We decided to do Thanksgiving on Friday instead of Thursday, because some people were attending the Texas vs. Texas A&M football game Thursday night, and the timing just didn't seem to work. The game was certainly exciting and although the Aggies lost, I think they looked great against a challenging opponent.
Anyway, on Friday, for what we lovingly called "Tivo Thanksgiving," Grandma and Grandpa Roach arrived as did Aunt Erin, Uncle Arthur, and cousins Martin (4 1/2), Win (2 1/2), and Libby (7 months). It was fun being all together and since everyone brought something for the meal, it meant less cooking Grandma Robbyn and I had to do in advance.
The real entertainment was frying a turkey, which we all agree is the way to go. It was so moist and flavorful. I don't know if we'll ever go back to roasting a turkey after having fried turkey.
The meal itself was great and all the kiddos did very well. We started Connor in his bumbo, but he got bored of that, so he sat on my lap during dinner, but he did great. He just looked around at all the happy diners.
The house became even more festive when Arthur's parents and his sister and brother-in-law stopped by. They live very near our house, so they came by to say hi and to see Erin, Arthur, and the kids. Arthur's sister, Diva, is pregnant, so it was nice to see her baby bump and wish her good luck on the rest of her pregnancy. She is due in February so the baby will be here before they know it.
Grandma Robbyn and Grandpa Don left Saturday morning, but everyone else stayed for another day. We went to a Sugar Land park and had a blast and played a rousing game of bean bag toss. I was the undisputed Grand Champion if you can believe it.
Connor did great all weekend. I think he enjoyed watching all the activity and especially his older cousins run around. He also liked to watch his cousin Libby, who is just 2 months older than he is. It was so cute seeing them check each other out. She is already scooting forward, so Connor could learn a thing or two from her. It's not an official crawl yet, but she definitely makes forward progress, so I think that counts. Connor is still happy staying put.
The gang all left on Sunday and it was amazing how quiet the house felt. Hosting can be a little stressful at times but it's totally worth it to get to spend time with family. I'm so glad Connor will get to know both sets of grandparents and his cousins so well. That's certainly something to be thankful for.
Grandma Robbyn arrives on Wednesday and is happy to hold her sweet grandson.
It's now Grandpa Don's turn to hold Connor. He is really good with him and loves walking him around and narrating the world around him.
Wednesday evening we took a stroll to a neighborhood park and let Connor do some swinging. He doesn't seem to react to swinging, but I'm sure some day he'll love it.
Connor got to ride a little slide too.
On Thursday, before everyone arrived, we cleaned all the dishes and set the table. It's fun getting the chance to use my nice china.
I will admit, that I was proud of my hand-made floral centerpiece. Those are cranberries floating in the glass.
Connor seems to really like sitting in the grass and touching it.
Connor and Daddy playing around. Connor's being silly and sticking his tongue out.
Grandma Robbyn and Grandpa Don brought Connor an early Christmas present. It was really cute watching him rip at the paper and then proceed to chew on the tissue paper inside. I am not sure if he even noticed there was a cute Christmas bib inside. The wrapping was his favorite part.
Connor has graduated to other foods besides rice cereal. Grandma Robbyn got to feed him his carrots and rice cereal combo.
Clearly he loved it. He really seems to be a good eater.
Connor sporting his Thanksgiving "I'm Stuffed" onesie.
Grandpa Roach holds Connor for the first time after he arrives on Friday.
After the D'Andreas arrived, we got Connor (5 months) and Libby (7 months) together. It was so cute to see them check each other out. Clearly Connor is a bit bigger than Libby, but that's OK. She's a delicate little lady.
The boys outside frying a turkey. Connor was content as can be sitting in the grass watching all the action.
Lots of action in the kitchen on Friday, which was the Thanksgiving meal.
Connor was a good boy letting Mommy and the rest of the group eat in peace. Next year you can have some of this buddy. For now, let's stick with one veggie at a time.
Connor wearing his "My 1st Thanksgiving" bib. Doesn't he look like he just scarfed down a Thanksgiving meal. Those cheeks are huge.
This was his real meal. He enjoyed it. Like I said, just wait 'til next year.
On Saturday, we let the boys work off some energy at the park. Here Martin (4 1/2) is climbing on the rope tower.
Now Winnie (2 1/2) climbs the rock wall. He did it all by himself.
Connor gets in on the action on the rope bridge.
Aunt Erin really has a way of making Connor smile.
Connor and Libby hanging out. Connor was a total gentlemen and let Libby borrow his toys.
Grandma Roach gets her opportunity to snuggle with Connor.
Grandma and Grandpa help Connor and Libby hold hands.
Jeff and Winnie watch Connor bounce in his jumperoo.
Your little man is getting so big! Looks like you guys had a wonderful first Thanksgiving :)
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