Gobble Gobble and Trees?

This year we were able to see all of Brian's family in one house and let's just say that is a bit of a feat since he's one of nine.  All siblings and kids were in tow which made for 45 people at dinner.  Quite a crowd, but you could tell everyone had a great time.  Big thanks to his sis for hosting yet again!  Here's a glimpse of the gang.

Ben enjoyed the day and was perfectly content playing with all of his cousin's girls things including her kitchen set, stroller, pink laptop, etc.  Although I have to mention that when I put a doll in the stroller he tossed it out and put in some cars to push around instead.  I'm sure he'll eventually do the same once our little girl arrives since he gravitates towards pink.  Then when we got home we were able to skype all my family and see his cousins on the other side.  He showed off his dance moves and cozy coupe of course, then cried when we put him to bed almost 2 hours past normal bedtime.  He was definitely a trooper! (Although we paid for it the next afternoon since he didn't catch up on sleep that night.)



Ben wondering what Kylie is doing



Ben playing the drums with Jane

Then this year we got an early start to our Christmas decorating.  Normally we decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving, but decided to start the tradition like everyone else of decorating during the long weekend of Thanksgiving.  I must say, I like it.  We even got a beautiful tree yesterday!  It smells fantastic.  Then onto a photo shoot which of course is impossible for a 1-1/2 year old who won't sit still.  Luckily the dog is the only way to get him to focus, but you'll have to wait for our Christmas cards to see the outcome!  Here's him shopping for trees.

Dance Party

Here's a video from Sunday of Ben dancing while Milo is trying to sort fridge magnets and give them to him.  Unfortunately Ben was working too hard on his awesome dance moves to pay attention to Milo.  Once Milo gave up he decided to talk to his buddy on his 'phone'.  Quite an entertaining duo we had!

Early Turkey Day

My parents came in town this weekend to celebrate an early thanksgiving since we stay here for it with Brian's family.  Great food, great friends and of course a wonderful time.  Ben loved seeing his Deebo and Papa along with Momo (my grandma).  He even went looking for them when he got up from his nap on sunday afternoon and was a little disappointed they weren't still around.



Ben swinging with Deebo and Momo

 

Mallory being persistant not to let mommy show her face!



Nicola being adorable and perfectly content playing dishes while the boys ran around.



Kate about to smile with Dad

Ben really enjoyed having Jack to play with and they really did feed off each other.  They took turns being the leader while the other followed along and copied them.  They swept, danced on chairs and ran around being silly all through dinner which was entertaining, but not sure they really enjoyed much of the turkey, stuffing and potatoes - maybe next time!

Then on Sunday we watched Milo who is only a few weeks older than Ben.  At first they weren't too sure and just played side by side, but by the end of the day they were chasing each other and having a blast.  We definitely need more playdates for those two!  Ben even worked on sharing!!

Milo

 

Ben giving Milo the baseball back



The boys all in Chiefs gear



NYC

This past weekend my entire family (minus kids) went to NYC for my dad's installation into the Order of the Malta.  We all had a blast and it was nice to get away - I know even Ben and Grandma had fun spending time together.  We did a ton while we were there and just to name a few things - MET, Statue of Liberty, food walking tour in Central Village, Ellis Island, Wall Street, Ground Zero, Times Square, Today Show Plaza (our hotel was a block away from it!), Phantom of the Opera and great restaurants!


Metropolitan Art Museum in Central Park



Neat street we walked down during our food tour of Central Village

Washington Square near NYU

  

Celebrity sighting - Mitchell from Modern Family

 

The Rockefeller Tree was delivered while we were there

View of NYC from ferry to Statue of Liberty



Statue of Liberty



Times Square on a Friday night

Since Ben wasn't on the trip and this blog is really for him here are some pics.  There is a bit of a jealousy struggle in the household between the dog and Ben fighting to be near us.  So Brian had both on his lap at once to try and combat this debate, but let's just say it's still ongoing.  Hopefully Ben gets over it in the next few months before the baby arrives otherwise he's in for an even worse shock then us petting the dog!