Getting Ready for the Big Turkey Day!!!

I love Thanksgiving. It is my most favorite holiday. I love the idea of family coming together to eat and just enjoy each others company. No need for gifts...just being together is gift enough. So, this year, I decided to host Thanksgiving for Kevin's side of the family. I love to cook. I grew up with my mom always having a wonderful hot meal on the table. Every night she did this and I have adopted the same tradition in our home. I have learned a lot from my mom as far as how to make some really good food. So, the idea of making Thanksgiving dinner does not scare me, but making the turkey does! I have watched EVERY foodnetwork.com "how to" video and I have the Food Network channel on all day. I plan on brining the turkey and then roasting it. So, I learned I will need a big stock pot for the turkey to brine it. Kevin brought home this stock pot last night and Keegan wanted to play in it! So...here you have it...our little Thanksgiving Turkey.
I even have had Kevin watching videos on how to carve the turkey. I keep letting him know this a "man's job" to build up his ego and confidence! I know he will do a great job. I just hope the turkey comes out moist! I plan to post pics of the Thanksgiving Day events and hopefully will have many success stories about the turkey. I just keep telling myself that even if the turkey does not turn out well, I make a killer apple pie!

Trick or Treat!!!

First, let me give you some background on Keegan's Halloween costume. My 83 year old grandfather works full time at Lowes. I know...amazing! He recently sent Keegan a package that included a Lowe's work apron, a Lowe's hat, and various wood assembly projects that Lowe's features at their stores. Of course Keegan is too young to assemble any of the toys...but by gosh he sure looks good in the Lowe's attire. So, there you have it...he dressed up as a Lowe's employee.
I can not wait for my Grandpa to see these photos....I can hear him laughing now!!

The other big news of the month is the arrival of Keegan's first tooth. He is pretty proud of his new chopper! And it looks like another one is on it's way....

Keegan's Kickers!

Since the weather is turning colder here in Ohio, we decided that Keegan needed some extra warmth for his feet. So, Kevin bought Keegan his foot pair of shoes...a size 3! Keegan thinks he is pretty hot stuff with his shoes on. He enjoys playing with the velcro straps...great entertainment while sitting in the carseat.

Keegan just turned 8 months old. His current faves are....playing with his cars on the hardwood floor in the foyer, playing with Leggos, and hanging out with mom in the kitchen! Here are a few pictures of Keegan enjoying some of his favorite pastimes!

Swim Classes!

We decided to start swim classes with Keegan last month and it was a great decision. We go every Saturday for 6 weeks. This coming Saturday is when Keegan gets to go all the way under!!! I do not think he will mind, since he is constantly plopping his face in the water to get a taste of the wet stuff.
Kevin and I both go in the water with him and have learned some safety techniques as well as handling techniques. My dad even showed up on the first day and took some really good pictures. Enjoy!

Gently pouring water over Keegan's head so he gets used to water on his face. As long as the thumb is in his mouth he could care less.

Grandpa and Keegan...apple juice after a hard day in the pool!

The boys!!!

A Little Taste of Paradise!

We officially had our first family vacation. And we are planning for one next year already! So, yes, the trip was a success. Thanks to my Aunt Cheryl, Aunt Brenda, and my mom for watching Keegan to allow Kevin and I to have some adult time.
Keegan had many "firsts" on his vacation. He had his first airplane ride. He did well in the plane with only about 15 minutes of crying. The rest of the time was spent playing and flirting with whoever was walking down the aisle! He also had his first experience with the beach and the ocean. He was in the Gulf of Mexico and playing in the sand without hesitation. He spent countless hours in the pool playing with his rubber fish and sitting in his inflatable car. He was able to meet his GreatGrandparents! They were tickled to meet him and loved to watch him play and laugh.
Our overall experience in Florida was such a positive and relaxing one! We hope that every year we are able to travel with family to get away from the everyday grind and really focus on what life is all about...family!

The next Beckham!

Keegan's babysitter is a junior at Copley High School. She loves Keegan and Keegan adores her. We have gone to a few of her soccer games this season. We suprised her today at an away game. I ordered a shirt for Keegan and as you will see in the pictures below he looks pretty cool!Lexi was thrilled when she saw Keegan. I think it really made her day when she saw his shirt. Copley was winning 1-0 when we left at the half and we hope they beat Revere tonight! So, if you are wondering where I got this idea for the shirt...I can not take any of the credit. Actually, it goes to my parents. When I was a toddler they made me a shirt that stated "My dad is... The Ref!" My dad has been a high school wrestling official for over 30 years and that is what I would wear when I would go to his wrestling tournaments. So, the tradition continues....

75 and Sunny!

Yes I love the summer. But I will have to admit that a day like today is not so bad. A day without humidity but with sunshine is a great day. I always thought I would love living in the south. But, after only one year in Georgia I realized I was not the Southern Belle I thought I was destined to be. By living in the heat it really made me appreciate the change of seasons. The change in the weather is like starting a clean slate; writing a new chapter. You change your wardrobe, you change your activities, etc. Keegan apparently enjoyed the day also. He was perfectly content riding in his stroller watching people mow their grass, watching the dogs in the neighborhood, and watching the kids get off the school bus. We took an hour long walk and he was having a great time.