Last Weekend (Thanksgiving)

My two monkeys!

Sunday morning my family came over for brunch.  It was my dad's actual 60th birthday and my birthday was on Tuesday.  We wanted to get together to celebrate both our birthdays.  My parents brought ham, hashbrowns, and eggs to make omelettes.  Kyle helped my dad cook the eggs and we had a great brunch together. Claire was happy to help my dad and I open presents.  I was so spoiled by my family.  My sister and Derrick bought me Michael Smith's new cookbook Family Meals and a large Starbucks mug.  My parents got me the Oh She Glows Cookbook, many yummy scented candles from Bath and Body Works and a Starbucks mug as well.  My dad got a Jets jersey from Erica and Derrick and we got him tickets to the Jets game this coming Sunday night.  

Claire and Derrick (He's camera shy!)

Auntie Erica loves to pick out the girls outfits when she comes over

Claire helping grandpa open his gifts

Grandpa is all set for the Jets game Sunday

Claire helping me open gifts

Sunday after the girls naps we headed to the park at the end of the street.  It was a gorgeous afternoon and the weather was perfect for a walk to the park. Claire climbed the rock wall thing at the park on her own for the first time.  She was very proud of herself.  

Climbing to the top all by herself

Cause for celebration!

Yay she made it!

A little modelling before going out for dinner

Everyone watching Claire eat ice cream

Great food with the family

Abby watching daddy eating his dessert (brownies)

We then met Kyle's parents and grandma at Kildonan Park at the restaurant there, Food Evolution for dinner.  They had a great menu with local items.  I ordered the beef brisket with a sweet and spicy mustard, it was delicious!  Kyle ordered the pork schnitzel.  Claire had their veggie pasta, she ate it all.  They brought us a chocolate brownie with ice cream and Claire was able to have a twist ice cream with sprinkles.  She wouldn't share her's with anyone.  She was so quiet while she was eating her ice cream.  

Monday Kyle and I spent all morning and afternoon prepping for our Thanksgiving dinner we were hosting that night.  We were having both our families over including both our grandma's and our niece and nephew, Evan and Emily.  Kyle's brother Scott and his wife Susie were unable to make it because they were in Las Vegas for the long weekend.  So lucky right?  

Claire helping me roll out the dough for the pumpkin pies

Abby eating bananas for the first time (messy eater)

We had to prep for the stuffing, mash potatoes and turkey.  I finished baking the two pumpkin pies.  Kyle's grandma offered to bring cabbage rolls, coleslaw, and Pyrizhky Buns.  Kyle's mom offered to bring perogies.  My parents brought sweet and sour meatballs, my sister and Derrick brought buns.  I felt like we just got thing done in time for everyone arriving at 3 pm so I'm not sure what we would have done if everyone didn't pitch in and bring something.  Kyle was just talking about how is grandma would make all of those dishes herself for Thanksgiving and Christmas and with only one small over and stove, crazy!!

Claire made the name cards and plate decorations with me

This was the kids table

Abby loves playing with her cousins Evan and Emily

The ladies hanging out before dinner

These two are not happy with the Bombers performance

Kyle doing the honours with the big bird

So much food!!

Dig in everyone!

Another birthday celebration for me and my dad

Claire was happy to blow out more candles

Chocolate and Vanilla Strawberry cake

Everything turned out delicious!!  The turkey was juicy and tender. The pumpkin pies with fresh whipped cream were a big hit!  Everyone was so stuffed after.  Susie's mom Otilia sent over two birthday cakes with Kyle's mom.  She made a chocolate one and a vanilla strawberry one.  I had contacted her a couple weeks ago asking if I could order a cake with her for my dad's surprise birthday but she had 4 other cakes to make that weekend so unfortunately she couldn't do it, but she felt bad and wanted to send two cakes for each of our birthday's on Monday.  It was so sweet of her, she makes delicious cakes!  Even though the Bombers played a terrible game and lost the dinner was a success.