Each year, the boys' school puts on a 'Thanksgiving Feast.' The parents are invited to come and eat a thanksgiving lunch with the kiddo. Steven took a few hours off of work so that we could attend together.
The problem is that Stevie and David have lunchtime an hour apart. But we went to both anyway. First up was Stevie. Here he is waiting in line with his buddy Bryson.
Poor Steven Sr. doesn't usually get a traditional Thanksgiving dinner---we didn't do it that way in my family growing up and since I'm the cook.... So he was understandably enthusiastic about getting his Turkey and cranberry sauce on...
We brought the umbrella stroller SPECIFICALLY to trap Jacob and keep him from escaping, but he cried so piteously that we let him escape. He did pretty well staying in his seat the whole time.
Next up was lunch with David. I didn't eat lunch the first time (with Stevie), so I brought a little something for David and I. I'm not sure why my face looks so entirely insincere in this picture---I really do love my little munchkin. And he sort of looks like he's trying to escape me....
Come to think of it, David doesn't look terribly enthused in this picture with Steven either. I promise he was glad we were there!!! (Wasn't he?)
Yesterday (Thanksgiving Day) was spent in the lovely home of Joey and Lee. Lee cooked some traditional things, like turkey breast, green bean casserole and stuffing. And my dad brought a rib roast (of course), while I brought the rolls, salad and potatoes. This is all, of course, is addition to an outrageous assortment of desserts made by Joey and me---all of which everyone was too stuffed to eat more than a bite of. Joey and Lee's home always looks so beautiful and the meal was delicious. All in all, a great (and filling!) Thanksgiving meal.
But now.....
IT'S TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!
We took our annual trip north to visit Steven's family the first week of October, and I'm just NOW writing about it (for shame!)
Steven's brother Phillip and sis-in-law Jessica were good enough to put us up for the week. They have an adorable little boy the same age as Jacob, and the two of them had some fun in jammies. The next day, we went to a local park and took a beautiful hike---the colors of fall leaves were gorgeous.
Here we are at our favorite little Burger Joint--Andy's. They have the best greasy diner hamburgers and bottomless Root Beer Floats!
While we were there, we got to visit with my old college roommate, Janell (Jack) and her family. We had a nice time laughing while the boys tackled each other while throwing around the football.
The whole point of our visit was Steven's 20 year high school reunion, but he ended up being a little underwhelmed by the activities. But here's a picture for posterity...
We had a great time visiting with Steven's brother Paul and sis-in-law Suzanne, and their boys. Stevie had a great time goofing around with his cousins, and David had fun jumping on Uncle Paul all night long.
Probably the highlight of the trip was our wonderful trip to the Apple Orchard. It completely encapsulated that great Midwest "Fall" feeling. I loved it. And we ended up bringing home about 10 lbs of freshly picked apples!
And thus began Jacob's love affair with apples. Ever since that day, he always asks for an apple (and usually leaves them half-eaten around the house). But he loves them---though you wouldn't be able to tell from this last picture.
It was a fun trip. It's always good to see family. Next time we see them, we'll have another little Grundberg to show off! But I'm glad to be home. There's just something about sleeping in your own bed.
