Thanksgiving Weekend 2010

November 24th-28th

We went up to Vermont for Thanksgiving. What is Thanksgiving without heading to Shawn & Kristy's Annual Thanksgiving Eve Party? Another great shindig with lots of great snacks and some LCR.

Colleen & Kristy

After the party, I was dragged out to JW Ryans for their Thanksgiivng Eve night. This *used* to be fun ... when I was younger ... and didn't mind a huge crowd. Ashley and Spuds had fun, while I stood there feeling VERY old! But, you can always count on running into family when you're out in St. Albans!

Cousins - Beth, Dustin, me, Ryan and Spuds

The plan this year was to eat together on Saturday instead of Thursday. The Senesac clan wasn't there to join us since they were enjoying Disney this year in that nice, warm, sunny weather. The house seemed a bit empty compared to usual - but Grandpa Bowler was able to join us since we were doing it Saturday as well!

"Helping" Nanny with meal preparations

Waiting for family

(and checking out the snow - we still didn't have any in NH yet!)

Her big girl Thanksgiving feast!

Tyler trying to get Trey to eat

This year's crew

They didn't plan their coordinating knit dresses!

After dinner, the cousins had a fun night playing together. Charlie and Trey were pretty cute together, giving hugs and kisses!

Aaron missed Black Friday this year - though, I'm not sure he "missed" getting up at 5am and going out in the cold! (Kristy, Shawn and Mom said the deals weren't that great this year anyway).

We also had Nanny take family photos to use for our Christmas cards. She has a NICE camera and is getting really good with her photos. It was a bit cold out, but we got some good ones.

Is Charlie really signing for more pictures? Nope, just for more of Papa's behind-the-camera entertainment!

After, we had a great weekend just relaxing with Nanny and Papa.

Singing with Papa

Making Nanny blow bubbles with her gum. She loved it.

Boston

November 1st

Well, I submitted Little Miss Charlotte in another open casting call for Robeez through Facebook and she got another callback! So, we were headed to Boston for this - and with Nancy and Joyce staying here in NH for an extra day, they came along!

We started with a looonngg wait at the callback with many, many kids and parents waiting. Charlie held up better than I thought she would and tried on the shoes without a problem once she was called up. When we went into the photo room, there were a couple of kids in front of her who each took a few minutes. When Charlie was up, they asked me to place her standing on a sticker - which I did, then walked away. They handed her a number to hold (she did good!) and then brushed some fabric over her face to make her smile - she instantly smiled big and they took three quick shots and said she was all set. I overheard one of them say "well, that was easy!" Once again, we're so proud of her.
[She didn't end up getting called back for the final shoot this time, but we're still happy she went through the experience again and did so well - she's a natural!]

After that, we headed into the city to walk around Faneuil Hall for a bit and get some dinner.

Cheers to wonderful friends!

High fives for Daddy

"Grandma Nancy" with Charlie - she spoils her so bad!

Charlotte had a blast hanging out with "Grandma Nancy" and "Auntie Joyce" and LOVED running through the cobblestone streets at night.

Halloween!

Halloween 2010

Our day started out with a relaxed morning hanging out with Nancy, Joyce and Christine. Charlie was excited to wake up and see that they were still here. They took a brisk walk outside while we waited for Chris and Robin to come and meet up here before heading off to Portsmouth.

Joyce and Charlie, both in their festive orange

Charlie was in heaven with her little walk with the ladies

Once Chris and Robin arrived, we went out for a big breakfast - where else, but Robie's Country Store! Lots of history and a great place for visitors to enjoy a bit of NH ... and you always leave full!

Nancy and Christine

Robin, Joyce and Chris

A crisp fall view outside of Robie's door

We drove out to Portsmouth to walk around and check out some little shops. It was a bit cold, but the cruising gang was together again and that's all that mattered!

After Portsmouth, it was time to dress up our little Minnie Mouse and enjoy the neighborhood. It was only in the 30s, so we bundled Charlie up and headed over to Jill's for a big neighborhood get-together before trick-or-treating.

After some visiting and snacking, the hubbies all headed home to be the candy-givers, and us mommies and kiddos headed out for the fun!

Yes, THIS Minnie wears a winter hat and fleece pants!

Charlie quickly caught on to the walk up to a house-look cute-and get a treat thing. She would pick a treat out of the offered bowl, put it into her bag and try to go for more!

The neighborhood gang arriving at our house

Getting a fruit roll-up from Phil

When we got home, Charlie was very excited to look through her stash.

And boy, does she always want a "treat"!

Halloween Party 2010

October 30th 2010

We have talked about throwing a Halloween party for years, but have never done it. This year, we decided to have one since we have such great friends here.

We asked everyone to come in costume and everyone got creative.

Lois & Peter Griffin

Lois

Our wonderful California friends were also in town visiting, so they were able to come and join the fun!

Christine, Joyce and Nancy

The cruising crew - Christine, Joyce, Nancy, Chris(topher!) and Robin

Dan and Taryn as Holmes on Homes and Pinky!

Dani and Jay as Rock Climbers

Andy and Jill - the Super Cahoons!

Kristin and Brett as "Trashed" and "Stoned"

Karen and Ken - arrrgh, Mateys.

MOMS Club Moms

And the winners of the voting - KEN AND KAREN!

We had lots of fun and are going to make this costume party and annual event. Is it Halloween again yet??