Hanging Out at the Beach

We really did have some unseasonably warm weather over the holidays. It was great to get everyone out of the house, toss a football around and play in the sand.

 playing catch

 building sand castles

 dad and me

Cutting Down the Tree

We went to Jones Farm again this year to cut down our Christmas tree. It's become such a fun tradition.

 Lucy and Grandpa

I'm pretty sure dad can sleep anywhere.

We told Ken to give us his best "I just chopped down a tree" pose.



That's right, real men cut down trees with their teeth.

Lucy and Aunt Kathryn

Thanksgiving Dinner

It was so great having Kathryn's family and my dad here for Thanksgiving! Kat and I cooked up a storm!

The cooks in the kitchen.

On the Menu:

Oven Roasted Turkey

Mashed Potatoes and Dad's Famous Gravy

Fresh Fruit Salad

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

Corn Casserole

Emily's Cranberry Sauce

Parker House Rolls

Grandma Anderson's Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts

Mom's Stuffing

French Bread Sausage Stuffing

Dessert:

Sour Cream Apple Pie

Fresh Blueberry Pie

Maple Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Strussel

Thanksgiving Day Parade

We love going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since my sister was here this year- they were able to come too! We always just slip into the city and watch up near central park where the crowds are less crazy. I bring a thermos or two of hot chocolate for everyone while we watch and then we head home to finish cooking Thanksgiving dinner. It's the best...well, as long as the weather is good. Otherwise it's miserable.

Gotta love the retro favorite, Snoopy!

Grandpa holding Julius

Ken giving Nora a boost.

Of course Daniel loved Spiderman

I love NYC!



Naomi's 1st Birthday

Kathryn and her family were here over Naomi's Birthday so we were able to celebrate!



Kathryn and I made this Malted Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallow Cake. This is the little one for Naomi and then there was a bigger version for everyone else.

 We had a little dance party because Naomi loves dancing to music.

D.J. Ken

 

 She didn't waste much time digging in.

This was the big cake. I love how it looks like Daniel is taking a bite out of the cake in the background!