So thankful...

for the countless blessings God has given us this year! While Thanksgiving itself was a sad combination of fevers, coughing and tissues, we did manage to down some pumpkin pie and say a heartfelt prayer of thanks for God's grace and goodness. We don't have a great deal of photos from the actual day, but here are a few leading up to...

Gracen's sweet teacher, Miss Sherry made the cutest little costumes for their school Thanksgiving party!

"I'm a Pilgrim, TaDa!"

On Wednesday, the girls attended a fabulous party at Mrs. Erin's house (while the boys stayed at home and drank Motrin and cough syrup.)

The Mayflower and Tee Pee looked great!

A grand feast was served and together we enjoyed the story of the First Thanksgiving, as well as a lovely rendition of "God Our Father" lead by Shelby and Jack.

Owen was an adorable Native American. :)

By far, Gracen's favorite part of thanksgiving was the Macy's Thanksgiving Day "Harade". She stood in front of the tv for nearly 3 hours copying everything she saw...especially the cheerleaders!

As for Pavin...he was finally feeling a bit better yesterday and had a grand ol' time playing with the "Baby Jesus Box" aka the Little People Manger Scene Box.

We pray all of you had a great holiday as well and are enjoying a terrific start to the most wonderful time of year! :)

PS...For those of you sick of hearing Sweet Home Alabama...too bad, the boys spanked Auburn yesterday! Who am I to break the streak? :)

Celebrating the Boy!

The last couple of weeks have been a nutty blur of candy, sickness and chaos. The outcome? As usual, lots of great memories, good times with friends and family and some funny pictures to keep track of it all.

Since last blogging, we had a super fun Halloween night and ushered in a huge milestone...Pavin turned 1! **For "Fall Festival" details and pics, go to www.theusserys.blogspot.com

As for the big event...It's so crazy that we have already shared a year with our lovable little guy. We continue to be blessed and entertained by his sweet snuggles and emerging (ever boy like) antics. His climbing up, banging on, roaring at and ramming all that will stand still, keep us laughing and on our toes.

We celebrated several days prior with some of his little dude friends (all born within weeks of each other) as well as older siblings and a few mommies and daddies. His beloved Yo Gabba Gabba was the theme, making the DJ Lance cake my finest baking feat to date. He REALLY enjoyed a little Brobee cake of his own and totally would have eaten the entire thing if left to his own devices. Thanks to all who joined us and seriously beefed up our collection of boy toys!

A classic birthday party photo...forced smiles and sugar comas!

The happy, tired birthday boy!

The Yo Gabba Gabba theme continued on his actual birthday. Gracen insisted that he needed a Plex the Magic Robot cake. The following series of pictures shows him grabbing for the cake while we sang, the beginning of a protest as I left to divvy it out and an all out fit when I didn't return promptly. What can I say, the kid likes to eat! :)

Happy Birthday, Payco! We love you so much!

PS...while I'm not at the point of doing the "hand-jive" in my living room, I do have enough of a superstitious nature to keep playing Sweet Home Alabama, as long as the Tide's still rolling! :)