Thanksgiving!

We had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving that seemed to span days because we spent the whole weekend at my parents. The added childcare was amazing, and watching Nathan get to bond up with Nonnie and Papa just tickles my heart. Brian and I even got to go out for lunch and a movie on Saturday which was just heavenly. 

Our Thanksgiving proper happened on Friday and ended up begin somewhat dramatic with an oven breakdown (and ultimate repair), helpful neighbors with a functional stove, and a spatchcock turkey. I, once again, forgot my camera and got to steal Mom's photos. Leah had a bit of an adventure "twying to get all the soap off" which ended with her clothes in the dryer and water spread around the bathroom. 

When Nathan's asked who his favorite person in the world is, he reliably answers, "Papa" though Dad reports that he got him to say "Mom" once when I was out. It may have something to do with the fact that Papa took him out to breakfast, just the two of them, two mornings in a row. He got to forward face in Leah's carseat and reportedly said, "WOW" over and over. The view must have been amazing!

Zach is the most amazing helper in the kitchen. He diligently works at whatever task you give him and when he's finished asks what he can do next. That boy and I make a mean mashed potato and salad! He said while we were cooking, "I sometimes think I like helping the best." Melt. My. Heart. Liz said it was good to get a glimpse of a time when kids in the kitchen turn from making it almost impossible to cook (Nathan) to actually being helpful (Zach and Leah). Boy was she right. Light at the end of the tunnel!

Zach and Leah (especially Leah) are so sweet to Nathan, giving him toys that he might think are fun and not complaining even a little if he steals their toys. I had told Leah how sweet she was being about the fact that he kept picking up the things she was playing with, and later she made it clear to Zach who was getting a little (justifiably) annoyed that he was messing with their game that, "No  Zach, Nathan can take any of my toys he wants." I'm not sure that's exactly how I want Nathan to play with other kids, but I was amazed with her willingness to be so generous at the age of 3. I hope that sooner rather than later he can bring a little more fun and a little less annoyance to the cousin play, but in the meantime, he is pretty darn lucky in that department.