We're home for Christmas for the first time in 5 years! This year everyone got to pick a side dish so we'll have everyone's favorites!
Dessert
This year Shelby is getting her wisdom teeth out the day before Thanksgiving. SO, the big dinner will be whipped up on Sunday rather than Thursday!
Dinner
Thanksgiving dinner is my absolute favorite!! The usual cast of characters are all here.
Dinner
I think I've been making the same menu for Thanksgiving for 10 years. I asked if we wanted to try any new recipes, and was met with looks of horror. Why mess with a good thing???
This is our first NYE party in TWO LONG YEARS! Some of my favorite people are coming over to celebrate. They’re all bringing a bottle of cheer and a dish to share. But since I didn’t cook for any of our Christmas celebrations, I’m going to have some fun and make some fantastic party food.
The same Thanksgiving guest list as last year calls for the same menu! Why mess with a good thing??!!
Plus, I have my brand new oven and cooktop to put through a stress test! Naturally, there is a spreadsheet with a (tight) schedule for the day. It’s going to be a great day 😊
2020: the year of WTF. We’re keeping our Thanksgiving guest list small, but not the menu! How can you possible narrow down the dishes!?
Our most exciting news was welcoming our son Peter to the world! He was born March 20th - which is also Scott's birthday! Pete has a set of blue, ladykiller eyes and the nickname "Chunky Monkey." Pete has just learned to crawl. So, we have the challenge of baby-proofing a house full of Shelby's tiny toys and ponytail holders! And, this boy loves to eat! Bananas, carrots, pot roast and even salmon are among his favorites! He is such a low-key, loving, baby. If you say at least two words to him, he's got a huge smile for you!
Shelby turned four this fall. For her birthday, we took a family vacation to Disney World with the Lawrences - Nancy, Dave and Uncle Mike. She had a great time! Shelby waited patiently to take pictures with The Princesses and her favorite characters, rode the new, little roller coaster in Fantasyland, and loved riding Small World with her little brother. She danced in her first recital this summer. She tapped to "Puttin' on the Ritz" in sequins, feathers and tulle. Not many people can say their first stage appearance was to a sell-out crowd in a 450-person theatre! She loves dance and is continuing lessons this year. She also seems to have a natural talent for gymnastics.
Scott has been busy with work this year. He's picked up some extra responsibilities in the northeast region. And, he's traveled to New York several times. Scott dove into the Volkswagen lease program and started driving a Passat this fall. The program allows him to switch out vehicles on fairly often. So, ask him what he's driving on a regular basis! When he has spare time (haha!), Scott continues to take portraits of friends. And, recently, he has started to ride his road bike again with a friend from church.
