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Thanksgiving weekend

Hello!  We were enjoying the wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and taking a bit of a break from the blogging world.  Even though we stayed in town it was great just hanging out and relaxing.  We went out to eat, visited the art museum (it had been such a long time!), did some projects around the house and even hit some Black Fridays sales (but at a much saner time--9:30 a.m.). Both the Noodle and I  love long weekends when J is home and we get to all be together.  I have to admit, both of us were a little bummed when Monday morning rolled around and we stood at the door waving bye-bye to Daddy!  It just isn't the same without him!

 

A local restaurant has this lizard theme.  The Noodle was so excited to see "Twiggy" again!

 I was encouraging her to try some wing sauce (as well as the wings).  Do you think I succeeded?

Planning  her Black Friday shopping (or what Mama and Daddy will allow in order to read the paper in peace).

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Poor J--he's been battling a head cold and bronchitis for more than 2 weeks and can't seem to get better.  He was a trooper though and didn't let it spoil his Thanksgiving!

 Enjoying some quiet time with Grandpa, after the excitement of the Thanksgiving day was over.

When we told the Noodle we were going to the art museum, she immediately said that we had to go to the Armour Court.  Once again, it didn't disappoint--gorgeous art in a gorgeous space.  Can you believe it?  We had the place almost to ourselves!!

The calendar says only a few more days until December, and we've got a busy month planned already!  3 birthdays to celebrate (and someone we knows turns 4!) plus all the fun and festivities that the Christmas season brings.  I'm planning on attempting doing the Advent chain again this year, just like last.  It was a big undertaking, but lots of fun!  Check back each day to see how we're celebrating and trying to make the most of this wonderful season. 

Gobble Gobble!!

This little turkey just wants to say Happy Thanksgiving!!  Enjoy the wonderful day with family and let us all count our blessings.

Where is the time going?!?!?!

She certainly wasn't doing this 2 years ago!

Some days I look at the Noodle and I can still see the little peanut who we brought home from China, 2 years ago.  She was 20 months old on Gotcha day, so she was definitely a toddler, but she still had a "baby" quality to her.  Other days, she completely looks like a little girl.  Ack!!!  Time is moving by too swiftly for me!  I want to throw my arms around it and make it stop.  Anyone have any suggestions on how to do it?  Didn't think so.  Guess I'll just have to throw my arms around my Chinese Noodle and squeeze and squeeze and squeeze.

Those cheeks and that chin--this one reminds me of the early days!

Naptime? Not so much.

I had my mind set on what I was going to do during naptime today.  Someone else had their mind set too.  Guess who's plans changed?  Yup.  I scored a helper.  Not quite what I had envisioned, but we went with it.

Wordless Wednesday

***In case you're wondering...hot cocoa.  Even on her eyelid.

Where a kid can be a kid

Yes, you guessed it--Ch#ck-E-Ch#ese!  I have to say that mid-day on a Monday is the PRIME-TIME to go (at least from a parent's perspective).  Hardly any crowds, no lines or waiting and you get your pick of the games.  The Noodle had such a fun time not only at the restaurant, but also spending time with her friend.  It was sweet to see them together--it will be a hard playdate to top!

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...how about you, you, you?

The cheetahs having some snuggle time--soo cute!

Yet another GORGEOUS day here in our neck of the woods--definitely an Indian Summer!  All too soon the flakes will be flying, but until then, we'll enjoy it while we can.  That being said, we decided to head to the zoo and then go out to a local restaurant for lunch.  One of the big highlights for the Noodle is being able to ride on the tram up to the Cats, Primates and Aquatic exhibits (it is the simple things in life, no?).

 Whoo hoo!  Gettin' ready to ride up the big, steep hill.

Watching the cheetahs up close.

Muffins with Mom

This morning was muffins with mom at preschool.  Such fun!  We started by making a fruit loop necklace and then went on to decorate a treasure chest.  After that it was free play and we ended the morning by eating yummy muffins (and the adults drinking St#rbucks--double yum).  The Noodle has never seen/eaten fruit loops (we're more of a Che#rios/Chex kinda family) so she didn't realize that it was actually cereal...until she saw all the other kiddos eating their necklaces.  Boy, she gobbled her's down after that!

Don't worry, that's my St#rbucks, not the Noodle's!  She wasn't about to share her muffin--had to get my own!  LOL!!

30 Days of Giveaways

If you haven't already heard the buzz, Stephanie, over at Ni Hao Y'all is hosting a 30 Days of Giveaways.  How fun is that?  And come on--who doesn't love to win things?!  Maybe Santa will be coming a little earlier this year, eh?

While you're there, spend some time browsing around her site.  You sooo won't be dissapointed.  She definitely has a heart  for orphans and wrote quite a moving post about Orphan Sunday, which happened to be this past Sunday.  Enjoy!

Elevenses

Since we are having our what I think will amount to an Indian summer this week, the Noodle and I decided to go to one of the local outdoor "lifestyle centers".  Living where we live, it is somewhat amazing to me that an outdoor mall can make it, but who am I to second guess marketing, PR, etc., etc.?!   Anywhooooo, I had a gift card that had about $1.50 left on it, so we cashed it in and got a berry smoothie to split for our elevenses.  Yum!! 

The Noodle tried sitting in the Adirondack chairs, but kept slipping back. "My legs aren't long enough, are they Mama?" she said.  Sigh, all too soon they will be, my sweet.

***In case you didn't know, in the U.K., Ireland and some Commonwealth realms, elevenses refers to snack similar to afternoon tea but is eaten in the morning.  Paddington Bear is quite fond of taking his elevenses as is Winnie-the-Pooh--hee hee.

This and that--weekend recap

It was a busy weekend for us, starting off with a playdate/costume exchange with friends from church on Friday.  The Noodle's friend is as enamored with Thomas as she is, and has definitely expressed his interest in trying on her costume.  Having a costume switch ensured that everyone was happy and that sharing wasn't a problem.  Great thinking G!

On Sunday we went out west to visit J's folks and the Noodle and Grandma had a date in the kitchen.  What were they cooking?  A delicious fall treat, apple dumplings.  Yummy!  After wrapping the apples up in the pie crust, the Noodle commented that that apples were nice and cozy in their lovey blankets, just like she is in hers! 

Hope your weekend was a great one!

Thankful Thursday

Here at our home, we're thankful for the beautiful fall colors, the crunchy sound of leaves and the brief glimpse of sunlight that peeked through the clouds today, even though they were calling for showers (and dare I even say it--wet snow!).

Trick or Treating

We had a fun night out trick or treating.  Lollie and Papa came over for dinner and then to hand out candy and we hit the neighborhood in search of goodies.  "Thomas" was a determined engine, but needed a little assistance to navigate the stairs.  On the longer jaunts, Daddy assisted and carried while "Thomas" walked by herself.  While it was a windy and cold evening, at least it was dry!