Early Thursday morning Sarah, Paul, Maggie, Jack, Mom and Dad arrived. We all came back to the house and started eating, Jeff was wonderful and provided great food all weekend. My family is always very impressed with his cooking and loves to visit, he’s sure to impress them. Clare enjoyed playing and talking with everyone while dinner was prepared. We sat down to ‘dinner’ around 2. Jeff made Turkey breast wrapped in bacon, duck breast, smoked turkey legs, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing and pumpkin pie cake for dessert.
Clare was more interested in the bubble wrap from Tia's peanut brittle than the gift from Maggie and Jack.
A Doctor Kit!! Of course the packaging is as exciting as the toy itself. No pressure Clare, but you'd be the first Sweet MD.
Is there a Dr. in the house?? Why yes, there were 4 including Clare.
Clare and Kenny talking about their matching shirts from Glacier.
Clare liked the mashed potatoes but thought the sweet potatoes were a little chunky.
She had no problem cleaning her plate (or bowl).
Jack was a big fan of the sausage balls.
This picture just makes me laugh, he was clearly enjoying dinner.
Uncle A made her a hat.
Friday we went to the pool, Clare went under water for the first time! Maggie and Jack played for well over an hour, they had lots of energy and swimming was the perfect way to expel some of that. We also went to the open gymnastics gym for a little tumbling and running around, but both were too exhausted from swimming.
Standing all by herself!
Maggie and Jack loved the slide, especially climbing UP, good thing the Lifeguard didn't say anything!
This picture will be on my desk at work for sure. That smile melts my heart :)
Everyone was very tired and ready for a nap.
Friday afternoon while the kids napped the original Evans family did a little Black Friday shopping. I don’t know that we’ve been shopping as family in the last 20 years; it was fun. Friday evening Jeff outdid himself again and made Shepard’s pie and pickled vegetables for dinner. Who needs to go out to dinner when Jeff can cook amazing meals!!
Saturday was family pictures and football. We woke up early and dressed in our best red threads to meet Ann for a few photos. Ann is a wonderful photographer; she was able to get a bunch of great shots without too much chaos. I can’t wait to get the pictures printed and up around the house. We haven’t had a family picture taken since our wedding; it’s nice to have the entire family in one picture.
Both of Clare’s football teams played their big game on Saturday; thankfully Jeff was able to rig the TV’s so that both games could be watched in the living room. Even better was watching them both win!
Saturday evening we braved the crowds and went to the mall so that Maggie could go to the American Girl store, so many American Girl dolls in one place! Maggie has Kaya and really enjoys reading her books; Grammy bought her a new book, which she promptly got Andrew to start reading to her. I think Grammy also picked up a few things for under the Christmas tree. After American Girl we stopped in at Pottery Barn Kids where Clare got a few Christmas gifts and then Hanna Anderson where Maggie gets her favorite dresses; Clare got her first dress via the Cyber Monday deals so she can match her cousin Maggie.
Sunday was bittersweet; Sarah, Paul, Maggie and Jack had to leave so they were back in time for school on Monday. It was sad to see them leave; I wish we were able to see each other more often. Sarah was able to come out in April when Clare was born, so this was the second time she’d seen Clare, sadly it will be another few months before we will see her again. I’m thinking we’ll make the trek to Ohio in January; hopefully Clare doesn’t grow up too much before then.
It was a whirlwind 5 days, Mom and Dad left on Monday morning, but a wonderful time. Not seeing my family very often is hard; when we do get to spend time together it seems to go quickly. Living so far away is difficult, so much changes between visits, Clare will be a little girl before we know it, no longer the little baby that they saw on their most recent visit. When we do get to visit I’m reminded again of how much I love my family and love my life. I have a lot to be thankful for.
A special side note. Typically Clare doesn't nap very long on Monday's, she must like spending her time with me. Today, she has been asleep for 3 hours!!! Way to go Clare!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment