Thanksgiving...it was a success!!

I actually did it!! I hosted my first Thanksgiving dinner and it went very well. Kevin and I got up at 3 am to put Tom the Turkey in his brine and then at 11:30 am, Tom went in the oven. The turkey was moist and so flavorful. I was both relieved and thrilled that the main entree was edible and delicious. I feel like I have made yet another passage in my womanhood...I have made the Thanksgiving turkey!!! The dining room table also turned out super fab!! I found this idea for centerpiece candles at another blog spot and re-created it. Martha Stewart should be calling me any day now...

Keegan also got to spend time with two more of his cousins, Madison and Caulin. Madison did a wonderful job playing with Keegan while Kevin and I cleaned up the kitchen. I do not know who giggled more that night, Madison or Keegan. Since we will not see the two kids for Christmas, they got to open up their Christmas gifts after dinner. This was Keegan's first time opening gifts. He was not really sure about the whole experience and needed help from the cousins to get his gifts unwrapped. All 3 kids got wonderful gifts and to quote my nephew after he opened up his Nintendo DS game, "All my dreams came true!" Wow...I guess that sums it all up!

The Night Before Thanksgiving...

Last year, my cousin Sarah, her husband Brian, and their son Henry, traveled from D.C. to Cleveland for Thanksgiving. This year, we were blessed to have them at our house again. They stayed for one night and then left on Thanksgiving, to spend it with Brian's family. Henry is 16 months and full of energy!!! It definitely gave me a sneak peak of what my life will be very soon! We had a great evening of watching Henry play and watching Keegan be fascinated with his cousin. I am sure these two boys will have many adventures during their childhood! It was so wonderful to have Sarah and her family with us. We were saddened to see them go, but we are hopeful to make a trip out east to see them this summer.

Another year, Another Win!!!

Kevin's good friend lives in Michigan. About 3 years ago, we traveled to see him the same weekend the OSU vs. Michigan game was playing. Ever since, we have made it an annual tradition to meet up with him and his wife during the big game. This year, the game was in Michigan, so we packed up our things and headed north. We made sure Keegan was dressed in his Scarlet and Gray for the big game.

I am happy to report that over our 3 year tradition, we are 3-0!! Go Bucks!! Not only did Keegan get to experience a winning weekend, he also got to go to see his first parade and take a walk at a nearby park. We had such a great weekend and can not wait to do it again next year!

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!!!