The Big Chill

After our running around on Tuesday, it was all chill-out from there. Tess was able to join us for swim lessons on Wednesday morning, and from there we hit the railroad park. Later, while Gavin slept, I got to work on my pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. And then, as if one train ride and carousel weren't enough, we did Christmas at the Princess at nighttime. It was a little jumpstart to things, since we hadn't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet. But, we had family in town and knew we'd all have fun, so we sprung for it. We're so glad we did!

On the train with Dad and Aunt Tuna

Hi everyone!

They have just about everything that Gavin loves. Lights, train ride, petting zoo, carousel, s'mores stations, hot cocoa...we did it all. Lucky for me, Dylan took the reins on the petting zoo visit (both times), and Tess and I watched from outside the fence. I love animals, but Gavin gets really involved in petting each one, and it's just kind of hard to maneuver around everything (and it's a little bit gross). Gavin was so much fun the whole time, and I think his favorite thing was watching the trees singing Christmas carols.

Drinking cocoa by the fire with Tuna

Thanksgiving morning found us in the comfort of our own home with the parade on TV. After a while, Tess and Gavin went for a rhino ride and then did some playing outside. When Gavin went down for a nap, I got my corn casserole in the oven, and we were ready to roll by early afternoon. With a quick stop in DC Ranch for some family photos by The Talented Tuna, we were on our way to the Palmers' house. We had a random crowd of cousins and an aunt, and it was so much fun. Being Americans, we all ate too much, of course.

Trying to blow out the fire with his cousin, Paul.

Aunt T is so fun!

Gavin was totally spent after staying up late the last two nights, so we made our way home after dinner. After the little one was fast asleep, we took a good look at our photos. Then, it was to bed for me while the Millers near and far stayed up late and played video games.

For the first time in a very long time, I'm not clocking into work the day after Thanksgiving, which I always found to be such a bummer. I dug out all the decorations and cleared the way on all tabletops, surfaces, and mantles...and now it's time to decorate for Christmas!