More Thanksgiving Adventure Pictures...

Lunch with Terri, Dancing to Aunt Elana's IPOD, the many faces of Noah reacting to the Parade as it goes by...

Thanksgiving Adventure

Okay. I thought I better write out Thanksgiving Adventure before Christmas!
This year I was determined to DRIVE to 1st Massachusetts and than New York and most of all take Noah to the Thanksgiving Day parade. Praise God the LONG road trip was uneventful. But this adopted Southern was not used to how cold it is up North. I can't believe I spent 4 years of college in Western Massachusetts (loved it) but don't remember HATING the cold! Aside from that we enjoyed our time so dearly with our family. Our amazing hosts Kate and Joanie and Noah's favorite playmate his cousin Liam. What a blessing watching them do EVERYTHING together, playtime, mealtime, bath time, cuddle time. One of the most precious moments was the boys catching snowflakes on their tongues, Noah looks to Liam (his big cousin) holding his hand and says "Your my best friend".

During our time in MA we got to visit with my special friend Terri that I hadn't seem since my wedding 6 years ago. It took Noah awhile but soon they were fast friends and Terri was just a natural with Noah. He still talks about meeting Mommy's friend Ms Terri.

Noah and I spent a morning at the Yankee Candle Factory! It is a winter wonderland with everything from Snow, toys, Santa, Cafes, housewares and of course candles in EVERY scent imaginable. Noah's favorite there were the countless Choo Choo trains either around the countless Christmas Tree's or high above his head.

We all packed up and drove to NY to stay at Aunt Elana's. It was truly a slumber party with 8 of us sleeping at her apartment. We spent special time with Grammy, Aunt Joanie and Kate, Liam, Aunt Elana & Aunt Jodi and a visit from cousins Beverly, Jerry and Debbie.

The big day arrived as each family member backed out (I think the cold and early start time would scare anyone off), Noah, Phillip and I layered up took Noah's 1st NY Subway ride to Broadway and 41st street and claimed our spot at The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Hours later the parade started. Phillips shoulders & back aching from holding Noah and my toes frozen didn't matter. The look on Noah's face as each Balloon, Band and float passed is all that mattered. Aunt Elana met up with us and we venture to Toy R us in Time Square. 4 levels, glass elevator and of course and Ferris Wheel inside why would you expect anything less. We braved the cold and walked to Bryant Park to see the Christmas Decorations and watch the ice skaters.
Ready for Thanksgiving Dinner and a warm house Noah got to take the Long Island Rail Road complete with meeting the "conductor" or guy you clicks the tix to Aunt Linda & Uncle Bob's where the house was full of our immediate and extended family and most important Noah's Great Grandpa Sol. How amazing that he gets to spend time with his "POP POP POP". Noah's favorite on his T-Day dinner plate was crackers. Interesting choice but not strange for our on and off eater. You never know!

The following Saturday we made the long but thankfully uneventful drive back to our home. Grateful for a safe trip but more grateful for the time we spent with our family and for the opportunity to take Noah to the parade.

"Photo Shoot"

We are blessed with special friends. The Sutton's, Jim & Kristi are such an example of God's love through their servant & prayerful hearts and selflessness. Kristi spent several hours with us right before our big trip for Thanksgiving. Here are just a few of the amazing pictures she took of our precious son! Thank you Jim & Kristi YOU are precious friends (and always welcome to "move back in")

Hands on Christmas!

Today the family went to an event that I love, "Hands on Christmas" and Smyrna First United Methodist Church. Since I myself am craft challenged it works out great for me they have all the supplies and ideas and you just show up and craft. Everything is geared for kids and Noah did great this year. Last year it was more like Mommy made everything with a little help from Noah this year Noah did most everything on his on with a little coaching from Phillip and I. He made picture frames, and mini plate of cookies and milk for Santa, napkins rings, a snow globe, a beaded cross and of course a gingerbread house. Check out how focused Noah is beading his napkin rings (he thinks they are bracelets) He patiently put about 30 beads on each pipe cleaner all by himself. Phillip and I just watched him! I don't have the patience to do that, where does a 2 year old get that from.
After nap today he talked to his Aunt Elana on the phone and he is getting so excited about the Macy's Day Parade. He talked to her about riding the subway, and how there will be huge balloons (he has no idea how huge)and how Santa will be arriving that day! I know I have written it before but I can't wait to see his face.

Cabbage Town "Chomp & Stomp"

Phillip found this festival last weekend. I think Noah had the most fun out of the family. Chomp & Stomp is Chomp (Chili Cook-0ff) and Stomp is (blue grass music). Your ticket is a spoon and you walk around to literally hundreds of tents to taste the chili. Of course after 10 or so they all taste the same and you are ready for some pepto. The music as always is Noah's favorite part - he dances and dances and runs in circles never seeming to tire. Of course the festival included a playground including a rope swing. (I AM ABOUT TO BRAG) The AJC Access Atlanta asked to shoot Noah for their article on the event saying "he is so cute he will definite be on Access Atlanta's site" and he was. Go to my facebook page and there is the link or you can search accessatlanta.com. Of course the AJC photographer's pictures or picture I should say is amazing. One shot and she gets an awesome picture meanwhile I take about 30 to get one good one! So here are some of mine. Yes he is swinging on a rope swing like all the big kids did! If any of his grandparents were there they wouldn't have been able to look!

"F" Family Portraits

The boys at school on "F" Day!