Giving Thanks

This postcard book carries one of my favorite holidays. Thanksgiving was fun to prepare this year--especially with this incredible citrus turkey brine recipe given to me from my Uncle Steven. Elsie, Spencer, and I piped into fm100 online to some Christmas music while preparing the brine {I know it, breaking the Christmas music rules for a day!}. It was so cozy smelling all the herbs and juices fill the house! Don't be deceived--just as I went to wash and clean out the turkey, chaos began--that's how it goes right?! That was only a foreshadowing for the next day. :) Corey needed to take care of some things at work for the first half of the day, so taming two kids while preparing the food brought a whirlwind through the house. While I went to pick up the sister missionaries, the boiling pot of potatoes dried out, leaving us with "smoked" mashed potatoes and the oven randomly shut off--safety feature?! Had to wait a little longer for the turkey. Well, when all was said and done, we had a nice relaxing, savory meal.
What I love about Thanksgiving most is not only the hearty, comforting food, but talking, laughing, and being around those you love and appreciate so much. I feel like I have so much to be thankful for, my heart can't stop. It was refreshing to have the sister missionaries over for The Dinner. We take so much for granted the gospel in our lives. It is such anchor and gives us a greater understanding of our Savior and hope through Him. Amidst individual circumstances and trials it's nice to feel an overwhelming shared sense of gratitude. For this we give thanks.

Riley Rendezvous

From Crowell Post

We felt very fortunate to have Noah and Allison come stay with us here in Suffolk for a few days. Elsie wanted them to be a part of everything...including getting ready in the mornings and elephant marches like the ones in Jungle Book--to which Noah and Allison wholeheartedly participated in. We went for a lovely stroll in Dedham for some countryside views {in the fine rain--to be expected} and then checked out the Colchester {Britain's oldest town} castle--built on an ancient Roman temple. Elsie wanted to watch the movie inside the castle, but guess the film didn't grab her attention like she'd hoped for---those informational movies, maybe they should appeal to a younger audience who get their hopes up. Thanks Noah, for saving her day and entertaining her through the rest of the film.

From Crowell Post

We ventured off to Cambridge--walked across old bridges, down cobble-stoned streets bustling with bikes, and through architecturally diverse colleges. Beautiful place, Cambridge. Again, what would the trip be like with out a whiny two year-old wanting to get out of the stroller and walk all the time accompanied by the constant stopping for a babe? Well, it didn't seem to bother Noah and Allison--they just involved Elsie in everything--games in the car, treats at a cafe, and MANY hand-in-hand walks around the city...oh, and pushed that stroller like it was their own. Beyond helpful.

From Crowell Post

That's what Noah and Allison do--help without asking. They just DO--like clear the dishwasher, wash the dishes, help prepare meals, etc. Here they come on a vacation and end up entertaining a two year-old on more than one occasion and patiently wait for a little babe and his "schedule." Noah and Allison were so helpful, I honestly think I had more of a vacation. The next morning, Elsie woke up asking for "No-ee" and "A-son." We miss you and sure loved having you.

Sunshine to our Souls

From Crowell Post

It's amazing to think it's already been two months since Spencer's birth. We were so grateful to have mom here. We can't thank her enough for all the help she gave during the first weeks of Spencer's life and such transition. It was always refreshing to see her smiling face every morning. She always seems to radiate and bring happiness into the lives of all those around her. I'm almost positive it would have rained--if not poured the day she left; but, she told me she hoped the day would be a beautiful sunny day. And it was. Thank you, Mom.

You-kay, Pen-seh

From Crowell Post

Elsie is the perfect older sister for Spencer. Despite her stepping all over him, nearly dropping him, and nearly pulling his arms off--we know she's just trying to help out. When ever he cries, we almost always hear, "You-kay, Pen-seh" {You're okay, Spencer}.
Corey captured this picture with his iPhone {who needs a DSLR anyway}. It's fun to capture a moment when Elsie says, "Love you. Pen-seh."

Ooo, Ooo....

From Crowell Post

Elsie was all over Halloween this year and Mimi helped make her fairy dreams come true! Elsie loved getting in her "Tinkerbell" costume with the adorable tulle skirt, head garland, wand, and all. She loved handing out candy {we were delighted to have at least 30 trick-or-treaters---as it is becoming a more popular holiday here}, but was a little hesitant with the older ones in their scary costumes.
Her favorite part of Halloween were the "punkins." She would have carried them all if she could have. Definitely an October baby.
The treats in the bucket were a hit...and she was sure to share them with "Pen-sah" {Spencer}--her little mushroom friend whose head was already too big for the make-shift top from a Santa hat. :) We tried. Happy Halloween folks!