Stuffed Full of Fun

We headed in to Naperville for part of Thanksgiving break; it did not disappoint!  We stuffed our hours full of family fun (and food!).

We started at the arcade at the Brunswick Zone. The Hallowells merged with us for lots of games.  Uncle Bo was just as excited as our kids!

The kids loaded up with tons of prizes (mostly of the candy variety).

After the arcade fun we headed back to Anderson Drive for some quality pool time.  The boys took on numerous opponents, but were left in awe of Cousin Matt's skill.  He was definitely channeling the Giddings Street Garage juju!

 

Some of us remained spectators throughout.

When the battle rounds were completed, some excellent coaching took place.

The trip would not be complete without poker,

Or Fridaes and Saturdaes.

The Rogers Family Turkey Smackdown

Much of the Rogers Family came over today for a belated Thanksgiving experience.  Even Uncle Jo was able to come down from Marquette for the festivities.

I was up early (ok, not any earlier than normal, but it is still considered pre-dawn in most civilizations) and made the pumpkin pie, Aunt Mary's cran-raspberry yumminess, and the green bean casserole.  By 8:30 am I was finished and relinquished control of the kitchen to the Bird Artist.  Wow!  Did he do a fantastic job as usual!  We had a great time visiting, and eating, eating, eating.  The cousins had a fun time playing downstairs afterwards (memories of the downstairs play at the Naperville Baleikos!!!!).  It was a great afternoon.  We are very blessed.

Uncle Jo with two very cute leg-barnacles.

  

Giving Thanks

November has kept up to Rogers' standards with a busy pace.  Since we last posted:

• We've had parent-teacher conferences; both boys had glowing reports.  3rd Grade also starts letter grades--and Mitchell earned all straight-As! 
• I ventured into Chicago again with Tammy for a Bears game.  PERFECTION with weather and game all around.  
• There is a new Sheriff in town, and his name is Owen Rogers.  
• Ruthie visited the Northern Regions.  The kids ate up every minute she was here.  We had a great weekend.
• More doctor appointments for Denny.  Thankfully they seem to have found an answer to his skin dilemma.  
• Mitchell and I buried the wire from the chicken coop back to the house. We made a good team! 
• Lucy helped me make a very delicious pumpkin pie.
• Thanksgiving at the Rogers' house was quiet and relaxing.  We are gearing up for the extended Rogers clan to dine with us next weekend.  
• Quality board game time with the kiddos... most enhanced by the creative rules of one Lucy Rogers.
• The kids and I went to see The Muppet Movie today.  
• As of today, Ken has finished cutting, hauling, and stacking wood for use this winter.  The snow fence is now up, and the Chicken Condo has been insulated for the winter as well.

 

Owen reading at Grammy's house.

Mitchell reading to Aunt Ruthie.

Post-Thanksgiving couch flop.

Mitchell reading to his sibs--UNPROMPTED!!  YAY!

Feeling Puffed....

This year we stayed in Boon for Thanksgiving and had the Rogers side of the family joined us. I made sure the Naperville Baleikos were represented at the table by making Aunt Mary's cranberry-raspberry relish.  I also made my first pumpkin pie (yay!  It turned out and it was very yummy!).  The rest was up to the chef.   Ken lived up to his standards and put on quite a spread.  It was amazing.

I found particular joy in realizing that the kid table lives on, and is a logistical necessity when feeding that many people.  I also loved the fact that the cousins were playing downstairs and had infinite amounts of fun.... very much like when the Baleiko cousins played downstairs at Naperville.  Good times.  Good times....

I won't be able to take a walk around the subdivision with you tonight--cousins, but while you're out walking, move a couch into the road for me.  :)

Post Thanksgiving Familiness and 30 years of Rainbow Belt Glory

While in the Chi-town area we got some time with the Hallowell side of the family for brunch.












Later that night the Baleiko cousins all met at Buco de Peppo's for a fantastic celebration of Amanda's 30th birthday. The evening was superb-- great food, great conversation, great people.

Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word.... Good Times in Chi-town!

The Rogers family packed up and headed into Naperville for Thanksgiving at Aunt Mary and Uncle Marc's house. The way down was difficult to say the least. While traffic early Thursday morning was wonderful, our lovely little Lucy decided she wanted her nap, but she didnt want to take one in the car. Sooooo... she protested. Lucy cried from about Big Rapids all the way into the Chicago area. Once at the hotel, we did get her to take at least a short nap.

Mary was in fine form as usual with her meal (Let's hear it for the Cran-Razz relish!!!). It was all great. Unfortunately, Lucy's lack of sleep made for an early bedtime, so we had to run right after dinner (we even took pie to the hotel). The weekend was difficult for Miss Lucy. The nights were interrupted for several hours at a time and she was just not her usual affable self. On Friday's brunch with the Hallowells, she again struggled with fatigue... again we left early. Finally we discover ~why~ she has been out of sorts. 2 teeth had broken the surface of her gums, and 2 more are waiting on deck! Ouch! I'd be grumpy too! So we medicated her for the ride home. While she napped all of 20 minutes at best, she was much more cheerful. Perhaps the Great Aunt Amy's treat package was part of the reason. Check out this action!

Owen was great--really! He even put on a parasol parade for us with Grammy. Too fun!




















Mitchell impressed all with his writing skills.... and dabbled in playing iphone games with Uncle Matt.

And here is Lucy in one of the few happy moments over the weekend.


I just noticed that Mitchell and Lucy are like puzzle pieces...
Mitchell's missing his front teeth (by the way, another wiggler was found today) and that's all Miss Lucy has. :)