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....

....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.

this girl never met a carb she didn't like.

somebody REALLY likes him some applesauce.

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.

Looks like nap time to me.

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.

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!"

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.

We celebrated Pop's birthday on Wednesday night with a little cake and a little singing.

Anna traveled from one grandparent to the next, achieving a "progressive reading" of Goodnight, Moon.

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???)

okay, so i use the term 'took turns' loosely. ak has some sharing issues.

we gots us a yoga baby right there.

poor greg....but that kid is soooooo worth all the abuse he puts anybody through....i mean, come on, look at that face

I, once again, attempted to experience what life might be like if we'd had twins.

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.

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.

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.

Happy Thanksgiving!