Thanksgiving 2011

This year we were invited to spend Thanksgiving in Minnesota at Aunt Gayle and Uncle John's house.  After some discussion, we decided to invite my mom (Uncle John's sister) to join us for one last "family" holiday together.  It's very difficult (and stressful!) for my mom to travel as her dementia progresses.  Mom enjoyed seeing Hana and loved meeting my cousin Jennifer's son Jackson. 

The day was..... let's call it interesting.  Starting out with Jennifer falling and injuring her knee (and spending the morning in the hospital), my aunt and uncle's water heater breaking and mom being is a bad mood and constantly complaining about being too cold!  Dinner was excellent though and we are glad that mom got so see everyone (and her old house, family graves, etc) one last time. 

Tuesday night dinner and Nick & Jennifer's new house!

Happy Jack!

Yeah, presents!

"Please don't sit on me!"

"Why does she keep hugging me?"

Cousin Maren came for a visit on her way to Alma, WI.

Grandma arrived too!

Pre-dinner walk to the park!

And ride.....

And slide!

And swing.  (With neighbor Zander too...)

Dinner time!

All done!

Full!

Play before bed!

And sitting with Grandma!

Fall is in Full Swing!

We've had a fun and busy November so far.  Knute's been hunting a lot (of course) and Hana and I have made the most of our "girls only" weekends!  Hana went to her 1st Veteran's Day Parade and 2nd ever lightrail ride to get there!  She enjoyed all the cars and music and was really excited when someone came over and gave her a flag to wave!

Her vocabulary has really exploded too!  She can repeat almost any word or name you throw her way and she has recently (in the past few days) consistently said 2 or 3 word "sentences", like "more, please" or "Gabba Cup Ice" (meaning "I'd like ice water in my Yo Gabba Gabba cup.")  She is still enjoying eating most all foods that we eat, including spicy foods (she likes things more spicy that I do!) and vegetables.  Her favorites are still peanut butter and honey or macaroni n cheese though.  We add peas to the mac, which she totally loves!  She is also VERY interested in brushing her teeth, which is a very good thing! 

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving next week and I need to start addressing our Christmas cards, because the list remains long, even though I try to cut it down every year!  :-)

Play date with Hana's friend Ryker.

Hugs!

November 19th.... 

Hana wanted to donate (several times!) 

Proud mommy moment!  Although I was worried she might tip out of the cart!