The 'Ei's Have It: We Give Thanks

We made it to North Carolina to celebrate Thanksgiving. We enjoyed time with Grandmom and Grandpa (which right now sound like 'Memom and 'Peepaw') and even got spoiled by a second Nichols Family sighting in less than 6 months. She was a super travel-buddy and slept when she needed to sleep in the car, chuckled when she needed to chuckle, and sang quite a few 'original' versions of Old MacDonald and his random farm animals whenever she felt like it. We've entered the 'mine' phase recently and now, when I try to join in on the vocal fun from the driver's seat, she informs me that it's 'mine Old MacDonald had a farm.' Message received, buddy and don't worry, no offense taken. Even with a Thanksgiving morning trip to the ER (who put that coffee table there?), this little lady fills my heart with gratitude and joy. I give thanks daily that I get to be her Mommy.

Hmmm, not sure where she learned the art of taste-testing...

But she's a pro.

She's quite particular about her footwear these days. Exhibit A, these rainboots from Grammy didn't leave her feet for a solid week...not a drop of rain in sight.

What? Bob Ryan was wrong?

And, thanks to a generous Spring cleaning from two 'big girl' friends, Allie now has a bag full of princesses (even Ursula from the Little Mermaid gets to be considered a princess, it's an equal opportunity gig) which she loves. She also apparently enjoys dressing like a bad 80's movie star.

The headband's too much?

We settled in to North Carolina and ate, baked, and played our way through the holiday.

Just a little more...

Almost got it...

Theeeeerrreee we go.

We got up Thanksgiving morning and made our way to the clubhouse to welcome in the visiting Marines who stayed with families in the community for the day. Allie was VERY excited to see the 'soldiers' and the big buses, fire trucks, and motorcycles didn't hurt either. Please note the cameo appearances by 'Becky,' my redheaded friend from my own Allie-years. Fur coat courtesy of Grandmom.

Thanksgiving jeggins and a pre-ER forehead.

Heading back home for some turkey and...

...a head laceration.

While the Macy's Day Parade was going on, Allie took a quick seat on the edge of a Rubbermaid tub and before I could get to her, she tipped right into the edge of the coffee table (you'll notice that it's pushed away and covered in all future pictures). I figure it's not a trip to North Carolina without a visit to either Urgent Care or the ER. Fortunately, they gave us the option of surgical glue or stitches and so we opted for the non-needle solution and she was chatting it up with the nurses and reveling in her three-sticker haul (plus it takes three stickers to cover that belly) before we left for home. All in all, it could have been way worse. We made it back to the house in time for a little more playing and then a nap. Fortunately, she's a huge fan of band aids, so she's rocking the Precious Moments look for now and loving it.

'Cheese'

Clean shirt, my grandparents, and a plate full of 'chicken!' That's right, you call the shots today, buddy.

Call it what you want, she loved it. And yes, Becky joined us at the table.

First things first, I made sure that my stickers transferred to my new shirt.

After we ate, we decided it was time to replenish the food supply. Allie helped her Grandmom prepare for our part in the Nichols-sponsored '2012 Race for the Pie' the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Stir it up, G.

'Level' scoops, Grandmom, 'Level.'

Juuust, want to be sure it's edible.

Why yes, that is a Duplin General Hospital apron..we know it well.

Seriously...how long does a pie take to bake?

Later on Friday, we went to the clubhouse for a big-girl-dinner and since I wasn't allowed to get her hair-wet, we went pony-tail-style, which translates into Allie looking way too old for her age.
But, she's never too old for a giggle-fit, captured in slow-motion...

What?! That's just silly.

Oh...

my...

good...

ness!

Ahh.

We tried to take a pre-dinner snapshot. For Christmas, we're going to get Grandmom a lesson in photo-centering :o).

The 2012 Race for the Pie Runners in our coordinated race gear. Thanks, Janna!

We had already crossed the finish line, but it was time for the real race to begin. I was pretty sure that another trip to the ER was in our future with the way Allie was flailing her arms and cracking herself up trying to keep up with Cora, but we made it through in one piece...but not of pie...definitely more than one piece of pie.