So Thankful

I know I said we weren't traveling until 2013, but we made an exception.  I had a few hours of regret on Wednesday as I had what I thought were regular contractions for 2 hours.  Luckily we got through our 48 hour visit to Lancaster without having to rush home to the hospital!  We are officially home until H2 arrives!

As I get older I understand the phrase "there's no place like home for the holidays" more and more.  There is really nothing better than going to my childhood home surrounded by my loving family to celebrate Thanksgiving. (And to have my mom do the cooking and cleaning...)  Even though it was just "us" plus Nana, the house fills up quickly with 3 kids and a dawg running around.

I am beyond thankful for my family this year.  Each one of them has helped me in their own special way whether that was helping out with Evie, crying with me over difficult news, give me insulin shots in my butt, supporting me financially, ironing our clothes, a kind hand written note at the perfect time, or picking up cookie butter from Trader Joe's.

Evie and I joined an already "dog-vacationing" Parker in Lancaster on Wednesday afternoon.  Daddy arrived a few hours later.  Evie had a chance to be the big cheese for a day with her grandparents and all the toys.  Auntie Laura and company joined the fun on Thursday afternoon.  Nana witnessed the craziness of the next generation of Stefany's.

Evie adores her G and Poppop. She calls both of them by name and reaches her arms up to be snuggled by them.  She likes to be in Poppop's arms when the clocks bong or coo coo.  She enjoyed watching G cook.  It's so endearing to see her interact with her grandparents.

Evie loves her cousins as well.  She is closer to a Cole sounding name than Hannah.  She likes playing with them when she is in control.  She doesn't like it when Cole (aka silent destroyer) takes the toy she wants or makes a mess of the toys.  I am so proud of her good manners in saying "thank you" (sometimes accompanied with a head nod) when her cousins share a toy with her.  The house on the patio and the basement full of toys were huge hits.  We had many laughs watching three unique personalities play.

On my drive back I heard my first bit of holiday music.  It's going to be a great season this year!  I love how the holidays take on a new form with kids. 

Thanksgiving 2012