Festival of Trees

Last wednesday TR and I took Branson, Allie, and Daniell to the Festival of trees. TR had never been, and I love it, so it was a good first time thing for us. All the trees looked fantastic, as always, and we had a lot of fun. I think the kids enjoyed themselves too.

TR and his family is big into boy scouting, so we took a picture of this tree just for them.

Branson thought these kung-fu Santas were really funny.

We saw many familiar faces, such as Jack Skellington from Nightmare Before Christmas. Others included Spiderman, Superman, My Little Ponies, and an array of Princesses.

Branson got a glider from the giving tree and the kid korner.

Allie and Daniell made reigndeer hats and got manicures, just like any little girl would.

Daniell was excited to find the perfect ring for her pretty red fingernails.

She wasn't so sure about Branson's adaptations to her hat though.

She liked it anyway.

The traditional "Leaving Festival of Trees Soon" Picture.

Afterwards we treated the kids to the Mayan, cause that was another thing TR had never done, and we figured since we were up there we might as well! This picture is dark, but if you look closely you'll see it's Branson trying to talk to the animatronic parrot.

Branson almost got eaten by a snake! And Daniell couldn't be happier! (Allie fell asleep at dinner and TR was taking her back to the car while Branson, Daniell and I stopped to take pictures.)

While we were gone Mimi got groomed for her birthday, and my sanity! She looked so good!

Thanks to Sarah and Johnny for letting us borrow their kids for the day. Though, I'm sure they didn't mind, cause they got to go to dinner with Johnny's boss, but still, thanks!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Flashback Friday Again!

Lets see how many of the Martineau family remember this! We went to the Tracy Aviary for Berk's birthday this year, and here are some pictures to share!

Berk fell asleep on the way there.

We saw the ducks and geese very first.

And then on to the Hawks. They looked so cool.

Berk's favorite animal is a "Balden Eagle" so he was on the look out. As we turned the corner he screamed out as loud as he could "MOM!! LOOK!! BALDEN EAGLES!!" and then he kept saying "Balden Eagles. I can't believe it. Balden Eagles" over and over.

Even though we moved on to the flamingos,

And Dawson read to me from the plaque,

Berkeley kept going back to the Bald Eagles saying "Look at that one! Look at that Eagle Mom!"

We met a Kookaburra



and had to sing the Kookaburra song a few times of course.

Each of the kids got to see what bird they measured up to. BrookLynn was as tall as a stork!

Berk was happy to find out he measured up to an Eagle.

Jacob was a bit taller than the owl.

And Dawson was as tall as a Flamingo! I can't believe how big they've all gotten!

Then everyone got a chance to take a picture with Mom.Mom said BrookLynn just wanted a picture with the baby.

BrookLynn thought that was a little weird.

At the end of our trip, while Mom took Berk into the G-i-f-t s-h-o-p to get a present for his birthday, I thought it was extremely appropriate if the other kids and I sat at a bench and ate Robin Egg candies.
It was a really fun trip to the Aviary.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Flashback Friday

I was just looking through some pictures and decided to flash back. This was the night before we got married, and TR and best man Sam decided (or rather I told them) that it might be a good idea to try on their tuxes and make sure they fit before it was too late.

Don't they look sharp?

Unfortunately TR didn't wear socks to the dinner. Good thing he didn't go with this for the wedding huh?

I just thought I'd share that with everyone for no good reason other than I wanted to.

Wordless Wednesday

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

PRESENTS!

Exactly two weeks from today is TR's first birthday with me! I'm so excited!! He's got a brother that's just older than him (Edit for Jessica: by a year and 13 days) and he hasn't had his very own birthday for a long time (besides on his mission, but that doesn't count cause he wasn't around family) so I'm REALLY excited to help him celebrate his birthday. I already got his presents and everything! I can't tell you what they are, cause he might read this before then. See if you can guess just by looking at the packages. Now the real question is this: Can I keep them a secret for two whole weeks?!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Shhh...They're sleeping.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Hair Balls!

Mimi has started her semi-annual "Blowing her coat". She only sheds two times a year, and this is the second time this year. Her outer layer stays with her through her whole life, but the inner, fluffy stuff, falls out every year. TR decided to brush her out today cause she was getting a little matted behind her ears, and around where her collar is. Little did he know what he was in for!

This is how much hair we got just from ONE brushing! TR joked that he got me a Pomeranian cause of all the hair. This is supposed to go on all week?! (Hopefully we can get her to the groomer for the end of it)

Doesn't she looks so pretty though? All fluffy and such, just like she should be.

Turkey Turkey Turkey!

TR made our very first ever turkey today!! He soaked it in salt and garlic water for about 16 hours and let it smoke for about 5, and MMMM! Was it ever tasty!

"You were the one gettin' fancy with the spices!"

He started out with a knife (he is a boy after all)

And ended up using his fingers in the end anyway (He is a boy after all.)

Doesn't he just look like a chef already? He just needs the funny white hat.

The meat was so tender it fell right off the bones.

Anika came over and helped us celebrate a little bit.

And the best part is, since we got SUCH a big turkey (for us anyway), we have a whole bunch of left-overs in the fridge!

All in all I think our first turkey experiece was a huge success, and I can hardly wait to try it again! After all our left-overs are gone of course.

TR says it's a really easy recipie, and if you'd like to know more, you know how to reach us! Smoker not included. Sorry!

Friday, November 09, 2007

I'm A Teacher!

Well substitute teacher anyway. I've taught Kindergarten, and fourth grade so far, and have loved it. The kids are so cute and I LOVE to hear them call me teacher, this teaching stuff could really be for me.

Other than that, we're doing great! We can't wait to see everyone for thanksgiving! YAY!!!

Maybe He Should Work For Krispy Kreme?

Just thought I would shared this with everyone. Today is TR's day off, and we decided to go on a little doughnut run. Maybe he should work here instead of The Smokehouse. He looks so happy.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007