Thanksgiving Weekend

Our Thanksgiving was really a nice four days. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
THURSDAY-The day started off with going to church and playing at the park afterwards. Then we came home to watch football. It got a little depressing how quiet it was here. I really enjoy all the loud family gatherings and I missed that a lot. After having some snacks and Addison's nap, we headed to dinner. We had a great Thanksgiving Meal at Maggianos. I would recommend it to anyone who is not looking to cook. The food was delicious and they gave you so many different options. Addison enjoyed a turkey cookie we bought at a new bakery at The Grove.
FRIDAY-All 3 of us headed out to Anaheim to see the Blackhawk's play the Ducks. To top off the day Jim surprised us that Portillo's was right near the stadium, so we headed there for lunch. It was funny, because there were many other Chicago fans eating there too! It was as good as it always is. Addison did great at the game. She wasn't a fan when they dimmed the lights and the it got loud, but she was excited to hug the Duck and eat ice cream. I convinced Jim to stop at the The Grove Mall on the way home to get one last gift I needed. That place is so cute during the holidays. There is a picture of Addison ringing the bells to some ladies playing holiday music. We ended up eating dinner there outside (with a heater near by).
SATURDAY-We got up really early and ran a 5K in Santa Monica. It was my first and I enjoyed it. Addison was pushed in the jogging stroller by Jim. We headed to breakfast and then played at home. Then my cousin Lisa came to babysit Addison while Jim and I headed to the Notre Dame/USC game. We had a great time at the game, except that it started pouring the 3rd and 4th quarter. We stayed for a long time in the rain, but then enough was enough. Of course we missed the final touchdown and ND finally beating USC. It was fun anyways!!
Sunday we were lazy (well Addison and I were) and watched the Bear's win and took long naps, while Jim studied of course. I was so thankful to have Jim around for 4 days and all the fun things we got to do. We ended our weekend with dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. On the way home we gave Addison's extra pizza to a homeless lady, who looked like one of us. It was really sad. We felt good, but Miss Addison had a hard time that we gave her pizza away. Guess we have a lot of lessons of giving to others in the near future. Jim keeps reminding me "she's only 2". Enjoy some photos of our weekend.

Chicago

We finally made it home to Chicago for the first time in 3.5 months. It felt so great to be back in Lombard! We were there from late Wednesday through Sunday. It went by really quick, because of all we did. We spent a lot of time with both our families and went to our good friend's wedding, which Jim stood up in. I can't believe I have no pictures. I think I was so excited to see and talk to people, that I forgot to get my camera out. Addison had a blast playing with her cousin Brody and sleeping over at both Grandparent's houses. I loved the cold air and cozy feeling of being in a home. I keep praying that we are able to move back there next summer. For now, we can't wait to be back for a week at Christmas!! Thanks to both our families for the great visit!!
It took a few days for Addison to recover from lack of sleep and a bad cold she got while in town. Flying on an airplane for 4 hours with her isn't my favorite thing to do, but it wasn't horrible.

Halloween

The weekend of Halloween was very busy for Miss Addison. On Friday she started off by having a Halloween parade and party at her school. It was so cute. I loved being in the audience and watching. I am even the room mom for her class, so that was fun too. Addison was Mini Mouse this year. She chose that. There was a Mickey Mouse boy in her class and they held hands during the parade. It was adorable. She is so obsessed with candy that I'm glad Halloween is over (although we do have a few pieces left).
Then on Sunday we went Tricking or Treating in our neighborhood. It started off with trick or treating at all the stores on Montana Ave in Santa Monica. Her first stop was the liquor store right next to our apartment. Then we met some friends and headed to the houses. Halloween in Santa Monica was the most amazing Halloween experience we've ever had. Jim and I kept saying to each other "can you believe this". The houses are beautiful and their are people everywhere. I could barely get the stroller down the street at times. We stayed out for a few hours, because we all were having such a great time and the weather was great. Halloween will be one of our great memories in Santa Monica!

Disneyland

Disneyland is about 30 minutes from us, so we decided to make a day trip for their Halloween Celebration. We left early in the morning and had a great time. The weather was perfect. Addison was super brave and went on all the rides we asked her too. She even did a pretty good job standing in line for a length of time. I think Jim had as much fun as Addison. He really wanted to go on Space Mountain, but the line was way to long. We'll be back in Spring with family, so he can go then I told him. Addison loved visiting Minnie Mouses house, getting autographs, seeing characters and watching the amazing "Celebration Parade" they put on. We tried to last until 9:30 at night for the fireworks, but we just couldn't do it. Maybe next time. I heard they are great. We walked away with many Mini Mouse items and other things too!!

Pumpkin Farm

We had a great time at the Pumpkin Farm the week before Halloween. We decided to try the place where all the celebrities go, but we didn't see anyone that day. Addison had fun decorating a pumpkin, petting animals, getting her face painted, eating cookies and picking out her pumpkin. It wouldn't be a day without Addison if we didn't have a tantrum, so she of course had a tantrum when it was time to leave. I thought we might make US magazine with her kicking and screaming while Jim carried her to the car, but I guess they are really looking for "real celebrities". We went the easy route decorating a pumpkin this year since we don't have a lot of room to carve and make a mess!!

Napa Valley

In Mid October we had the opportunity to fly to San Francisco and drive to Napa for a long weekend. Jim was going for a conference, so Addison and I tagged along. We were able to bring my cousin Lisa with us to keep me company during the day and to help watch Addison during the evenings. We had a great time shopping, taking a wine tour, eating at many yummy places and having 2 date nights out with Jim. The town of Napa was ok, but when you go through St. Helena and other towns you literally pass vineyard after vineyard. It was really beautiful. We had a great time.