Thanksgiving 2013

As has become tradition, this Thanksgiving started off with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  The kids loved the Broadway show performances at first and then wanted to see their favorite floats and favorite balloons.  They could have done without the drag queen broadway musical that was performed for the world to see!  Interesting choice Macy's!
We then got our things together and headed to the Alford home.  Isa had requested that I make my sinful potatoes, so of course I was flattered and made them for him!  The day was full of fun, food, and family.  It was sad though because Cynthia (Curt's older sister) had been in the hospital with pneumonia for 2 weeks and was still in.  She missed our holiday together and she was very missed...it was not the same without her for sure!

Parade with my cuddle bug!

Ready for yummy turkey!

My girl!

Robert, Isa and Brooklyn

Workin for food!

Coffee time!

Video games

Kids love playing in Robert and Edward's room!

Edward has a new guinea pig

We then headed over to the Lewis home where we got to celebrate baby John's first Thanksgiving.  Though we were quite stuffed from lunch, we had a great time with the clan!  Granny got to meet John for the first time because we went and got her from her home and brought her for a yummy meal.  She was having surgery the next week, so her poor arm was bandaged and wrapped.

Santa Wonderland with the Pierrels

We went to Santa Wonderland in College Station this year with the Pierrels!  We decided to go before Thanksgiving to avoid huge crowds and long lines for the hayride.  We were able to get in pretty quickly after enjoying Freebirds with our families!  Brought back many memories from college for Laurie and me!  The weather was at freezing, so we were bundled up and seriously ready for a very cold night.  That is exactly what we got.  It was filled with beautiful lights, hot cobbler, kettle corn, fudge, country Christmas music, and plenty of hot chocolate.  Thank you for joining us Laurie and Nick...we had a blast!

Yearly Ornament from Memaw and Pop

Every year Memaw and Pop get Brooklyn and Colson a special Hallmark ornament that is in line with their likings at the time in their lives.  It is truly something that the kids look forward to!  This year Colson got a patriotic Ironman and Brooklyn got a Fancy Nancy figurine.  So special!  The kids love them!

Decorating for Christmas!

The weekend before Thanksgiving we spent some time decorating for Christmas!  It is my absolute favorite time of year!  I love being with family, giving gifts, and enjoying teaching the kids the real reason for the season.

Baby John Kenneth Crouch Jr.

Our family changed tremendously on November 10, 2013.  I got a call at 3:40 in the morning on a Sunday telling me that Kristin was going to the hospital because her contractions were 3 minutes apart.  I told my mom I would be there in a few hours.  At 4:30 I got another call saying that they just did an exam and she was 9 cm!  I hopped out of bed to head to the hospital waiting room to meet my new nephew.  On the way, I talked to my mom telling her that I would go straight to the waiting room because I am sure she would start pushing soon!  I was thrilled when my mom said that Kristin wanted me in the room and by her side during her labor.  She was too late for an epidural and so she had him all natural.  The hard contractions and screams would be followed with apologies...she was a champ.  She had baby John at 6:21.  We were thrilled and I have to say it was the most amazing experience.  I am one proud Aunt and thrilled that at 7lbs 8 oz and 20 in long, John came into our lives!

I have never been more proud of Kristin!

Big John and Baby John

First time meeting Uncle Curt

SMILE!