An Evening with Ella Enchanted

We started reading Ella Enchanted as a family last fall on a car trip up north (I think that was when it was....)  And we finally finished it last Saturday! It was fun sharing a story together, especially this story. I love this book!

For the most part, everyone enjoyed it (even my rough & tough handsome cowboy) although Zoe didn't pay too much attention....she did the best she could for being 4. And Molly....well, she was merely a distraction when we tried to read it!

To mark the occasion, we had an Ella Enchanted Dinner Party Saturday night.

I put up a royal invitation (on the fridge) to let the Shakespear kingdom know of the upcoming festivities. This was met with much anticipation throughout the land. Each of the invitees were encouraged to arrive in fancy party attire.

And they did not disappoint.

Ryan arrived in a lovely suit coat two sizes too small and a ruffly pink boutonniere. And you have to give him props. The poor man had the flu, but he still wouldn't miss the royal party!

 Zoe was a beautiful fairy.

 Emmett was an elf in a blue hat (can you tell that was a last minute costume?)

Sam and Weston wore their Dad's clothes and said they were sleepy giants!

On the menu we had....

Torlin Kerru (Garlic & Butter sauteed mushrooms)
Areida's Rolls
Giant Potatoes from Uaaxee's farm (with chili, cheese, ranch and ham )
Quail Eggs (Deviled eggs)
Tonic (The BEST Party Punch)
Roly Poly Pudding (Oreo Pudding Poke Cake)

Before we sat down to dine on our luxurious feast, we had a rousing game of Ella Says (instead of Simon Says). Since Ella is cursed to do as she's told I thought it was a fitting game.  The kids loved it. And I kept getting out! Ack! Need to pay attention better....

At dinner I asked some Ella Enchanted trivia questions....they got almost all of them right!

We had the kids try No Thank You bites of the Torlin Kerru. They gagged on it. But at least they tried the mushrooms! Needless to say, we didn't get any mushroom converts.

And then we got into our jammies, grabbed some blankets and pillows and snuggled up to watch the movie Ella Enchanted.

And I know, I know, people. The movie is NOTHING like the book.  Just about the only thing they have in common is that they're both about a girl named Ella who is cursed with obedience. It's crazy how much the stories differ.

But it was still fun to watch. And the kids hadn't seen it before. I wonder why the producers, writers, the powers that be, decided to change the story so much. If you haven't read the book and you've only seen the movie, you're doing yourself a serious disservice. Read the book! It's grand.

Now we're reading Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George. It stars a castle that grows new rooms when it gets bored....so fun, right? I read the first chapter to the family tonight. Weston said, "Can you please read one more chapter?" Don't you just love that question?

Alright, now what are you reading?

My Favorite Thing...

Time together.

Zoe got a new bike for Christmas. She tried it out the day after Christmas a bit. But since today was pretty warm (for Winter), we all bundled up and headed out for a family bike ride.

Ryan had to walk with Zoe to help her with her biking. He gave her tips and such to help her know what to do if she starts to fall. How to lean and such.

She's getting really good at this. And I love that she's so proud of herself. At one point she said something like, "I'm the best biker!"

I love creating these happy memories.

My oh, my. Those are some fun boys. And, yes, that's a pink bike Emmett is riding. I got it free. He's saving up for a new one though. Although, truth be told. He doesn't really care that it's pink! Can you believe I totally forgot he needs a new bike? AND he just had a birthday on Wednesday? Ack! I can't believe I forgot that.

Zoe had her first crash. Her daddy hugged her better.

And she got right back on.

I'm glad she has a sweet daddy to help make things better. And to teach her how to ride a bike. 

It's great to do something together that everyone enjoys.

Ryan looks great on a pink bike, right?

A baby bike seat was one of the best things I ever bought. Molly loves bike rides. LOVES them.

And so do I.

Busy Happy Days

We're soaking it all up. 

Nerf gun wars, sleeping in, late night games of Pit, too many goodies, lego-building contests, candlelit dinners, wii tournaments, celebrating a birthday (Emmett! How can you be 10??), sledding, playing with new toys, laughing at anything and everything and....the best part?

Having everyone home. 

Love it.

Going on a Tree Hunt

We love getting our own Christmas tree. None of that tree farm nonsense for us. Nope. The Shakespears just need a tree tag, a vehicle with 4-wheel drive (and actually this isn't even necessary. We've made a van work for this activity in a pinch) and an ax and we're good to go.  Throw in some snow and we're a happy bunch....

I have the hardest time getting a natural smile out of this one!

Ack! How did this happen? How is it possible that this good looking young man is my son?

He could not resist throwing the snow in the air. "Mom! Take a picture!" he yelled.

These boys are so good to each other. Yes. They bicker. But for the most part, they are

each other's best friends. They love to gather up all their legos, head to the basement and create

a whole world to inhabit. Zoe has even started to join them. She is asking for pink legos

for Christmas. Shhhhh! Don't tell, but I found a pink lego (off-brand) set which makes 

a princess carriage and horse. It is so stinkin' cute. I can't wait to give it to her!

My goodness. That is one handsome cowboy. 

That little one was having the best time out in all that snow. 

And yes. Those are socks on her hands. I couldn't find her mittens.

'

We stumbled across an icy road and the kids (and their parents) had

loads of fun slipping down it on their shoes. 

 Oh, why can't I just freeze her? For a few years? And then I promise...I'll let her grow up. 

But, not yet. Please, Time? Could you slow down?

We found two good trees and had a vote.  The kids voted all voted for tree #2. It was bigger. 

So, my handsome cowboy chopped it down, threw it on top of the Suburban and we headed for home 

singing Christmas carols and laughing and chatting. I love Christmas. Especially when I take the time to 

simply be with my family without worrying about the baking, the shopping, the buying or the running around. 

We took the tree home, got it into the house and had a grand time putting all our handmade ornaments all over it. Yes. We have a hodgy-podgy tree. And I love it. Hopefully I'll get a chance to share pictures! But for now I need to pop the wee ones into bed (yes, they're up late tonight!) and get some sewing done. Molly's monkey doll is just a bunch of body parts at this point. I can't wait to get it all together!

Thankful...

...for my girls (and my boys... I just don't have a pic of me with them.)

...for young explorers

...for red leaves





















...for sunny mornings after long cold nights trying to get some sleep with a fussy baby

...for little ones (She got a bad owie after tripping and meeting sandstone with her nose. Ouch!)

...for family time






















...for my handsome (and scruffy!) cowboys





















...for this good daddy who loves his kids like crazy

...for adventures

...for creepy crawlies. Wait. Maybe I'm not thankful for those

...for happy kids

....sisters

....little boots

...brothers who love their sisters

...and for camping trips with a brood of monkeys.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!