The past two weeks - a synopsis

Thanks to nicer weather than we thought we would have, all three of us were able to attend the last Illinois home football game of the year on November 17. After a great weekend, I loved the chance to get to spend some extra time with Jeremiah because the sitter was on vacation. I took Monday-Wednesday off work to be just a mommy! Jeremiah visited John's office on Monday afternoon because I had to drop him off there on my way to work an evening event. On Tuesday, I took him to Sears to have his one year pictures taken. He totally cheesed the camera for some of the shots but we were happy with them. We also sent flowers to Grandma S. because she retired. We're excited to know she'll have more time to spend with Jeremiah and his 9 other cousins now.

Wednesday brought packing and a VERY cranky boy. He just would not settle in to a morning nap but we were barely out of Fisher when he passed out in the car. We stopped in Mendota for a stretch and diaper change. Jeremiah picked out some fig newtons so we decided to get him his own personal snack. Granted, he picked the multiple serving box and we substituted the 2 newton package but it was cute just the same. We arrived in Lena at about 5 p.m.

On Turkey Day we went to have lunch with the Schnitzler family at Aunt Judy's. After a morning full of parade watching and playing with his aunts, uncles and grandparents, he was wiped out and fell asleep on our way to lunch. He slept through lunch but partook of all the Thanksgiving foods when he woke up. Then, he proceeded to play with cousins and terrorize Aunt Judy's house. She has stairs to the upper level of her house and he thought they were GREAT to climb.

We returned to Lena late that afternoon and spent time there on Friday too. On numerous occasions, he showed everyone his newest pastime - dancing. Aunt Carrie was unpacking all her Christmas decorations and she collects the Hallmark musical characters each year. Jeremiah loved hearing the music and dancing so much that we had to put them away so he would go to bed on Friday. He went straight to the living room on Saturday morning to play with them. He also enjoyed rocking on a rocking horse and rocking chair that was brought out of storage. The rocking chair was Grandma's when she was little and the rocking horse was Daddy's. Isn't that cool? He's a big fan of rocking in his rocking chair at home now too. It was Mommy's when she was little.

Saturday was the day for his big birthday party! Our drive from Lena to Elizabeth, where we had the party, was perfect timing for a nap for him so he was well rested for the party. He received some wonderful toys (some of which people will be receiving payback!), books, clothes, and contributions to his college account. Again, he covered himself in frosting and had an enjoyable time doing so. We spent the rest of the afternoon with Papa and Mamma, where he ran circles around the living room and kitchen with Karl, while Daddy worked on their house construction

Sunday brought our trip back. He traveled really well and we stopped for a fun lunch at McDonald's. He loves his hamburgers! When we arrived home, we unpacked and he got busy with his new toys. We're certain to have left something out but when we don't provide an update in so long, this is what you get.