The one with the Chicken and Black Friday

I was driving to work the other day and said to myself (and Grady) "oh my gosh, Thanksgiving is less than a week away." I'm not sure where November, this fall, or this year have gone but the holiday really snuck up on me. I like Thanksgiving.. it's a glutton's holiday full of reflection and lounging. I like the comfort food and the idea of being with your family. This year was no exception,for us it actually started the day before as daycare had a Thanksgiving meal that Matt accompanied Eleanor to.

On Thursday, after watching the parade, we were at the farm this year and the weather was record breaking... we actually took off Eleanor's coat while playing outside because it was too warm. We ate - Eleanor was okay with the ham, not into the chicken, but enjoyed Grandpa's pumpkin pie. We went outside and played a bit - attempted to pet a cow and ride in the tractor then we came in as some of us had to take naps, read the Sunday paper and planned/discussed upcoming Christmas. We finished the day with supper, discussion, and Eleanor playing in her new kitchen that Grandma had gotten for her. When we got in the pickup, I couldn't help but agree with Matt when he said what a nice day it was.

The next day (Black Friday) I went in to work, Matt stayed home with both kids - but only for awhile because he had big plans. He took both of them Black Friday shopping... he likes the chase and the big deals and the crowds and his little companions were game for it all too. I think he's crazy but it did make me smile.

MJR and ALR laying in bed
ALR: Did you have a good day?
MJR: yes, I had fun with them. People asked me if it was a two for one special and told me that they were cute.
ALR smiles
MJR: I know it's tough to take them black Friday shopping but it's only going to get easier.
ALR: Easier? I'm going to ask you that next year.

The One with the Bright Orange

It's been a crazy few weeks for a couple reasons.
1. Hunting weekend. This is a weekend Matt looks forward to each year. It combines so many of his favorite things... nature, guns, fall, godly color of orange, camaraderie, the chase/hunt... and family together, he loves it all. His uncles come to ND each year to celebrate or participate this season and it was the first time he was able to introduce Grady and they all got to see Eleanor in her prime! Matt and Eleanor stayed the whole weekend and had a blast. It was good to see everyone but my favorite is always Kevin!

2. I'm officially back to work full time. I'll admit it's hard, I just haven't found my groove or gotten back into the swing of things yet.

3. Eleanor moved into the toddler room... where she's not confined by pack and plays or high chairs. Where she is the littlest one in the room. She's going outside regularly, she's making projects like a monkey for the letter M, singing songs, "sitting" on the carpet for learning time, etc. They say she's doing well and they complimented her on her use of utensils but also stated she doesn't like people getting in her personal space - so obviously we have a little bit of learning to do when it comes to playing with friends.. we'll get there.

4. Matt went down to fill his deer and turkey tag. He didn't have any problems getting the turkey tag, which is the one that mattered to me. Struggled a bit with the deer tag. He took his dad down to help him and Michele stayed and helped me handle both kids. On Sunday, it was a two grandparent day as we went out to drop some stuff off at the farm. I will say I snickered watching my dad play with Eleanor with a bucket on his head.

Her language is starting to come along. Her best word is apple but she's also working a bit on buckle, more, bye, hi, kitty, and baby. We've eaten a lot of apples lately to encourage the word association. She's still helping with Grady and even gives him kisses, which is more endearing than you may think because she doesn't even pucker up for Matt and I. The cutest thing ever was one morning when we were getting ready. Grady was in the bathroom in the rock in play which is at Eleanor's level. When she walked in, he looked at her and gave her the biggest smile... to which her response was to smile back. It's like they both realized they belong together.

ALR: okay, let's have supper!
EER: Apple.
ALR: First we need to have broccoli.
EER: Apple.
MJR: Mmmmm, broccoli.
EER eats broccoli and ham.
EER: Apple, apple.
MJR: Yes, yes, we will get you an apple.
EER: Apple.

The one with the Elephant & the Pumpkin

It was the last week before we slipped into the start of winter, it was also my last week of maternity leave. Next week, I go back to work full time and attempt to keep a hold on life. Ask me in a month how I make a go of it. The best part about this past week was Halloween! It was Grady's first, Eleanor's second. It was an great day. Grady came to work with me as a little pumpkin. Eleanor went to daycare and had a party there so we had an outfit that she'd survive all day in.... she went as Pebbles! That afternoon, Matt picked her up, we got her changed and we all went trick or treating! We started at my work as they have offices open for trick-or-treaters. We had a little trouble starting out... too many people and too many kids lead to being shy and then she kept wanting to give her candy to other people but we finally got the hang of it as we finished up.

 Last year I learned my lesson to not get too aggressive with the trick-or-treating schedule. So after Commerce, we headed over to my Grandma Dar and popped in on her. Eleanor thought she should take all of Grandma's candy (and her pumpkin), obviously we were a fast learner after getting the bugs out at Commerce. From there we went out to the farm, to Aunt Alaina's, and finished up at Uncle Eric's. I think we surprised him and Amanda as they weren't home right away and they felt bad for not having any candy, which was okay as we captured most of the sugary stuff from her and left her with the goldfish crackers, pretzels, and animal crackers. 

We came back home after grabbing some McDonalds and attempted to take costume pics on the stairs again.

We've had more successful endeavors.

The remainder of the week was pretty quiet, especially with the oncoming of our first snow.

Best meal: French Onion pasta... we've made it before but I always think how good it is for being so simple.

MJR putting Grady into carrier for the second or third time: I know, buddy, I'm not a fan of the holiday either.
ALR: oh hush you. This is going to be fun. You don't need to wear your costume so literally.
MJR: I'm going as an airport manager. 
ALR: Yeah, I know, that's what I told the girls at work, you were going as a crabby airport manager.
MJR: Har har.