Thanksgiving Feast at Caeden's School

Caeden was chasing his friend (dark hair) for a hug when this other sweetie offered to hug Caeden ... not realizing it was all for fun. How cute is that?

Claire & I

Jordan (my sister's boyfriend), Papa, Caeden, Wayne

Caeden and his friend, T.

Papa and Caeden

Us.

This is the best. Caeden created a place mat and his teacher wrote what he was most thankful for. Click on picture for a closer view. It says, "Monster Trucks!"

Trying to make Claire smile for the camera...

Where was Wayne for this picture? Where was I?

My sweet boy. The chair says it all.

Aunt Lindsay and Claire Bear.

Today was so fun. We (Us, Papa, Lindsay and Jordan) all met at Caeden's school for a Thanksgiving lunch. The festivities started with us looking for a table for 11 (our family plus our friends). After some chair stealing and table rearranging, we sat down for prayer. The prayer reminded us all how much we have to be thankful for - how blessed we are - how fortunate. Caeden kept his hands together and eyes closed for most of it (I peeked). I was so proud of him.

We had turkey and all the fixings (apparently I am the only one in a 100 mile radius that likes sweet potatoes. What is wrong with all you people??). Caeden ate a ton of turkey and his entire cornbread muffin. He didn't like mashed potatoes (at which point I questioned whether he really was my son), corn (it was cold by the time he ate it), or sweet potatoes. He ate a piece of cake with his hands, and carefully wiped his hands on a napkin between each bite (...and a fork was too much to bother with, Caeden?).

I took pictures, only to realize I had no flash. I think I need to start bringing my camera bag with me (for the flash, and other lenses), as Claire, her diaper bag, and my purse are not nearly enough. My goal is to keep piling it on until I get another neck sprain. Push it to the limit, that's my motto.

Anyway, the pictures are dark and some a bit fuzzy (again, no flash with me), but the subjects are so adorable ...

I am truly thankful for everyone coming today. Caeden was on cloud nine - and it was a terrific way to kick start the holidays.

Claire

There have been some requests for more Claire (I'm not going to name names, Grandpa and Grandma!) So here are some random pictures of her yesterday. She was "sitting" on the sofa while I decorated the Christmas tree.

Still no teeth. Thought this toy-ma-jig would help her poor little gums. It's the only thing I can think of why she was up ALL NIGHT last night. We both got some sleep from 6am-7:30 am...and she is just the sweetest, most non-cranky baby ever - just not a sleeper, so I should count my blessings (since I am not counting sheep) that she is such a joy. And I do.

Friday by the Fire

Friday went by in a blur ... Wayne and Caeden were supposed to go to Rapid, but Wayne's flight (from Seattle) was late and the connection (to RC) would have been missed. So, they stayed home and played outside instead. The only thing missing was marshmallows. Oops. Gotta get that on the grocery list.