Full of Thanks (& Cookies)

The day started at 52ºF and ended at 16º and snowing.  That's Minnesota for you. Luckily, I did think ahead and get my Christmas garlands and lights out before the winds of change swept in.

Chris operated most of Thanksgiving day which left Maddy and I together for most of her first Thanksgiving. We used our culinary skills to make a turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans. Stovetop supplied the stuffing (Chris's favorite) and the McCue's supplied the pie. Maddy was not impressed by the sides but the turkey, pie and plenty of cookies from Nana Sharon went down easily.

Maddy & I sang lots of Christmas songs and she opened her first Christmas present. Not her first one this year. Her first. Ever. Before you get misty-eyed, realizing she's 2 and just now opening a present, take heart- she will not lack in this department for long. She got the hang of ripping wrapping paper within the first few swipes and I have a feeling she will have a lot to practice on this Christmas. We were able to FaceTime with our families and Maddy even drew her Christmas buddy name with her Roark cousins. Since Maddy's "shopping" consists of trying to grab every toy on a shelf, cousin Mia could have a very good Christmas!

Presents from Nana Sharon arrived on Wednesday- cookies, ornaments and coloring books!

Cookie Monster

"More, more!"

Just hangin' out, eating cookies and listening to my cousins read to me. 

This isn't my usual oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast...

...but it is delicious! Cinnamon rolls are yummy!

Watching the Rockettes and Macy's Parade

This is just after a veggie burger and yogurt. Holidays are tiring. 

Choosing my Christmas Buddy. 

"Mia, I got you!"

Facetiming with my crazy cousins

"Let me start my list, Heidi."

Trying out the turkey. "It's a little dry, Mom." 

Celebrating Thanksgiving with my girl. My favorite part a big "May-Men" at the end of our prayers!

Maddy's first Christmas present. In keeping with the family tradition, we opened our  Mineart Christmas present on Thanksgiving.  Thanks for the pink blocks, cousin Julia!