Sunday, November 27, 2016

Thanksgiving in Nashville

Monday November 21 - we drove all day. Luckily the weather was nice and the traffic was light.

Tuesday - William was in school so we had time to get settled, get some food for pantry and fridge and even take a nice walk. In the beginning we saw a sign about a missing/taken dog and later thought we saw the dog. Had a collar but without his name and he looked like he had been roaming a while. We called the number but there was no answer. We left a message with the location where we had seen a dog looking like it ... but never heard from the people. The sign is still up now.


Papa had gone to school to be with William for his lunch break. After school Helen and William came to the townhouse. William came with his little suitcase, ready for 5 sleepovers (every night when there was not school the next day). He was so excited. 
After supper we produced the piece of Caleb's birthday cake. As you can see it was happily received.





We also played the new game we had bought for our grandparents-stash: Skip-Bo
He liked it. We played it every day and he quickly gets better at it.



Wednesday - more playing and Thanksgiving Day preparations. Yup, baked "Sarah's recipe Apple-pie", the best apple pie recipe EVER.


Thursday ... THE day!
Gosh, we had an early start. Helen, friend Suzanne and James went for a charity 5 K walk. William and I went a little later since we didn't have to do the registering etc.


Look at our daughter Helen! We are so proud of her how she is improving her health. She has lost 40 pounds. Forty! She commented that this is how much William weighed in Kindergarten. 
Now, if her old mother can just do the same (sigh).



At 8 am they all went off. William said "hello" to the TV snowbird. He had also told me in the car that most likely there would be bagels and other stuff. He made a bee-line for the table he had spotted. He was so right. The bagel and bottle of water just hit the spot (not much breakfast at home).


William waited patiently for the first runners to be back. In the first picture William is just behind the "stick" with the finish line camera. It was run over 3 times by arrivals.


William thinks that his job is the "high five good job". He took it very seriously.






















It was a not so nice chilly morning. A wind even started and the blow-up finished line had to be taken down. So, back home, it was time to warm up. How about a mimosa? ... while watching the parade and the Westminster dog show.


Ben arrived with his masterpieces. He sure knows how to create a feast. The turkey was smoked on the green egg. A mother-in-law dream ... just open the door, ha-ha.



Oh, I probably should mention that Helen had worked very hard on her contributions and James did his famous roast potatoes.


After Ben left to visit his mother, James took William for a walk.




















Of course we were in touch with Sarah too and she sent us these pictures:



















LOTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!!!!!!!!!


Saturday, November 26, 2016

Caleb's 3rd Birthday

Sarah tried to keep it low key but they have lots of friends and family. Of course she wanted it to be fun so some preparations had to be done. Omi and Papa helped with the twins of course. Two bundt cakes were needed for the birthday cake. Sarah used the recipe for Elvis Presley's favorite pound cake. Yummy!

Since the theme was "Curious George" we also made about a dozen "George heads" for decorations you see later in photos.



November 19!



Looks like "the man in the yellow hat" was here.


The fun bus was there from 11 - 12 am ... and fun was what everybody had.







Well, the twins could have not cared less. No surprise though.
The weather could not have been any better though. It's November! Lucky lucky!





Lots of photos were taken. 


There was lots of space to enjoy. One of the little guests decided he would rather use Caleb's lawnmower to run around.


After the bus had left, lunch was provided. Baked potatoes, chili, all the trimmings, of course hot dogs etc. Sarah had additionally borrowed 3 crock pots from me.

And then came the birthday cake. 


And more play!




















Of course Caleb's "other" grandparents were there for the weekend AND his grand-Nana. That made for a wonderful weekend for Caleb.

James and I had to leave before supper because we had the first event of our RICHMOND FORUM season. We love those events. Always very interesting and lots to think about.


Sunday afternoon: the Opera!




















Another really great event. But why is everything always crowded into the same time-space?
The next day we are leaving for Nashville. So looking forward to seeing Helen, William and Ben.
Auntie Sarah did pack a piece of the birthday cake for William.



Tuesday, November 22, 2016

The best Intentions ...

November 5   (really? yes, the best intentions! I wanted to do more timely and shorter posts. Sigh)

At least James and I could go on a little hike. The weather was just perfect and we so enjoyed it.






It always amazes me how much nature you have in the middle of a big town.


The river is very low. Lots of people were walking all over the rocks.





Besides the monthly meetings of the lacemakers and different quilters there were lots of church activities this month.

Church friends had also put two rose buds on the altar which they do in our church for newborns.




The church bazaar was on Saturday the 12. I had to do some sewing and baking. Here are some samples. Everything sold which makes you happy when you put effort into it.







We also had a raffle of a little Christmas tree with all of my 24 Chrismon designs. At the last minute I had decided that a large version of the Angel had to be on the top. The raffle brought in good donations too.



Since our CR community also had a bazaar the following Friday afternoon and a table was only $15 I decided to reserve one for eventual leftovers. That turned out to be a good idea because we sold lots and church friends took shifts with me.


November 12 - Yes, it's Autumn. Leaves on the trees were turning in all sort of colors ... or fall down. No surprise that it gets cold sometimes. The first frost warning but only for one night and then it is supposed to get warmer again. Too early to take the hibiscus in but it needs to be covered up.


... and then uncovered the next morning.


Was it the Super Moon's fault?

Sarah had some plans for improving things in the house. Caleb is helping. He has his own tools.



He also helps his father in the garden ... in his own way. Saw this next morning.

Yes, here some baby pictures:
Sarah so appreciates help with the twins. Once in a while a bath is due. First Colin. 



Then Owen.


Hope they forgive me in 16 years, ha-ha.