Thanksgiving 2013

We had a lovely Thanksgiving. My sister and Jim's parents stayed with us and we ate a LOT of turkey. Jim was happy :)

Laura and Grandma (and Papa too) made a boatload of the best onion rings ever.

And we continued one of my favorite family traditions - a handmade table runner. I roll out a sheet of paper and leave markers on the floor all morning on the day of Thanksgiving. Throughout the morning, everybody stops by to add some artwork. It doesn't make for a Martha Stewart table, but then, we're not a Martha Stewart family. I love it!

Yes, I know there's a gross factor in using a "foot turkey" on your eating table, but its also very creative, cute and I don't think anyone died from the germs.

Jim's hand turkey

Adam's flower garden

Also, I'm thankful to report that everything on the Thanksgiving table turned out just fine. I think this might be my first Thanksgiving dinner without any major mistakes or catastrophes. Woohoo!

Happy Birthday Adam!

I love you Adam!

We had to have a talk about his throwing style.

They were beating us!

Super cool complimentary gift from the alley.

"I'm such a cool 2nd grader"

Goofballs

Black and Blue frosting, his favorite colors. 

Anyone interested in psychoanalyzing that fact?

My favorite picture

The R/C car has been a big hit. I love it when we get a gift right on the nose.

"Hmmmm...what kind of trouble can I cause with Silly String?"

I love you Adam

More soccer pictures

I forgot to post these a long time ago.

Poor guy in the background. Looks like its been a long day.

Gangsta Boy

I'm scared for the future.

Topeka

Jim went to a conference in Topeka, KS last weekend and since Laura was out of school and its relatively close to our family, the kids and I tagged along and our parents and Jim's and aunt and uncle came up to meet us.

We mostly went to nerdy places. 

For example, the State Capitol.

Dome

Cage Elevator...

House of Representatives and Senate were empty that day

a suave 4 year old

a cool library stair case

We also stopped by the Brown vs. Board of Education museum. It was held in an old school and very well done. 

We had a small early bday part for Adam at the hotel

He liked this part!

Laura lucked out too

Sleepy boy

See what I mean?

That blur is Adam jumping in the pool. I wouldn't say he's water safe, but he's much braver than he was last time we were in the water.

And she is still a water bug.

And a shark, apparently

Taking it easy

And the next day, we went to the Kansas History Museum

They had a great playground and beautiful trails

Laura Ingalls?