Thanksgiving

We spent our Thanksgiving with the Smedleys this year and it was so fun! Calvin was being a really good baby for everyone and I loved watching the family gush over how cute he is. TJ was so excited to play games, namely Settlers of Catan. He gets really competitive when playing Uncle Kelly because Uncle Kelly is pretty much unbeatable. We ate such delicious food, chatted about life, and swapped "new parent" stories. The Smedleys are just the most wonderful people. Since day one, they've treated me like family and have been so open and kind. I sure love them. :)

I made us some yummy cinnamon rolls the morning of Thanksgiving. TJ and I enjoyed them while sipping hot chocolate and watching the parade in our pajamas. Well, we couldn't really watch the parade, to be honest, because the TV kept going in and out. We still had a fun morning, though. Hopefully we can solidify that tradition next year. By the way - the secret to delicious, soft, melt in your mouth cinnamon rolls? Use half cake flour. :)

Five minutes into our arrival and TJ's deeply engrossed in Catan. Love it.

Sweet Grandma Smedley just loved holding her great-grandson. She has the magic touch with babies! It was really great to capture this moment with them together.

Grandma says it's never too early to smack a child on the butt when he's being naughty. Just kidding. :) She's gently patting his back to get a little burp out. He ended up loving that position, so she held him on his tummy the rest of the time he was with her. I think he left a whole puddle of drool on that carpet, though. :)

Aunt Mel and Mr. Calvin. Wow... he looks so chubby in this picture! My little chunk.

Aunt Sue had a magic hold that she said she used to help her boys stop crying. Sure enough, Calvin loved it! I've used it at home to help him calm down a few times. Works like a charm! Thanks, Aunt Sue!

TJ and the gang playing Manila. He says it's the most fun game on the planet, but I am having a really hard time finding it anywhere. I think it's out of print :(. SAD! I wish I could find it so I could surprise TJ with it for Christmas.

I held Calvin while he slept during the game. He makes the cutest faces when he sleeps. He was smiling so big here, but I didn't catch it at the right time. He even laughs in his sleep sometimes. It melts my heart.

TJ's cousins, Casey and Kayla. Casey is expecting her first baby girl this next year, so she got a little baby practice with Calvin! I love these girls.

TJ's brother, Sean, was so great with Calvin. He just laid so peacefully in his uncle's arms.

My little cutie!