Chuy's parade

Chuy's, an original Austin Mexican restaurant, sponsors an annual parade where kids bring gifts to donate to other kids. Good idea, right? This was our first time.He had to have some popcorn and of course Grandpa obliged.
We really got a good spot and sprawled out with our chairs. Don't let my Mom fool you, it wasn't that cold. All she needs is a parka to complete the look.
Trying on some antlers. Lucas wouldn't keep his on. Grace looks thrilled, huh?Showing them off with Nina.Anxiously awaiting the floats.First one up....Care Bear. The floats were big, just like the Macy's parade.
Lucas was a little scared of the floats and the loud motorcycles and cars.
The favorite float of the day---Horton!
And the not so favorite character---the Grinch. I don't blame them, he looks pretty darn scary. That's my mom's arm trying to get a shake, a high five....anything. She really got into the whole parade.

The parade was fun but would have been better if they had thrown out some chips and creamy jalapeno dip. The sad part was that we weren't the only people who thought to head over to Chuy's for lunch afterward. What were we thinking? We did end things on a high note by heading over to Torchy's. Mmmm.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2009We decided to start the day off in a healthy way with the Turkey trot. I really want to try to make Thanksgiving traditions involve more than just food. Last year, we ran the race with both kids. Grace still talks about how she "won" the race. We only took Grace this year because Lucas is well, Lucas and we are no longer naive about his abilities to sit in a stroller for an extended period of time i.e., more than 10 minutes.
It was a tough race, so tough that last year's winner had to take a mid race snooze.
Daddy was such a trooper. He was just getting over a bad cold. But then that's what makes a good Daddy the best. He even let me run for a little bit. I would have run the whole thing but I didn't want to leave my family behind. What I should have done is run the race and lapped around to meet up with them again. Wait, that is what I did. Yep. At least that's how I remember it.
A groggy Grace, woken up just in time to finish the race.
Still a little grouchy from being woken up but later thrilled when she realized that she won the race again. Two years in a row. Amazing.
Christina and Christian finishing the race. I didn't get a good angle to see who crossed the finish line first. We'll call it a tie.
From the Turkey Trot to a Turkey dinner. My parents got everything set up plus they watched Lucas too. Mom decorated the table Martha Stewart style and made sides and pies....And Dad made the turkey (pictured above) and ham (not pictured). Everything was delicious.

Especially the chocolate cupcakes which by the way was Lucas's Thanksgiving meal. He ate an early lunch and by the time our meal rolled around he was ready for dessert. Do not try to deny this boy his dessert. That's my boy!

Some after dinner crafting.

While most people spend their food comas sprawled out on a recliner or comfy couch in front of the TV, others prefer spending it under the table drawing with a marker.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Pre-Thanksgiving festivities

I was assigned the task of making sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving. The kids, as usual, decided to help me.
So helpful mashing the potatoes. No joke. I turned around and they were mashed. Tah dah.
Checking to make sure they were the right consistency. Lucas was not too interested until it was time to stir things up.
Let the stirring begin. My helpers are so much helpful when there is no flour or salt or sugar involved. Duly noted.