We enjoyed a relaxing Thanksgiving week, since Jim had three days off work & class, and we decided to stay home for the holiday. One afternoon we even had a family date at Starbuck's! (because it was buy one get one free on drinks) It was a first for us to get out of the house. While we sipped our lattes (though Jul had to have hers re-made twice to get it right), Gemma enjoyed staring at the lady studying at the next table and listening to the jazz music playing on the speakers.
On Tuesday we had dessert night with the Brashers - pumpkin cheesecake, choc chip pecan bars and coffee. Little Elijah is almost 2 months old (5 weeks younger than Gemma). In a few months they may actually start to take notice of each other.
Gemma tried out Thomas's armchair (he's age 2) and decided she'd like to have one of her own. Doesn't she look right at home? ...hence, the drool.
Our Thanksgiving Day was quiet, just the three of us at home. Jim and I stayed busy in the kitchen, having fun cooking together (and washing up, but that doesn't fall in the fun category) while Gemma took a long afternoon nap. Here's Jim with his orange-pumpkin cloverleaf rolls.
And me with the turkey, resting before carving. Don't worry, the two of us will have no trouble consuming all 11 lbs of that.
On Saturday Debbie (a co-student with Jim) and Rick came for dinner - and were good enough to hold and play with Gemma a bit, even though she spit up on her overalls. 
Last week Jim was given two days off work (in exchange for going to a conference up at Michigan State earlier in the week) so we took the opportunity to drive up to Wheaton and see some family and friends - and catch last-of-the-fall-season Wheaton sports.It was Gemma's first road trip and she did pretty well, partly sleeping during the ride and partly looking at & talking to the toys hanging from her car seat (and crying for about 30 minutes, yuck). Once we got there though she was very happy, of course!
Nonna enjoyed changing some diapers and having play-time on the change table with Gemma, who always shows off lots of smiles and gurgles and kicks while on there.
Gemma met her cousin-once-removed Carol, and sat contentedly in her lap one evening.
And more cousins-once removed, Betsy and Nathan. 
Of course we had to see the Williams and catch up on how much their kids have grown since we saw them in June - and get encouragement on handling the sleep patterns of an infant. (here they are, minus 5-year old Owen)
At the Wheaton football game with Dad - a long-time tradition!!
Meeting more cousins, Olivia, Susie and Britta:
Lars in the background...and Gemma with a crazy bow on her head...
At the Wheaton women's soccer game, the conference championship! With Jill (her husband is the trainer) and Fo & Hayden. Pretty soon he'll be cheering for his dad's team. He was very smiley and talkative already! Meanwhile Gemma slept through almost all of it, happily snuggled up (it was Cold!) in the carrier.
Yay! Happy times at 516 E Forest. It is SO good to be with family. (Actually Gemma is smiling over at Nonna.)
On Tuesday we had dessert night with the Brashers - pumpkin cheesecake, choc chip pecan bars and coffee. Little Elijah is almost 2 months old (5 weeks younger than Gemma). In a few months they may actually start to take notice of each other.
Gemma tried out Thomas's armchair (he's age 2) and decided she'd like to have one of her own. Doesn't she look right at home? ...hence, the drool.
Our Thanksgiving Day was quiet, just the three of us at home. Jim and I stayed busy in the kitchen, having fun cooking together (and washing up, but that doesn't fall in the fun category) while Gemma took a long afternoon nap. Here's Jim with his orange-pumpkin cloverleaf rolls.
And me with the turkey, resting before carving. Don't worry, the two of us will have no trouble consuming all 11 lbs of that.
On Saturday Debbie (a co-student with Jim) and Rick came for dinner - and were good enough to hold and play with Gemma a bit, even though she spit up on her overalls. 
