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November 27, 2010

a whole lotta thankful

Everyone says they have a lot to be thankful for at Thanksgiving. But, really, people.....we have A LOT to be thankful for this year. Among the things we're thankful for: An incredibly adorable daughter....
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....a fabulous daycare center where our baby girl is loved all day long by her teachers. Eric got to witness first-hand on Wednesday how lunchtime goes. Parents were invited to take part in a "pot-luck" luncheon with their kids -- translation: come and watch you kid eat lunch. Eric had little interest in bologna sandwiches and applesauce (can't say I blame him). But, he did get some great pics.
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this girl never met a carb she didn't like.
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somebody REALLY likes him some applesauce.
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lucas has a whole lotta lovin' to give, and was desperately trying to climb up in eric's lap. seriously, folks. WHOLE lotta lovin' to give. there's not been a day i've picked anna up that he hasn't sprinted at me and buried his head in my knees to give me a hug....including the first time i met him. no stranger anxiety there.
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Looks like nap time to me.
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Poor Miss Emily....she has her hands full on a daily basis. But she's SO great with those kids and we love that she loves our girl.
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We also APPRECIATE that she tolerates Anna's tantrums. AK had a momentary lapse of "wait....I'm not going with you? You're leaving me here? Again? This is, like, the second time today. Get back here!"
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But, mostly? We're thankful that, as Eric put it, for the first time in 15 years, he was able to have Thanksgiving in his own home -- our home -- with his whole family (yes, folks...in-laws included). We're thankful that Gam, Pop, Aunt Carrie, Uncle Greg, Natalie and Danny came to our home for Thanksgiving this year....and no one had to stay in a hotel. We enjoyed jammied mornings filled with the scent of coffee and muffins. We listened as babies screamed with delight and vied for the attention of their parents and grandparents. We marveled at our Natalie, who gets more grown-up each time we see her.
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We celebrated Pop's birthday on Wednesday night with a little cake and a little singing.
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Anna traveled from one grandparent to the next, achieving a "progressive reading" of Goodnight, Moon.
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The kids took turns playing in the new tunnel tent, riding the toy car, and doing the chicken dance, courtesy of duckie-chick (seriously, what the heck is that thing???)
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okay, so i use the term 'took turns' loosely. ak has some sharing issues.
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we gots us a yoga baby right there.
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poor greg....but that kid is soooooo worth all the abuse he puts anybody through....i mean, come on, look at that face
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I, once again, attempted to experience what life might be like if we'd had twins.
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yeah.....no. don't think i could've handled two of anna. danny -- yup. anna -- nope.
Thanksgiving Day, the kids enjoyed some fresh air and some great photo ops.
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With the help of my amazing Mom, Eric and I successfully completed our very first Thanksgiving as hosts. I didn't burn the turkey, and his London broil got rave reviews.
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girlfriend does love her grandparents -- all four of 'em.
And, to leave you this long holiday weekend, my favorite shot from this weekend -- me and my fave niece and nephew. I always wanted to be an aunt, and I can't imagine having any better kids call me Aunt Katie than these two.
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Happy Thanksgiving!

modge podge

It seems to be a running theme here in Longoland that we end up with a million pictures and no them with which to organize them. So, once again, we give you a menagerie of the past few weeks' events. First off, we began November on a formal note. My dear friend, Paul Bartsch, invited me to participate as a guest artist in his annual studio recital for his vocal students. Translation: Break out the pretty dress.
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As usual, I find myself unable to prepare for any formal event without my Momma. Anna was rather jealous of the attention my Momma was giving her Momma....but, in the end, doesn't Grandma always make up for it?
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Onward to more big events: Daddy and Anna's Date Night.
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Eric and Anna attended a "Friends Thanksgiving" at Sean and Amy's home. They got all dolled up and went to enjoy some food and friends. Anna had quite a fun time playing with Gene and Matthew.
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truth be told? i think she downed him simply on the grounds that he was wearing a polamalu jersey.
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Subtle? This child is not. When she's tired, she let's you KNOW.
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To prepare for the party, Eric baked Black Bottoms, amidst my crafting project of staining wooden brackets.
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They turned out great, and Anna was finally able to taste her first Black Bottom.
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She even made yet another attempt at using a utensil. I said attempt, not achievement. Click here and here.
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yes, that's chocolate on her neck. let me tell you how much fun that was to clean off.
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Another project on hand this month: Refelting Grandpa Longo's pool table.
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Carrie and Greg have been saving this monstrosity in their basement for the past few years because they knew Eric eventually wanted it. We are incredibly grateful to them for taking up real estate in their home AND transporting it down for us a few weeks ago. It's so special to have this piece in our home because of the memories it gives the Longo's and the pride Eric beams showing it off.
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Finally: Another milestone checked off the childhood list -- Anna's first school pictures.
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While she was a bit shy for the practice run, Miss Pam tells us she was a natural model when it came time for the real thing -- which should be ready in the next few weeks. Stay tuned to your mailboxes for further cuteness. Until then, enjoy this little rendition of musical genius: click here