Gobble Gobble Gobble

Brooke has been wandering around the house singing "a turkey is a funny bird.  His head goes wobble wobble.  He only knows one funny word Gobble Gobble Gobble!"  (to the tune of Pop Goes the Weasel)

She had her preschool Thanksgiving program last week and did mostly wonderful besides the 5 yawns within 5 minutes during the program.  She thinks the boy to her right is pretty cute.  Good thing the ratio is in her favor!

After the program, we enjoyed a feast of what the first pilgrims and Indians ate together-a veggie tray, grapes, apples, cornbread, and chicken nuggets.

Wednesday was spent running around in preparation for Thursday.  We ended the evening with the annual pie night our friends, the Steele's, host.  We baked a spiced apple-cranberry pie.  I think it looked beautiful even if we can't really do crust and it tasted yummy.

 Thursday was spent in the kitchen.  We had our friends, the Nelsons and Austons, and Jonathan over.  My goal for dinner was 4:30 and we all sat down at 4:50 to eat.  Not too shabby.

 Here was what was on the menu:

my annual dry-brined turkey with citrus pomegranate glaze
shallot and thyme gravy
potatoes romanoff
the ultimate green bean casserole with crispy fried shallots
sausage and herb stuffing
autumn chopped salad
ham
rolls
3 razzleberry pies
1 cherry pie

Jonathan was all tuckered out after feasting and playing with the kids.  I guess he wanted to call dibs on the strawberry shortcake remote control and car.

 The rest of the long weekend was spent watching football.  Connor was ready for the action.

We also put up our Christmas tree complete with half the ornaments we typically do.  With Connor and Squishy being curious and within reach we decided to put all the ornaments on the upper half.  You can't really tell, right????

We, meaning Troy, put up the lights outside too.  The first on our block.  Oh yeah!  This was all after running 10 miles.  Way to go!!!

For the most part we didn't partake in Black Friday shopping...except for this early present.  (hint: it's not the clothes.)

Gratitude

We're grateful for a lot of things here in the Warehouse, but mostly we're grateful that Thanksgiving is here and we should have more exciting things to report. Between business travel Monday and Tuesday, youth activities Wednesday night, enrichment and a business dinner Thursday night, Tracie and I were just grateful to spend Friday night walking around Costco together. And after training runs of 8 and 7 miles on Saturday, we were content to just sit on the couch together Saturday evening. Luckily we have this cutie to keep us entertained with his constant energy and smile.

I wonder where he learned to smile so nicely?

The ever studious Brooke, who is excellent and coloring and keeping herself entertained. Grateful that she is good at spending quiet time.

We have been enjoying the sunny and nice weather, getting stuff done outside, and hopefully this week, getting all the Christmas decorations up. But once that sun starts to come down at 3:30 or 4:00, it's time to get inside and stay warm.

Usually that includes a lot of climbing on Mom and Dad.

First for Everything

Yesterday we celebrated 2 things...Brooke's first time participating in the Primary Program and Connor's first official day in nursery.

Brooke did awesome.  Memorized her line ("He got the plates") and sang every single song.  I was so impressed and proud of her.  Half the time I'm in Primary covering for someone on the piano she's just sitting in her chair dilly dallying so it was nice to know that she does actually pay attention.

To be honest about Connor...he's been going to nursery every now and then since I was called to be in the Young Women's.  On Sundays, when both Troy and I taught, it was too difficult having him in class with us so we finagled him into nursery.  We're lucky that the nursery leader is one of our good friends and loves Connor.

Brooke has become quite the swimmer. I can actually see her moving from point A to point B.  It's pretty cool seeing her do so well.  Now if only it was summer...

Fall Festivities

 With fall in full swing we've been prepping the house for winter.

 

Connor wanted to go out and help with the raking.

 He got his hands a little dirty but luckily didn't scatter the leaves too much.

He also got a little sidetracked and decided to test his skills with T-ball.  Still needs to work on his form but at least he gets the idea.

 I've been on a baking streak for the last 3 weeks.  The amount of pumpkin stuff I have made is insane.  Here's a brief rundown:
Pumpkin Gingersnaps
Pumpkin Donut Holes
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes -I made the batter and just stuck chocolate chips in it.  Delicious!!!
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Cornbread
Pumpkin Toffee Cookies with Salted Caramel Glaze
More Pumpkin Toffee Cookies with Salted Caramel Glaze
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Bars
Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
It's a good thing that Costco sells big cans of Libby's pumpkin for a great price...or maybe it isn't...

We celebrated Troy's birthday and somehow managed to take a family pic with the timer and have everyone looking at the camera.  Not too shabby.  Troy walked away with brand new socks, leisure pants, and glow in the dark bouncy balls (courtesy of Brooke).  The bouncy balls were a big hit last night with the kids.

Brooke celebrated Halloween at preschool where everyone dressed up.  I think her teacher did a great job in being a Lollaloopsy.

Connor was sick with Strep on Troy's birthday but still managed to be in semi-good spirits.  I'm glad I trusted my instincts and took him in.  He had a low fever that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before Halloween.  Was fine Monday and Tuesday morning I found that he had broken out in a rash. I thought it could be roseola but still felt like I should take him in.  After 2 days of antibiotics he was finally acting his normal, happy, mellow self and now you can't even tell he was sick.

We did take him out to a few houses though so he could partake in the trick-or-treating festivities.

Brooke has become a pro when it comes to knocking on doors, saying trick-or-treat, and ending with a thank you.  She even got 10 pieces of candy from one house!

Can't believe October has come and gone but bring on the turkey!!!!  I love November!!!!!