Happy Thanksgiving

Yeah, we had our second Thanksgiving celebration with miss Sophia! So, originally we had planned to visit Grandma Jill and Grandpa Bill in NC, but unforeseen circumstances changed our plan and we ended up staying close to home–we missed you Grandma and Grandpa!

Anyway, it was a low key weekend and holiday. For Thanksgiving day we went to the Neulander house for a small family gathering. Sophia was endlessly entertained by Aunt Jenna's new kitty, Watson. The food and company was great as always!

Saturday night Nonna and Sophia had a sleep-over party. It was reported that they had a wonderful time. Thanks Nonna! I know Sophia is really looking forward to the next time. I guess this holiday made me reflect a little as it really is a thankful time in our lives. We are just so blessed and incredibly thankful to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

Sophia indulging in Pops dessert at Thanksgiving dinner.

Nonna and Sophia hanging.

Red is Back

Monday November 2nd Mimi, Sophia, and I flew to NOLA for the much anticipated arrival of cousin Marcus. The trip was long and painful, as Sophia showed off her best "singing" voice for most of both flights. We were relief and exhausted when we touched ground. I think Marcus knew how tough the flight would be and decided to give us a little time more to settle into life in NOLA before he arrived. Which also meant that we were able to spend a few days with just Brian and Chantal.

However, later that week he was finally ready, and on Thursday November 5th a red-cheeked, red-headed, 7lbs 8oz happy, healthy, content little boy was born—debuting just in time to meet all his visiting relatives who had prearranged travel to New Orleans just for him—and boy are we all so glad he did!!!

Here is a clip of him in all his infant glory. It's hard to tell here, but he really does have a carrot top.

Happy Halloween

Dressed as a little bumble-bee, miss Sophia buzzed her way from house to house. Nonna joined us on our adventure as we started out by going across the street to visit our friends, Brian, Carrie, and their daughter Lydia. After which we went up the street to visit my long time friend, Claire. Believe it or not Sophia was already tired by this point, but not to worry, Aunt Claire had the remedy–she gave Sophia some chocolate. This made her jump off the walls by the time we made our next stop at Mirca and Barbel's (where we were joined by Mimi, Pops, Angi, Mickey, and Yossi).

As we made it to our final destination to visit Mary and Taylor Espisito our "little bee" was pooped. We thought perhaps some real food was in order so Nonna, Sage, Sophia, Mimi, Pops, and I went for an early dinner. However, Sophia wasn't really interested in dinner. She thought it was much more fun to run around the restaurant—I guess she had too much sugar still in her system. Thankfully, she crashed quickly once we got in the car to head home.

We didn't prepare for any Halloween visitors since our neighborhood really doesn't get any anyway. However, we were surprised by one group of tweens who decided to be rebellious and ring our door bell despite the sign posted on the door "Do NOT ring" so as not to wake Sophia. Oh well—I guess that is why it's "trick-or-treat!" Sophia wasn't aroused and Sage scared off the kids.

Before the chocolate

Perking up

On the go

Flying