So John and I hosted our first big Thanksgiving this year. We had hosted my parents, Eric and Cindy, a few years ago, but this year we hosted a MUCH larger group! We temporarily opened a bed and breakfast to host my parents (Eric and Cindy), my 2 sisters (Janel and Shannon), one of my brother-in-laws (Ryan), my niece (Brinley) and my 2 nephews (Evan and Titus), and King, the boxer dog. Needless to say, we had a packed house! Seeing as how the house was bursting at the seams (and due to allergies), my grandparents (Ron and Shirley) stayed at a nearby hotel.
We had a fantastic time, despite feeling a little cramped. Everyone enjoyed loving on the baby boys, and marveling in Brinley's many talents. John did well handling so many people in the house, especially since his "man cave" had been over run with beds and pack-and-plays!
Dad, Janel, Brinley, Titus, Shannon, Ryan, Evan, and King all arrived Monday evening. Brinley quickly acclimated to her surroundings, learning how to tell the dogs "Stop", "Back up" and "No!" I had to work on Tuesday, so the family entertained themselves around the house. On Wednesday, Grandma Cindy arrived. The boys didn't know what hit them! She came in, and became engulfed with her grandchildren, holding one baby, then moving to the other, all while chatting and playing with Brinley. Gram Shirley and Gramps Ron also arrived on Wednesday. Grandpa stayed back at the hotel, dealing with the remains of apparent food poisoning from a few days prior, while Gram came to the house. We enjoyed some potato soup and socializing. Surprisingly enough, the playing cards stayed in the closet! Anyone who knows my Gram, she LOVES playing cards. She somehow survived the entire trip without playing one game of cards. That could be because we were all so busy!!
On Thanksgiving, Gram stayed at the hotel with Gramps, taking her turn dealing with the food poisoning. They did make it in time to enjoy the delicious feast though! Mom helped me with food prep while the rest of the gang kept the babies and dogs entertained. Dad, Shanon and Janel took the babies and dogs to the park to wear out both the kids and the dogs. The food turned out delicious, with Janel being so bold as to compliment her big sis, saying it was probably the most delicious Thanksgiving meal she had ever had. Thanks Sis!!
Friday was a very busy day. No one ventured out for early Black Friday shopping (I think we were all too tired from Thanksgiving!). A group of us did venture to the zoo on Friday. Brinley enjoyed every minute, as she was showered with attention "Brinley look at this!" "Brinley, what is that?" Ryan was patient as he was the main baby sitter, staying with the sleeping boys in the strollers. After the zoo, we met up with Dad, John and Grandpa for some Five Guys Burgers and impromptu shopping. While most of us had the self-control to just window shop, Gram saw Gymboree and had to buy something for each of her great grandchildren. We returned home for some rest and snacks before the entire group (minus John) headed to my favorite place in all of St. Louis: the City Museum (
www.citymuseum.org/). John doesn't enjoy this place, as he is too tall to crawl around. I am not sure who had more fun, Brinley, or the adults. The entire night was spent calling Brinley to see or climb on something. She was hesitant at first, but, with the adults holding her hand, she began running around, climbing in, on and around things. She enjoyed watching the fish and turtles swimming in the tank, and REALLY enjoyed the ball pit! She also painted, drew on the chalkboard wall, and roasted marshmallows (well...Brinley just ate them out of the bag). It's no surprise Brinley fell asleep in the car on the way back. BUT... before we could go back to the house, we HAD to stop at Ted Drewe's!! Gramps could believe the large crowd standing outside, in the cold, waiting to order, or standing around to eat, the coveted St. Louis custard. Everyone enjoyed the custard, and I followed through on my promise, buying Titus a Ted Drewe's onsie. (I had bought Evan one when Shannon and Ryan visited back in March).
After all the activity from Friday, Saturday was spent lazing around and packing up. Grandma Cindy had to fly out Saturday morning, so Dad and I took her to the airport. Once she was gone, and everyone had some lunch (and Brinley a MUCH needed nap), we headed over to Gram and Gramp's hotel for some swimming. This was Evan and Titus's first time swimming. Brinley was an old pro, and even learned how to jump into the pool! Once we had had our fill of swimming, we left Gram and Gramp at the hotel to clean up before they came over for dinner. At the house, Janel, Shannon and Brinley helped shave off Dad's beard. Brinley did great using the clippers to slowly uncover his face, revealing the younger, and more familiar Grandpa Eric. When Gram and Gramps arrived, we had some Spaghetti and dessert. No one had the pies we had for Thanksgiving, so we enjoyed them on Saturday instead! Gramps did GREAT while visiting the house, staying for hours before having to leave due to his cat allergies.
Everyone left early Sunday morning, as all parties had long drives ahead of them. While John and I were glad to have our house back, it did seem rather quiet. Good thing we'll be adding a noisy little one come April!!
Thank you to my family for taking time out of your schedules, and money out of your bank accounts to make the long trip out here. John and I enjoyed having you!
Without further adu, here are some pictures from our busy week:
Gram almost always had a baby in her arms!
They like each other!!
Set and ready to eat!!
Mmmm!!! Looks delicious!
Mom plays photographer for the rest of the group.
We're going to the zoo!
Brinley loved the penguin exhibit!
Not too sure about the carousel...
Evan riding the carousel with mommy
Brinley, sorta enjoying herself...
Brinley and mommy checking out the chimps.
Checking out the animals
Evan slept through nearly all of the zoo.
Watching the giraffes.
Shan carrying Titus and Ryan pushing Evan.
Brinley, fianally deciding to walk!
Titus and his hat Gram bought him.
The grandkids!
Lazy day
Blurry Uncle John actually choosing to be in a picture.
I think he's one of the best nephews!
Loving the ball pit at City Museum
Playing with the trucks. Daddy would be proud!
I think she needs some trucks at home!
Playing the piano
Grandpa and Shannon swinging
Sure that's a good idea Janel?
Hanging out in the stroller
Can I help you?
Slide!!
Finally climbing the windy tube. She couldn't do it last time because she was too pregnant!
Climbing in the treehouse
You can do it Brinley!
She did it!
Getting the hang of climbing.
Who you lookin' at??
Let me play mommy!!
"Elephant!! It's a elephant mommy!!"
Guess this slide wasn't as fun as the other one...
Birdcage!
"I doing it Tracy!"
Turtles!!
Watching the fish with Grandma
Fun slide!!
I do it again? She did this slide 3 times, twice on her own!!
GQ
Painting. Too bad we forgot to go back to get them before we left! :-(
Janel climbing the twisty tube.
I think they like this place!
Where'd you go Brinley??
Playing in the ball pit.
Titus's Ted Drewes onsie
Evan's first time swimming!
Swimming with Daddy
Jumping from the steps
Titus swimming with Grandpa
Brinley loves swimming!
The fish
Evan getting in the floaty
I think I like this!
Mommy and Evan
This swimming stuff is FUN!
Gram loves her great grandkids!
Cheese!
All dry and ready for some Spaghetti!!
Before...
After!!
Dad, John and Ryan also worked on remodeling our bedroom closet during this whirlwind trip. That's a whole other post though. Stay tuned for that one!
