Gobble, Gobble

Market Street at 8:00 am Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving was fantastic! I hope all of our family and friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving, because we did!

I have always been a huge fan of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and a few of the years that we lived in New York, we were fortunate enough to experience it in person. Now that we live in St. Louis, we can also experience a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, but on a much smaller scale. We've been experiencing really warm weather over the past few weeks, but the weather on Thanksgiving Day was predicted to be extremely cold. I offered to get to the parade extra early to secure our spot so that everyone would not have to wait in the cold. I especially didn't want the kids to have to freeze to death waiting for the parade to start. Daryl, Guy and I drove downtown and the boys dropped me and the blankets and chairs off while they went to park and pick up some hot chocolate (time: 8:00 am. Parade start time: 8:45am). As soon as they drove off, I realized that I left my phone in Daryl's car, but I figured that they would be back in about 10-15 minutes, so it would be no big deal. I did however wish that I had my phone with me so that I could update Facebook, call Evie and let her know where to meet us and all that jazz.

Not only was it cold, but it was windy, so the chairs kept blowing over. Eventually, I folded them back up and let them lay on the ground because I got tired of picking them up. The clock in my head continued to tick and I got colder and colder. I longed for my phone and my warm boots. At 8:45 there was no sign of Daryl and Guy and I had no way of letting the rest of the family know where our spot was, so I borrowed the mobile phone from the family next to me. After two tries, I got through to Daryl, who told me they were a block away from me. I asked him to call his mom to let her know our location. I also asked him if he brought my phone - response... "No." When Daryl and Guy found me they handed me what can only be described as chocolate milk, but I'm sure it was bubbling hot 45 minutes ago. Daryl went back to his car for my phone and I grilled Guy about what took them so long. Chit-chatting at the coffee shop - I knew it! Thanks for leaving me out in the cold!

(Time check: 9:10. Can officially not feel my toes.) When the rest of the crew arrived, they brought sausage and biscuits and THANK GOODNESS... HOT CHOCOLATE. The kids were freezing and we waited forever for the parade to reach us, because as it turns out we were at the end of the route. EPIC FAIL. Note to self, must get a spot closer to the starting line next year so that we can get out of there ASAP. We did meet up with Brent and his father in law, Phil and The Starks and Evie's mom Sandy was with them. Sandy is from Florida and must have really been freezing. We saw a little bit of the parade, but it had lost its rhythm by the time it reached us and with the high winds the balloons were riding close to the ground. This was not good for Louie the Lightning Bug who must have gotten trapped at some point on the route because his butt was deflated and the parade attendants were just dragging his butt down the street. We finally just decided we had enough and we packed up our stuff and headed home to prepare dinner.

Brent and Rebecca hosted dinner this year at their new house and her parents were in town. Rebecca had the table decorated so beautifully and we were anxiously awaiting a delicious meal. We were not disappointed. The food was so good and there was plenty of it. We couldn't stop eating because it was so good. We had so much for dessert too, but we ate so much food that we barely touched dessert. I should have worn elastic pants.

Doug, Leah, Charis and Roman came over later for games. The guys played chess and poker and the kids were playing "Go Fish" or "Uno" I think, but the girls just hung around talking and Rebecca let us view a video from Jameson's first birthday. The only downside to the day was an "under the weather" Pappy did not join us for dinner.

It was another great holiday. Can't wait until Christmas!

Evie and Noah

Fred Bird

Poor Louie The Lightning Bug, his butt was dragging down Market Street.

The parade crew trying to stay warm

My gorgeous sister-in-law, Natalie. Don't you love her hat?

Me and Reese trying to stay warm.

Naptime for Pappy & Reese. This is before the Turkey.

Rebecca's beautiful table.

Cousins playing after dinner. I hoped they put all the dominoes back in the box or I will be in for a real treat the next time we try to play.

Pumpkin Pie Take Two

I did not know that Evaporated Milk could expire. I thought that stuff lasted forever. Not so much.

While preparing this year's pumpkin pie, I found that indeed, even Evaporated Milk can curdle.

I opened two cans of Libby's Pure Pumpkin and then added a can of Evaporated Milk to the pumpkin. But something just didn't look right and I almost threw up. I've always been a little freaked out about canned milk so I thought it was just me. The second can of milk was chunky and for kicks I checked the date on the can. Best used by 2007. Ooops! A quick check of the calendar in my head and I realized that this can of milk had missed its destiny over two years ago. Now how about the first can? Best used by 2008. Not bad, only a year late, hence less chunkiness in that one.

I headed back to the store for more pumpkin and milk. When I returned, Reese helped me prepare the new, non-poisonous pies. Whew! Thanksgiving is saved!

Dear Santa...

The Friday before Thanksgiving was the annual Macy's Christmas Open House and Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown St. Louis. I was so excited and looking forward to the event and knew that the kids would be so much more into Christmas this year. For all of you Twilight people, this was also the release of New Moon and I had already agreed to watch Noah so that Evie could have a date with Matt, her hubby. I thought we would miss out on meeting Santa until Daryl suggested we take all of the kids to the Open House. Of course! Brilliant! Evie will get to have her date night and torture Matt (I mean Matt will enjoy the movie with her), and the rest of us can meet Santa!

Our friends Marisa and Kyle joined us with their kids Preston and Claire. We missed the tree lighting, but Daryl assures me that it will look the same for the rest of the season, the lights will be on. Yeah, thanks!

Claire, Kyle, Marisa, and Preston.

It was good times had by all. We enjoyed cookies, popcorn, and a quick ballet. We also saw Fred Bird, our favorite. I had to snap a picture of Noah with Fred Bird for his mom and dad. Fred Bird drove my stroller around Macy's. Noah was not impressed.

Now, for the mother of all meetings... Santa. I was completely unprepared for what happened next.

We've sat on Santa's lap in previous years, but this year, Aidan finally knew what he wanted for Christmas and he was ready to tell the man with the bag all about it. Reese wanted no part of it, like her mother she freaks out at the sight of people dressed in costumes. Maybe she'll come around next year or by the 13th of December (we're having breakfast with him).

Noah also declined to sit on Santa's lap and I did not push the issue because Evie was already sad that we were taking her little man to meet Santa for the first time. No harm done.

When Aidan finally go his turn he chatted up with Santa. He told him all the things he wants...

• A Sock Monkey Jack in the Box
• A Watch
• Nerf Gun
• Monster Slippers

Whew! Mission accomplished. He saw Santa, I got pictures and a quick video and we were out of there! HOLD ON, NOT SO FAST! I was getting Reese and Noah together to make our exit and Aidan had a major meltdown! What could possibly be the problem, you just met Santa. Aidan's response... "Where's my Jack in the Box...." and lots more but we couldn't understand him with all the tears and sniffling. Oh man, I forgot to tell him that not only would he have to wait for Christmas, but it is a month away. EPIC FAIL.

Nothing a frosting covered cookie won't heal.

Happy Mitten Day to You

I attempted to make Turkey cookies for Thanksgiving, but as it turns out they looked more like mittens. I am usually a very good baker, I don't know what happened. As my friend Melissa I. would say, think of this as a science experiment and figure out what the variable is.

This is not the first baking disaster that has occurred at my mother-in-law's house. I figured it out...I can blame it all on her Vanilla. She works in the Foreign Missions Division and missionaries bring her back all kinds of goodies from across the border or across the pond. One such gift is the purest Vanilla you'd ever want to taste or smell. It is pretty strong stuff and she swears by it. I think it my nemesis.

The cookies were delicious, but they were the ugliest cookies ever.


Shake, Shake, Shake Seniora...

Looks more like a mitten than a turkey, right?

Aidan learning to frost his own cookies.

Aidan samples his work of art

This is how many sprinkles Reese feels are necessary for a delicious cookie.

Yummmmm sprinkles.

Playground Tour 2009

I've been a stay-at-home mom for a little over a month now and I feel like I'm on a tour of playgrounds in the St. Louis area. I haven't seen them all, but I'm on my way. My favorites so far:

• Tilles Park
• Des Peres City Hall Park
• Lafayette Square Park
• Rocketship Park

A huge thank you to my mom friends also on tour with me, I would literally be lost without you.


Reese at Tower Grove Park


The sand pit at Rocketship Park.

More Rocketshipt Park.

Jude - our daredevil and frequent flyer at the emergency room. This a rare photograph as he is on solid ground.

Owen & Abe

Aidan chasing Hennessy (he has a little crush on her).

It wasn't really that cold outside, Reese just felt the need to accessorize with her hot pink mittens.

Reese can swing with the big girls (and possible future sister in law, Hennessy).

Aidan

Reese at Des Peres Park

The Gourleys vs. The Rappaports, I mean Yankees vs. Phillies...

I was going through my photos and realized that I forgot to post photos from our World Series night (I think it was game 3) with our friends The Rappaports. My friend Jenn put out a great spread of hotdogs, popcorn, Cracker Jack, and much more. Sadly they are Phillies fans, but somehow we all got along and each tried keep their excitement contained as our respective teams made good plays and sent runners across home plate.

We all know how the series ended and the morning after the final game we hung out with them. Aidan wore his Yankees T-shirt (thank you Andy, Holly & Will) and I taught him to say "YANKEES WIN!" which he shouted to his friends. Sorry Rappaports, maybe we can do it again next season!

Abe R. - Phillies Fan

Aidan - Yankees Fan

Abe, Jude and Aidan (and Reese in the background). Proof that Phillies and Yankees fans can play together.

A Blast From My Past

My friend Lisa asked us to join her for breakfast at a cafe that has a play area for the kids. I was so excited and hoped I would really enjoy this new meeting place. I was heartbroken after Cooperella Cafe took their play area out, so I wanted to keep my expectations low so that I wouldn't be disappointed. The Hartford Cafe did not disappoint me. The food was delicious and the toys were old school, so old school that I got so excited when I saw the Fisher Price Tudor House that I owned when I was a kid. I love vintage toys and it was so cool to watch my daughter play with the same toy that I used to love. I am now obsessed with purchasing the FP Tudor House on Ebay - I am currently watching a few auctions.

Reese & The Tudor.

Reese enjoys a bagel and a Frittata. It was so yummy. It was made with Jalepeno Bacon, which I wasn't sure I would like, but it rocked my world!

Lisa is such a good sport "pretending" to eat the plastic meals prepared by Finni & Aidan.

Aidan at the train table. I really think we should nail down the track on the table we have at home.

We had a delicious brunch and the kids played nicely (they only had to be reminded to share about 100 times). It was so much fun, we will be back soon. Yes, I'm aware of all the germs in these situations. I'll take my chances.

Trick or Treat

Reese won 3rd place in the Downtown costume contest. Based on the look on her face she feels robbed. She won first place last year. The cat in the background won 1st place.

Jude the Train Conductor won 2nd place. His brother Abe is a veterinarian.

Aidan, Cordano, and Reese checking out the candy.

Tessa

Abe the Veterinarian

One cool dinosaur.

Daryl and Reese at the New Life Church Halloween Trunk or Treat night.

One more hayride for us.

Reese gets her candy bag ready for Trunk or Treat.

UMMM, candy.

A Dinosaur, Payne Stewart and The Phantom of The Opera were playing Foosball...

Sounds like a joke? Oh, it was real.

Our friends Jeremy and Andrea Yoder had a Halloween party at their loft and the Gourleys dressed for the occasion. I had to explain to Aidan who I was dressed as which made me feel about 90 years old.