Pod-Giving

 I feel like a lot of our posts this year have started with, "Well, because of Covid...." This is no different.

Stephen and I would have traveled to Dallas to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family this year, but, because of Covid, we decided to take precautions and stay in town. We missed seeing the family, but we were able to celebrate with our pod group. A friends-giving pod-giving if you will!

They were so funny all piled together and giggling

Last Thanksgiving, we did a cook-off and made 3 turkeys. This year was no different. The Kasperzaks hadn't experienced the 3-turkey cook off, so it only made sense.

Smoked

Baked

Fried

3 turkeys, 3 guys. 1 turkey to carve each! Stephen chose the fried turkey and when he went to start carving, the leg bone just came right out. I'd say that's a tender turkey!

The consensus remains. Fried turkey for the win!

It's been a rough year and we're finally seeing the light at the end of a long tunnel - hopefully. We're so thankful that everyone has remained healthy and for amazing friends and family to help keep things semi "normal". Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Day-to-Day Short Style

Stephen and I have been working a lot lately, so the blog has been taking a back seat (as I'm sure some of you have noticed - sorry!). But have no fear, the photos are here. Check out what these kiddos have been up to lately.

Carson has been very interested in the little potty outside.

First kiss of sorts? Funny thing is, a day after this, Miles planted one right on Charlie's lips. ha!

I'm not really sure why they chose to sit like this... 

She's a Beaut!

 After Stephen's Grandpa passed away, we inherited his boat from Tahoe. It's been sitting in our storage facility for awhile now waiting for the necessary repairs it needed before re-entering the water.

It's been an ongoing project but it's finally done!! Stephen got the engine completely rejuvenated, all of the paperwork is in our name, the seats, carpet, wood and entire interior has been replaced. All that's left? A tutorial while on the water. We had planned to have the mechanic who worked on the engine take us out on the water to show us the ins and outs, but then... Covid. So... looks like we'll be waiting a little longer. But hey, we can revel in the small victories!

It BARELY fits in our garage

Aubee School

Charlie and Lizzie's Grandma (Aubee) has come down to help during the Covid crisis. They call the time she spends with the girls in the morning "Aubee School". They play, read books and do crafts. 

The girls really wanted Miles to come to school with them, so Natalie and I coordinated a day so he could join. It was so sweet watching them together. You can seriously see how much all of them miss the norms of going to school each day. Not only did it offer me a little extra time to work, Miles had a total blast. I was worried he wouldn't ask to go to the potty, but Natalie said he did great! No accidents and he was a great listener. Things we've been struggling with at home.... lol

Thank you to the Devlins and Aubee for including him in the fun! :)

Spooktacular Pod-lloween

In true 2020 style, the kids couldn't go trick or treating this year. Such a bummer. But, we wanted to make the day just as fun in spite of the current environment. Solution? Halloween Pod Party!!

I coordinated with Beth and Natalie and we came up with a carnival/field day/fiesta/candy filled/activity filled day. We had games. We had hay rides. We had cookie decorating. We had Halloween themed food. We had a piñata. We had glow sticks. And best of all. We had CANDY. Maybe we had too much? But whatever - the kids had a blast.

Change a couple light bulbs and voila! Decorated for Halloween

Spider web crispy treats

Witches broomsticks

Mummies

Our little mud trucks with their #1 fans

Let the candy hunt begin!

Pretty much sums up Miles the entire party - lollipop in mouth

We did a game where the kids had to choose between 3 bowls to find the candy. But, 2 of the bowls had spo0o0oky things. Miles was the guinea pig and chose to go first.

First bowl:  Blood. (jello) Miles reaction was hilarious. Excited, disgusted and then when we all laughed, he started to cry. Poor thing haha 

But then he figured out the game.

His reaction when he found the candy. Priceless!

Lizzie finding the blood. Mike in the background - "Lizzie! Lick it!!" And so she did.

Brains!!

Brooklynn: "Why do I have to go last??"

Me:  "Because you're the strongest and we have to give the little kids a turn."

And sure enough, she popped that thing right open! Us adults were a little bummed because Stephen was in line to go next. We also kinda wanted to see him hit it to smithereens. ha!

Carson wasn't as interested in the hitting part. But the rope? Yes. Absolutely