Thanksgiving 2010

This year's Thanksgiving will be one to remember!  We went to Amy's in Boston where we ate an entire gluten free feast.  It was delicious, especially her stuffing.  Then after filling ourselves we decided to visit the spot where the first Thanksgiving ever happened: Plymouth, Massachusetts.  It was an adventure to say the least.  We drove about an hour there, saw some pilgrims (literally, they were dressed for the occasion), witnesses the famous "Plymouth Rock" and even saw a replica of the Mayflower.  Then it was back to our home to watch movies and eat GF Pie.  Perfect holiday.

You can buy replicas of the "rock" and hang on your Christmas Tree

Now some details....  Plymouth Rock is actually just a symbol of the first landing.  The rock that is gated and honored is actually just a 3 "bum" (meaning 3 people can sit on it) rock.  It is absolutely nothing to get excited about.  Joseph was looking for this awesome landmark that would "wow" him.  Well, he was a bit disappointed. We had a great chuckle about it.

As we were walking back to the car, Amy and I had our picture taken with a statue of William Bradford, the first governor of Plymouth.  On the pedestal where he stood was excerpts of his journal about what type of people who made the journey of coming to the Americas.  They were valiant people of faith, hope, and bravery.  I was humbled as I read what it took to leave home in hopes of creating a better future.  I am so grateful for the pilgrims!

Later that evening, as Joseph and Amy were watching a scary movie, I decided to call my Grandma Taylor.  While talking with her, I learned that I have pilgrim ancestors who came across on the Mayflower!  Awesome!!!  His name is Thomas Hinckley.  He was very involved in the government of Plymouth and other parts of Mass.  Along his roots include: President George W. Bush and President Gordon B. Hinckley.  So that was a bit of cool information I learned about my ancestors.  Thank you Thomas Hinckley and all the others who were brave enough to stand for what they believe in.

17 Months Old

Cups, Ducks, and a Box

Decorative Pillows

As you have noticed, my backdrop for my blog is pillows.  Why?  I am having a debate about pillows for my living room with my husband.  A pillow can tie any piece of furniture to the rest of the room, if it has the right colors.  Recently, I picked up an awesome chair at a local consignment shop.  It was made in the 70's but still looks great!  The problem, it doesn't match my living room's blues and browns because it is a striped banana yellow.  I went shopping and found some awesome pillows that had the exact yellow and blue that matched my room!  They were a bit on the retro design side, but I loved them.  I bought them while Joseph was away for a week on business.  As soon as he got home though, the beautiful pillows had to be returned.  I still don't understand how Joseph couldn't like them.  I think he still wants me to learn how to re-upholster a winged chair! AHHHH!  I am trying to avoid it at all costs... hence the pillows.

Essential Tool for Cutting Onions - Blue Goggles

Boater Safety Test

I am off to take my boater's safety exam.  Why?  I don't even have a boat.  But friends of ours have awesome sea-doos and if I want to drive them next year, I have to have a license.  I missed out this fall, but not next year!

and the results.... I PASSED! 

Ward Halloween Party

Although you don't see the cute little bum on Avannie's outfit.  She was a bit skeptical about Halloween at our ward party for the first hour, then she got acclimated and did just fine.  Then when the trick-or-treating started from classroom to classroom, she was set!  I have a kid addicted to candy.  I was the mean one who wouldn't bring her candy bag as to limit her consumption.  Although, Joseph started to fill up her costume's hood.  Avannie was a bit creative too by putting 2 pieces in each had and one in the mouth in order to maximize her returns.

Dancing in the Kitchen

November is the time to turn on the Christmas tunes and dance in the kitchen.  Yup, you heard it.  It's not even Thanksgiving, but I was in the mood.  So was Avannie.  We danced the two-step, waltz, and some made-up version of a swing for 9 straight carols.  Avannie LOVES to dance.  No matter the music (Turbo Jam, Sacrament hymns, "Believe" by Josh Groban, etc.), she starts to sway and wiggle those arms.

Joseph is working late tonight, so Avannie and I had a heart to heart.  We danced, read seven Dr. Seuss stories (Great Day for Up was 4 times), drank gauk-cak (chocolate milk), learned how to zzzzip a  zzzzipper, and watched out the window at all the cars.  It was one of those moments that if you are not there, you will miss it.  I am afraid that I miss several of them because I am too busy with laundry, dishes, email, etc. to recognize the learning moments.  So tonight was perfect.