up our Christmas tree. Eli liked going through our Christmas decorations, but he wasn't too into helping. I loved putting all the new ornaments that had belonged to my Mother on our tree. She had the coolest Santa ornaments. I started collecting Santa's last year, so our tree is now 
full of very unique Santa ornaments. I love it! We still need a tree topper. I haven't found one yet that I really like, so I'll just have to keep looking. Now that the tree is up and we have all this snow, it's really starting to feel like Christmas!
This year we had the treat of my aunt & uncle, David & Dana Blue, visiting us during the Thanksgiving holiday. We went to Grandpa & Grandma Joey's house for a wonderful lunch. Eli and his cousins loved playing with all the toys while the adults enjoyed their meal. After lunch, the boys loved playing with Uncle David, jumping all over him and then getting thrown off. Then, the men headed downstairs to play Wii while the ladies talked and went through my Mother's Christmas ornaments. We had such an enjoyable evening together. We were so thankful to spend the time with David & Dana. We love you!
Eli and Mommy got to play outside in the snow today. After bundling all up we headed out into the snowy weather. We tried the sled, but the snow was just too soft. We tried to build a snowman, but the snow wouldn't stick. Eli enjoyed just walking around in the snow, but wasn't too thrilled with sitting or laying in it. He loved picking up snow and trying to throw it at the dogs. After his mitten fell off he about had enough, so we decided to head inside for some hot chocolate. Yum! With all this snow 
we're getting this week, I'm sure we'll head out again soon.
Eli had fun playing with Drew on Wednesday. Eli and Drew played with cars, trains, and loved playing with these two school busses. They loved driving them around the coffee table while singing "The Wheels on the Bus Go 'Round and 'Round". Drew's Mommy, Laura, and I had a nice time chatting while the boys were playing. We also got to stay for lunch. Eli had a hard time leaving. After a major melt down we finally were able to get into the car. Eli liked the idea that we will get to come back sometime soon.
On Sunday night Scott & I had a fun evening out in South Bend. We started the evening with a yummy dinner at The Vine with my family to celebrate Scott's birthday. Delicious! Then, we headed over to the Morris Civic Theater to see Third Day. First, a band called Revive started the show. They were some younger guys from Australia. It was a very good group. They kind of reminded me of the Jonas Brothers of Christian Rock. Next, the band Needtobreathe came on. They were awesome! I had only heard one of their songs on the radio, but I liked everything they performed. Scott really enjoyed them, too. He downloaded their CD as soon as we got home. Third Day then came out on stage close to 9:00. They were amazing! I love the lead singer's voice...very unique. It was such a fun night. Didn't get home until close to midnight, but it was well worth it.
Eli had so much fun trick-or-treating this year. It was his first real experience. Eli got to be a lion...ROAR! Our friends, Andy & Laura Krause joined us with their son, Drew, who was a monkey. Drew and Eli are best buds! They were so cute going up to the houses to get candy. They usually had to be reminded to say "trick-or-treat" and 
"thank you." After about an hour of this we went to MeeMaw & Paw Paw's house. MeeMaw had little Halloween gift bags for each of the boys. She also had lots of food to eat. They boys played cars and legos while the adults munched on goodies. To end our evening, we then went to Grandpa & Grandma Joey's house for our last trick-or-treat stop. Eli really enjoyed the night, but I think that he forgot he got lots of candy...has never asked for it. Mommy & Daddy sure haven't forgotten...Yum!
Eli's birthday is on Aug. 15th
Jayce's Birthday is on Nov. 6th
Our anniversary is Feb. 22nd
