And they’re going to Macaroni Grill. Tired of turkey? What is wrong with the CA Lipka boys? I’m having leftover gravy, stuffing, turkey and cranberry relish!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving – so RELAXED. Only 7 of us. Although Nana was with us in spirit, since we had matzoh ball soup as a light lunch and, of course, her never-fail turkey recipe. Fastest turkey in the west!

Grandma Penny did most of the cooking the day before, so this birthday girl just enjoyed a puzzle and hanging out all day. I was also glad to get to watch a game of Monopoly between Grandma Penny, Grandpa Jim, Jared and Ethan. The boys are obsessed with Monopoly now and start pestering me to play as early as 6:30 a.m.

Our hearts were with Nana on this first Thanksgiving without Joel and Mommer. *sigh*

The day after T-Day we had our first annual Leftover Pie Party in our park. About 30 of us shared our leftovers and also tried to run it off with some soccer, swinging, and sand castle building. Get those kids out of the house! The weather was gorgeous. Only the visitors from NY and former Canadians were wearing coats. Go figure!

A song, it’s BooBooDee* and

trick or treating and

having playdates at Aidan’s house and

birthdays I go to and

birthdays I stay at.

As told to Teacher Leslie and written in a Thanksgiving card.

* BooBooDee is The Cowboy Song, which we have recorded by a local artist. We listen to it OVER and OVER in the car.

On a recent visit, Henry loved to just roam around our house gathering little toys – especially anything with wheels!

Darcie had told me he loved books almost as much as vehicles, but I hadn’t seen it in action yet.

On the first evening of their visit, I was doing something with Claire and Matthew in Matthew’s bedroom. In walks Henry, and he beelines straight for the book case of board books. He stands in front of it, stretches out both arms to the side, palms up, and says: Thank you! Thank you!

Considering he hadn’t said barely another word the entire day, I now know that this is a kid who LOVES books!