Christmas Day 2011

Christmas Day 2011
7:36 am… I heard Samantha in her crib saying “pink piggy, crunch beast toothpaste, crunch beast toothbrush….Momma?” (translation crunchbeast = Spongebob Squarepants.. she never watches the show, just likes the looks of him, and she asked Santa for a toothbrush and toothpaste)
Mathew brought her in my bed, and we wished her a Merry Christmas. Then got up, and Daddy went downstairs and got the video camera ready … I wanted to see her reaction to the trainset.. since it was pretty much taking up all the space in our living room! She LOVED it… and then moved on to presents under the tree..

We got her a lot of different things this year.. since the trainset was her main gift. Books, Baby Diaper Bag, Mail Truck, Dinosaur House (from my sis in law) New Paints, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Little Washer, Sock Monkey Stackable Cups, Large Scissors, Train Whistles, Sticker Sets, Tea Set, Jewelry, Disney IXL (which was another favorite) – Its like a baby ipad.. and she really loves it.


Daddy and I exchanged a few gifts too.. He got me some really pretty earrings, some really yummy candy, and a new purse! I got him a new shirt, a compost bucket for the kitchen, some of his favorite alcohol drink, and a Cleveland Indians lawn sign I snuck home from the last time we visited Ohio.

I made a huge breakfast after we were done opening presents. Southern Hashbrowns, Egg/Ham/Onion/Tomato and Cheese Scramble, and Jumbo Biscuits with Sausage Gravy. We sat and ate breakfast while watching “A Christmas Story” on repeat for the morning.

Naptime happened but it too SUCH a long time for her to finally fall asleep today. She was jumping in her crib, and asked to sleep with a few of her trains.. then I heard her talking and singing until about 1:45… She’s usually in bed by 12:45.. but that’s ok.. At least she fell asleep. I wanted her to be rested for Grammy’s house later.

Boots is Grammy's new Kitten.. He got a new bed from Santa.. .and SJ just loves going over and playing with the kitties!

She opened so many presents that they saved some to give her throughout the week after Christmas.. My brother got her an adorable "olivia" house with a bunch of accessories..

She got new markers, crayons, PJ's, Stroller, Playpen, Christmas Book (Narrated by my sister), McDonalds Cash Register playtoy, Trucks, Books, Microwave, Toaster, Mixer.... okay I'll stop there.. it was insane how much she got from my mom, brother and sister.. she loved everything!!

Opening her Olivia House...

Before dinner, SJ was sitting at the table with my sister, and just being goofy.. well, she started tipping back on the chair, and grabbed hold of the tablecloth to stop herself.. and it was JUST like a movie.. the entire table (plates, forks, candles, glasses, came down on the floor and so did she..) I felt so bad...She cried but wasnt hurt at all.. I just couldnt beleive that had happened.. looking back now it was pretty funny though.. I have to put this in here for memories! ha!

We had a yummy dinner, I made Hashbrown Casserole, we had Ham, Roasted Veggies, Bread, Salad, it was delicious! My mom had my Aunt over who also helps us babysit SJ 2 days a week, so she loved coloring and playing with her while we set up dinner/dessert.

My sister's boyfriend came in from Seattle after dinner and was here the week after Christmas. So we had fun with them on Monday just the adults went to get wings!

It was such a fun Christmas and week after with family parties, dinners, good food, naps, relaxation and time just together..

Now that its all over, I have to get ready for this little boy to come out!

About 5 weeks to go... or sooner!

Christmas Eve 2011

Christmas Eve 2011
We spent the morning running a few errands at Target and our local grocery store, and we ate lunch there too.. It was a bright sunny day .. about 40 degrees and no wind. And since Momma has hot flashes now, I was quite comfy in just jeans and a sweater.
Samantha wanted her sunglasses, so we bought her an early Christmas present at Target..she told us in the car "its sunny, I need my glasses!" And the only ones I knew of were in the house, and we had taken the lenses out b/c she plays dress up with them, so she picked these out by herself. Hello Kitty Pink and Polka Dots..

We headed home after lunch and SJ took a nap, while I wrapped our family gifts. This year I made homemeade merengues to give to each family

. I was also asked to bring to Christmas Eve dinner some cookies. So I made cutouts last week with SJ, and Red Velvet Cake Balls.. omg… to die for. I just followed the instructions from Bakerella.com.
Cutout recipe from Our Best Bites, Frosting is another recipe I had.
Best cutouts ever!


We got all pretty and headed to Church at 4pm where of course it was standing room only … Samantha was pretty well behaved for standing in the back surrounded by tons of people. We didn’t last too long at church, but I was glad we went.
From there it was off to my Uncle and Aunt’s house for Christmas Eve dinner! They served Mushroom Soup, Seafood Lasagna, and Yummy Salad. For dessert there were sooo many sweets, chocolates, candies, cookies, cake balls, fudge, bark.. you name it!


Samantha didn’t eat AT ALL while she was there.. maybe a handful of blueberries. It was so distracting, and I wasn’t to stressed about it.



Last family of three pic for Christmas.. (gosh i feel like i look enormous.. and my face is pretty puffy now that I see it in a pic)

She had so much fun playing with her cousins, and listening to my cousin Abigail play her French horn for us, she was running around singing “marching band” and made everyone join in with an instrument, and she was in such a great mood the whole time. That’s all I can really ask for!

She loves her Auntie Shauna... We'll miss you!!!

We headed out around 8pm, b/c Daddy and I knew we had a lot of “work” to do.. So we got home took baths and Samantha ate a HUGE bowl of Chicken Soup.. (its our failsafe.. she ALWAYS will eat my homemade Chicken Soup) I love having it on hand.
She was in rare form, but I kept telling her "Santa is coming!! We got to get in bed!"

We got her in bed around 9:15, and she didn’t fuss at ALL (thank the Lord)… so we gathered all her things and started stuffing the tree and putting together her massive train set.. which was her big gift. I just put a big blanket over it...

Daddy and I enjoyed laying on the couch and having snacks before bed, and we each exchanged a little gift …we were in bed by about 11:30.. But I was like a little kid myself, I kept tossing and turning and checking to see what time it was… I was so excited for Samantha.. I couldn’t wait for Christmas morning!

The cookies (added them before bed) and Carrots for Santa and his reindeer

34 Weeks - {Unexpected Peek at Baby}

34 Weeks – 6 weeks left

Size of baby: 5-6lbs. Size of Cantaloupe, about 18 inches long
Gender: Boy
Weight Gain: Gained about 5 lbs.. (I blame it on Christmas!)
How am I feeling: Generally ok, but after the holidays now, Im so so tired. I don’t know if it’s a combo of being only 6 weeks away from D-Day or recovery from all the parties/dinners/shopping/presents!
Still feeling abdominal pain in same side… maybe once a day… Dr says they may be early contractions.
Baby Movement: Very active and can feel and see movements from the outside. At Christmas dinner, I think the whole family took turns feeling him kick and turn. According to my Dr – he is head down face down, laying on his side at the moment she felt him (appt yesterday)
Appointments/Events: Yesterday 12-27-11.
Everything looked good. Dr says I was measuring big, and could go early like I did with SJ. I mentioned to her a small “leak” concern. So she sent me for an sonogram (in the office after I was examined). The cervix is beginning to soften…and she could detect a little opening. Other than that when I went for my sono, I couldn’t believe how clear and so cute he was.. I got to see his little teeny face, and it looked just like a baby now, not like a scary alien baby in the beginning sonograms!

And she even said “this baby has a lot of hair”.. I couldn’t believe it!

{the spikey stuff on the pic is his hair... haha... I guess theres a lot there!}

They want me back next week again.. just to keep an eye on things since I had SJ at 38.5 weeks due to low amniotic fluid levels. She advised me to rest as much as I can, get my hospital bag ready, and things ready to go. YIKES! She said Baby Boy is already between 5-6lbs, so could be a big baby.. or I could go early.. Gosh!!

One can never tell, but the fact that they are saying these things makes me both: nervous and excited! SJ weighed 7lbs.11oz., and I had a hard time pushing her out (36 hrs of labor -had her naturally).. so Im a little freaked that she mentioned 8lbs…(she could be wrong, right?)
Craving: Nothing really.. just enjoying all the holiday foods!
Funny Things: After I was at the doctor yesterday, SJ asked me when I got home, “you have the baby yet momma?” Bless her little heart. She knows its soon I think. She asked me this morning when we woke up “are you gonna have the baby today momma?”
Special Buys/Finds This Week: Diaper Bags - I finally settled on two I liked.

One is from Etsy and it is black and white striped (coming soon) The other is the Miller Tote from Vera Bradley in Boysenberry. I love that it ZIPS! I had a tote in the Cambridge pattern, and it would always spill the contents all over the car, house, etc..

Boon Drying Rack - I love this for drying paci's and bottles, and I cannot find our old drying rack!

Diapers, Travel Wipes, Gum and Mints for my hospital bag, travel sized stuff...

And after I got a little "jolt" of get your stuff together!! We threw out the Christmas tree, packed up most of the Christmas decor, and busted out the bassinet which will stay on our main floor.

Not sure if I will use our wooden cradle we have for our room, or just put him right in his crib. I guess thats TBD. So our little man could come any time and looks like he'd be fine! Such great news. Until Next week...

(christmas posts coming soon!)

33 Weeks Pregnant - {Nursery Peek}

33 Weeks Prego & Nursery Peek

Im poppin out for sure.. I dont feel as big as I was with Samantha.. {see below}

{12.20.11 - baby #2}

33 weeks Pregnant with Samantha

{May 2009}
I seemed to be carrying more WIDE and all over with SJ.
My ankles were swollen, legs swollen, face....everything was distributed all over with her. Brother just seems to be a little ball and seems to be lower

Size of baby: Weighs about as much as a Pineapple!
Gender: IT IS A BOY!! – We are between 2 names now, I really cannot decide and I might wait to see what he looks like when he is here.. I definitely knew with Samantha, I was already ordering Monogrammed burp cloths, onesies, bibs, outfits, but with this one, I just cannot decide!
Weight Gain: Another lb. since last week’s Dr’s visit.
How am I feeling: Im trying to get motivated to wrap Christmas presents, be a creative Martha Stewart, but most days I’ll do one or two things, and want to fall on my face afterwards. I wrapped 1 gift today.. and that was enough.. I hope since Im procrastinating that I will get a surge of holiday energy and get back into the swing of things.. I also have to make so many treats for Christmas too.. ugh.. Im mainly just tired. If I do too much in one day I find my back, feet and pelvic area are in a lot of pain too.
Snoring. Yes according to hubby, since I’ve become quite large .. I’ve been snoring and waking him up apparently… I didn’t believe him, but then last night I woke MYSELF up.. and I couldn’t believe it! Ha!
Nothing fits anymore. I wear the same pants to bed everynight.. I wash them during the day if I need to. I have ONE pair of Motherhood full panel jeans that are my life saver… I wear them almost every day. I refuse to buy anything and have for some time now. I just have to get through these next weeks with what I’ve got .
Driving has become uncomfortable. Getting in and out has been pretty tight..ha!
Contractions? – Almost every night I’ll get a sharp pain on my lower right side, under my belly. It lasts about 30-40 seconds, and then sometimes never returns, sometimes does. So I’m wondering if they are contractions, or Braxton hicks.. whatever those are anyways.. haha…


We finally got these floating shelves up this past weekend.. Im not sure how Im going to decorate them, I just wanted to see how they'd look with a few things on them, I really like them though...

More laundry.. I've been washing and folding and getting so excited while doing it!
Baby Movement: He moves A LOT lately.. and im pretty sure his feet get stuck in my ribcage multiple times per day. But you can see a lot of movement from the outside. My sister and mother have both felt him from the outside. Oh, and Samantha too! Every time I’d say “brother’s Kicking!!” She’d come running and put her hand on my belly. But this time she really felt him give her a quick jab! She was so excited!
Appointments/Events: Next Tuesday, 12/27/11
Craving: Bread, Juices (Cranberry, Blueberry)
Funny Things:We’re trying to prep SJ for when Momma has “brother” and telling her Grammy is gonna watch you, and grammy is gonna put you to bed, etc.. Im so nervous, but I hope she’ll be okay.. it could possibly only be for one night. Who knows how this labor will be.. I just want a healthy baby again, so if it takes another 30+ hours of labor, so be it.. I went through it once, I can get through it again.

Special Buys/Finds This Week: A warm sleeper from Target.. it was on clearance for $3.00.. It’s a NB size, but for $3, I couldn’t pass it up!

Im eyeing up a Diaper bag from Etsy..but the seller isn’t making any more till after Christmas.
I ended up selling my old OiOi one on ebay.. I needed a change.. new baby .. new diaper bag.
I have a few I have still from SJ, a custom one from NC, and a Kate Spade that I still use, I just want something new for this baby too I guess. Diaper bags are like purses when you’re a Momma, because there really is NO sense in lugging around BOTH… for what??

I made this blanket as well for baby brother. I love the grey dot side, and the other side is flannel red dots..
Nursery Sneak Peak....

I finally finished his crib skirt. I didnt even know if I could do it at first, so Im really proud of myself that it turned out so good. Its just a plain linen crib skirt, nothing fancy. I dont really know how to do pleats but I think it looks good just plain..

His crib is vintage. Its an off white color, which matches a LOT of the furniture.. (nightstand, bookshelf, etc.. )

His room is more beige/blue/white/grey/off white colors. Im working on a mobile for above the crib that I got inspiration from Pinterest of course...More to come! What do you all think??

December Happenings, Crafts and Decorating!

5 Days till Christmas...I cannot beleive it!

Pretty much Im done I think except wrapping and decorating gifts...

I also have been doing a lot of nesting (for baby).. and crafting too

I made these cute initial tee shirts for my neices Grace and Julia

I thought they turned out so cute!

Samantha's shirt was my "tester"...
Here she is modeling her cute pants (from last year) ... and momma's homemade shirt

She insisted on me taking a picture of her Belly as well..

Craft #2.. Burp Cloths.

My friend Kristen just had a baby boy and I have LOTS of fabric for our baby boy .. so I put together a little mixture of burp cloths for her too.

And Craft #3.

I wanted to make a wooden "Oh Holy Night" sign for our mantle this year.

I found a wood plank at Joann's for under $1.00..

Printed and traced the letters, painted in white.. then used a stain over the letters for a more vintage/older look...

I usually have many more decorations, but this year I am going for a more simple look.... Simply (ha) because Im about 6 weeks away from baby #2, and walking up a flight of stairs can be challenging on some days.. ha..

Its been surprisingly warm this December. But last weekend, we had a little chill.. It was in the 20's at night. We havent had hardly ANY snow. Nothing that has stuck.. a few flurries here and there but NOTHING like a storm or anything. I think its gonna be a Green Christmas this year unfortunately...

{the frosty falls, near our house}

Here is our real tree.. It smells so good in our house!

The tree (picked and cut down by Daddy) is the perfect shape and size, we are very happy with it, and Samantha has loved picking out her favorite ornaments, and has not broke ANY!

Today my sissy and I headed to a few stores for some ingredients ... we're gonna start baking and cooking a LOT this week and next. We have big plans that include:

Oreo Balls, Cake Balls, Merengues, Cutouts, Hashbrown Casserole, Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip, Okay I'll stop now.

We have a lot of family gatherings over the next week.. and its my favorite thing about this time of year..

While in the toy area.. I thought Samantha doesnt have a Washing Machine!

I know my husband is going to say.. what does she need more toys for???

I keep thinking the tree wont look "FULL" enough with gifts.. and this toy was a cheapo one, but very cute! You can put little doll clothes in it, and the lights and sounds are so cute!

Ahh my little spoiled princess....she's worth it.. haha..

And I couldnt forget my little man.

I love these little cargo pants, and onesie.. and for under $8 for both.

So we're getting ready for Santa ...and all that comes with Christmas.

I am getting really excited. Because as soon as the holidays end.. we also have only about 4-5 more weeks until we welcome our next miracle. Im just praying for a healthy baby again, thats all I want for Christmas!

Samantha Jane Lately....

I wanted to take out some time to update about our little peanut.. Who wont be an only child for very much longer!

At about 28 months..

You are so many things.. but one that comes to mind lately is Hysterical.

You wanted o pose in front of the tree with your Monsta for this pic below...

You are a thinker thats for sure... You love putting things together figuring them out, taking them apart. Last week we went to Barnes and Noble with Samantha, and she sat here and said to us.. "Im doing blocks now".. in other words.. dont bother me.. haha..

She loves to play independently which I am so thankful for.

There are times when she'll ask to play in her room,and I'll walk her up the stairs, and she'll be in there for a while having a tea party, reading books, tending to her babies...

She is still a really good eater.. I'd say she LOVES her vegetables more than her fruit these days though.. Her favorite fruits are Pears, Bananas, Apples, Blue and Raspberries...

We do a lot of smoothies/shakes and I sneak in Berries

She's a very independent eater..I mean right down to the utensils...wants to pick out her own bowl, spoon, etc..

{breakfast pizza last Sunday 12.11.11}

Singing: We recently bought a piano. My hubby can play very very well, and we alreading started teaching Samantha. He will play a song, and she'll pick out the melody..
Her favorite songs right now are "You Are My Sunshine," "Twinkle Twinkle," "Jingle Bells," to name a few...

Vocabulary and Speech:
Is through the roof! Its unbeleiveable how much she talks, remembers to say and articulates!
Our nanny did a "psych" test on her.. since she's in grad school..and she said SJ is in the 99th percentile for speech and language.. Which was no surprise to us... Not only can she speak extremely well, but she has also mastered the art of stalling, manipulating and bargaining.. uh oh... yeah.. some days are harder than others thats for sure. But in the end Im thankful that she's a strong willed child for sure.

Cooking:
Sometimes I cannot get through preparing a meal without my sidekick sous chef next to me.. She wants to "cook" at almost every meal.. so I try to distract her and sometimes it works, and other times Im getting out her little stool, spoons, cheap spices, noodles, oats and bowls..

At 2.5 years old Samantha is at such a fun age. I am dying to see how she reacts to her new brother. Of course there will be adaquate time for adjustments, but I know she loves babies already and I cant wait to see her be my little helper.

{SJ after her last session of swim class this past Monday}
We go to the Dr's next Month for SJ's 2.5 year checkup .. so maybe I'll post some stats from that. All in all she is so much fun to be around, she makes my/our days so enjoyable

31 and 32 Weeks Pregnant

31 & 32 Weeks – 8/9 weeks to go.
Size of baby: 3.75 lbs – Large Squash!
His skin is no longer see-through, and he has hair now! (according to my weekly email updates..)
Gender: IT IS A BOY!!
Weight Gain: Another 2lbs
How am I feeling: Trouble sleeping a little this week. I found myself waking up early, throwing in a load of laundry and getting breakfast ready all before 7am.. Usually I’d sleep in till about 7:15 then wake up SJ and rush through everything.. I think it’s the subconscious “nesting” happening here..
A few sharp lower abdomen pains this week, and I noticed my feet hurt a lot at the end of the day. Appetite wise.. feeling fine.. no nausea this week.
The nesting has gone into full effect for sure though.. I finished baby’s crib skirt this weekend, we mounted his bookrack into the wall, I finished more burp cloths, and a blanket.. wheewww….
Appointments/Events: TODAY! – Baby’s Heartbeat was good, and he was VERY active.. as always.. Doctor felt my stomach, and she said he is already in position for birth with his head way down where it needs to be, and the chances of him moving again are very slim.. so good news there!
Craving: Cereal, Pears, Reese Trees, Cinnamon Sugar Toast… Asian food.. Fried Rice, Lettuce Wraps, Sushi.. We’ve been eating a lot of asian lately!
Funny Things: Samantha is very much into changing her doll diapers, so when I registered for baby #2 – (just for the discounts if we need anything.. ) – they give you sample diapers and coupons, so I took the sample diaper and gave them to her, and she LOVES changing her dolls and over..
Special Buys/Finds : Pottery Barn Crib Sheet – Softest ever!
Gerber side snap shirts.. So cute, and with mitten cuffs, bonus. I remember Samantha scratching her face after being only a couple hours old.. poor bubba…
Diapers (size 1) don’t want to buy too many NB stuff

Find: My little pregnancy journal (waaay before my bloggin' days)

I tried to be very specific about how I was feeling/cravings/aversions.. its really neat to look back and compare pregnancies.. they seem to be following the same track.. weight gain, cravings are a little different, and nausea with this baby lasted a LOT longer and was more severe..

Hospital Tour

Last night Daddy and I went for a Sushi dinner, and then went for a tour at the hospital where I will have baby #2. When I had SJ, Mathew was still in the military, and we had her on the base Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune. My experience was wonderful as far as the staff, etc.. recovery, lactation.. SO I cant help but be very curious and cautious about this experience now. So I had LOTS of questions of course..
-Is it a private recovery room? - yes if you request your own room
- How many visitors allowed? - while in labor ...4 at a time I think its just gonna be me and the hubby though.. I dont want a big party in there!
- Do they give the baby right to the mom after birth - yes you and baby have 1 hour to spend only momma, baby, and daddy..and nurse said.. "cherish this hour, you will never get it back, we call it the Golden Hour" After that baby gets a bath, so does Momma, etc..
- When do I initiate breastfeeding? - During the Golden Hour, right away. With SJ, I think they took her away and washed her up, and then I got washed up, and we didnt try to breastfeed until we were in recovery almost 4 hours after I had her...so this will be a little different.
- There's a nursery? (in NC, SJ stayed with me the whole time, there was no nursery)- Yes, and according to some friends, if you need to rest, they will take the baby for a few hours if Momma wants to sleep,etc.. (which will also be very new to me)

Below is the bed (one of or may be THE one) that I will be "birthing" in.

Its a gorgeous hospital, ipod docs, flat screen tv's in every room, private showers, etc.. and very very clean!

>img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681554883209762322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6V14ZnY9RHL94f8jXCn_VNzCmJrhOmEuQO694dq44NkhF-af9PeMuEbXzGmaTyjbFSiScq3gvy8HZw_6ZeQDyS14h7BpXhKM9iJb2gnRj-93O6Yq9NbDb7XsxI4RBPwAjEL7wtShBpwQ/s320/delivery+room.JPG" />
After that we passed by the nursery, and saw 2 brand new babies being cared for, temperature being taken, one was being fed... It just brought tears to my eyes.. How we will be so blessed in just 9 weeks or so with our very own little bundle again. Its been 2.5 years since we had a newborn, and we started saying to each other .. "do you remember how to give a newborn a bath?" "Oh my gosh, remember Samantha looked like that?" and "Look how small he is!" I can surely say we are very very pumped and cant wait for baby brother to arrive. Touring the hospital was a very good dose of reality and excitement for us for sure.. I cant wait!
Before the tour I turned in my paperwork for admissions...

Which, being a LIST person, got me thinking about Hospital Bag items, etc.. so I started "pinning" a few ideas on pinterest, and making lists of things I need, such as a new diaper bag, coming home outfit, etc..baby booties, hat.. etc..

Concerns!
While touring we also talked about the "signs" of labor, and contractions, and when to come to the hospital, etc. Which Im nervous about, only because with SJ I had a kidney stone, and was also low on fluid, so they induced me, and I had a regular delivery (36 hours total.. but it was a regular delivery) ...
BUt I really dont know the signs of labor, or what my water breaking feels like, or to have to "time" contractions! I guess we'll figure it out however it all plays out. I just hope for a safe and quick delivery... hopefully naturally this time again as well. But most importantly.. I just want a healthy baby again.. Thats really all it comes down to.

Just perfect and healthy.. Im getting butterflies just thinking about it!

For me, giving birth is one of those moments in life that you can never get back, but you never forget.. and even though its scary, unpredictable, painful, exhausting.. (you get the idea).. Even though its ALL those things.. I CANNOT WAIT! (sounds crazy right? haha)

Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving 2011

We drove to Ohio on Wednesday morning to begin our holiday weekend with Mathew's family.

Needless to say this was our last trip until we are a family of 4.. I was waaaay uncomfortable in the car for about a 4 hour ride.. no stops!

Samantha was sooo good. Fell asleep 20 minutes into the ride and woke up in Ohio when we had about 1/2 hour left on the trip.. excellent!

Turkey Day was fun, we helped Baka and Teta Nina were preparing stuffing, and a yummy Carrot Cake Cheesecake for dessert. Samantha took a nice long nap, and then we got ready to go to my sis and brother in law's for dinner.

I was sooo happy this shirt fit her. I had her wearing it last year as a dress, and this year she wore it as a shirt!

My little Turkey...
The girls got to sit at their own table and eat like big kids.
The meal was soooo good.. Turkey, Tatoes, Stuffing, Salad, Noodles, ahhh

We tried to get a pic of the three cousins...
The grandkids with Baka and Papa..



This is the last picture as just 3...

After dinner the girls had fun playing, running.. climbing in buckets..

Julia (below)

Gracie

And a couple dozen games of hide and seek...{hiding with Papa}

Friday and Saturday we did some shopping and cookie making...
Of course Samantha was LOVING making all the cookies.

or should I say eating all the dough...

The girls came over Saturday and they had so much fun playing and another round of "hide and seek" in the backyard with Papa...

Follow the leader..

Sunday we made a trip to Trader Joe's and then it was back home...
I cant beleive how big SJ is... I had to look up last year's pics to get a good sense of JUST how big she is now!

Last year's post HERE