First Thanksgiving

Austin celebrated his first Thanksgiving this year.  He got to spend it with daddy's side of the family.  It was the first time he got to meet his Aunts Kristen and Jennifer, and his Uncle Bob.  Uncle Russel couldn't make it, he's busy building up his new business in Oregon, Cascade Yacht Works.  Austin hopes he gets to meet him soon.  Grandma Ruth and Grandpa John also came.  Austin loved the attention he was getting, and actually enjoyed being held by and interacting with people other than mommy and daddy (a change from Grandma and Grandpa's last visit!).  We spent the days at the house, just enjoying family time.

Grandma, Grandpa, and Kristen arrived on Wednesday, and Jennifer and Bob late on Wednesday (so we didn't see them until Thursday).  The big meal went smoothly, with timing working out beautifully.  I couldn't have done it without everyone's help!  And Bob saved the day with the gravy!!  My plans to use the drippings from the turkey were squelched upon seeing the blackened char at the bottom of the pan.

Black Friday was a bust, with no deals that enticed mommy out of the house.  Daddy did join his friend Antony for a bit of "late morning" shopping around 8am.  Grandma and Grandpa stayed at the Drury again, so Austin could go for a swim.  I think he may get swim lessons for Christmas.  He really is a little fish in the water!!

Christmas!!!

Austin's first Christmas was so much fun!  He slept late (yep, we are enjoying sleeping in on Christmas for as may years as we can), waking around 9.  We then cooked and ate a yummy breakfast of pancakes, bacon and breakfast potatoes.   Austin played with the animals and admired the stockings and gifts while breakfast was cooking.  Once we had mostly cleaned up breakfast, it was time for presents!

Austin needed some coaching and encouragement to rip at the gifts, and reminders not to eat the wrapping paper!  He made out like a bandit with a variety of new clothes and toys.  I'm not sure if we'll have enough storage space for all his new toys!!  We didn't take as many pictures or video as we would have liked, because we were having too much fun watching him stare at the packages and play with the toys.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and playing with our new toys.  Daddy got a new iPad, to replace the one that had gotten water spilled on it.  Needless to say, this iPad will be put in a heavy duty case!!  This one has a camera to be able to FaceTime.  We are excited to use it, as Austin really showed more interest in the person on the other end when using Grandma Cindy's iPad a few weeks ago.

Mommy got a new 15 inch cast iron skillet and 16 gallon stock pot!  Domestic gifts I know, but exciting none the less!!  I also got a beautiful necklace, made to be durable enough for Austin to tug and chew on, with matching earrings (those won't be worn while baby is around, I'd like to keep my earlobes in 1 piece thank-you-very-much!).  Mommy and Daddy also got a fondue pot and fondue cookbook.  We have some friends with fondue pots as well, and are already planning a fondue dinner party!

Overall it was a successful and relaxing day.  Mommy is not so secretly hoping for a big family Christmas next year, whether that be with her side of the family, daddy's side, or BOTH!  Hint, hint family!!!  ;-)

 Taking advantage of some unseasonably warm December weather!