Turkey Trot

Matt had to work a half-day on our actual Thanksgiving Day. I was at the school that morning decorating for our staff Thanksgiving that was being held the next day. We taxied to Peter's Tex Mex for a late lunch and were joined by our friends the Millers. It wasn't a traditional meal, but we enjoyed it (Matt had fried chicken and Brynn a hotdog). We topped it off with yummy ice cream.

The next day began with me running (or should I say slowing jogging) a 5K Turkey Trot. Matt was okay with skipping and watching the girls. Matt's philosophy on running is that he doesn't do it unless he is playing a sport or someone is chasing him. I am proud to say I was able to jog the whole way without stopping and I did not pass out! 

Aubrey hanging out with Daddy while Mommy ran.

Brynn and Peyton trying on their Tot Trot Shirts

After the 5K the kids participated in a Tot Trot. Brynn had a blast and made it two whole laps around the track.

Lap 1

Lap 2

 

 

Go Brynn Go!

The highlight for her was the two stickers she got for completing laps and the cinnamon roll she talked me into letting her eat.

Aubrey worked hard too!

Later that day, we joined the rest of our staff for a delicious traditional Thanksgiving meal. We all ate too much and finished the afternoon playing outside. Matt even played a soccer match and Brynn enjoyed the sandbox. Aubrey had a full belly and napped the whole time!

Brynn enjoyed the activities at the kiddie table.

Unfortunately I did not get any family pictures.

We got to Skype both sets of parents today. We are so thankful for our wonderful family!

5 months and Cereal

Aubrey is already 5 months old. She is getting so big and has mastered rolling over. Her new favorite past time is sucking on her toes. She is fast.... as soon as the outfit comes off, the toes go straight to the mouth. 

 

 She still adores her sister. Nobody can get her to laugh like Brynn does.  Aubrey can move all around the house in her walker. Sometimes I catch her just watching Brynn play. Brynn has started to communicate with Aubrey and will have conversations with her. I overheard Brynn the other day say "Aubrey Rae don't worry, I'll be right back:".

 We have to start watching Brynn's toys and putting away small pieces. Aubrey can roll all over the place now and everything she touches goes straight to her mouth.

 

  I don't think Aubrey has ever had a bad day. She wakes up happy and goes to bed happy. It is just the several wake-ups in the night to see Mommy that we have to work on.

 

 We gave Aubrey some cereal for the first time this week. She seemed to enjoy it and did a good job getting it down.

I will be making all of Aubrey's baby food. They don't have jars of food like we do in the states and the ones they do have I don't know what  they are. I was able to find a rice cereal and they came in some interesting flavors. There was prawn flavored, seaweed flavor, and some other intersting flavors. We stuck with the plain.

11/11/11

My Grandmother turned 90 years old on November 11th. My parents are in Florida right now celebrating with her and our extended family. We were sad we couldn't make it to the big party, so we sent a poster wishing Grandma a very happy birthday. Brynn was even able to sing Happy Birthday to her on Skype.

 

Matt's school had their Fall Festival on Saturday. We enjoyed some yummy treats. Brynn also got get her face painted, enjoyed a hay ride and played some carnival type games.

 

Brynn's favorite portion of the Fall Festival was the Bouncy Castle.

 

 Matt caught one of her wipe outs on camera!

Aubrey Laughs and Rolls...

Saturday night Brynn was taking a bath and Aubrey and I were watching. Brynn was being silly and dumping water on her head and then making a funny noise as she spit out the water. After about the third time of Brynn doing this Aubrey started to giggle. Each time Brynn did this Aubrey got a little more excited. Her giggle turned into a laugh and by the end she was cackling. It was so cute and the sweetest sound.

Our friends and family that have visited us can concur that Chengdu can be a gloomy place. It is located between mountains and the clouds just seem to settle in and not move. The last three days have been so pretty. We have actually had sun and a moon. Yesterday we visited the park for a while. After Aubrey's afternoon nap today, I put her on our balcony and got some cute pictures of her. Sorry for the picture overload, but I think the grandparents will enjoy!

While the pictures were uploading for this blog I was sitting on the floor playing with Aubrey. She has been so close to rolling over from her back to her tummy and she just DID it for the first time. She rolled all the way over and then turned her head to me and smiled. I just freaked out and called Matt. It is funny how excited you can get over milestones that your children accomplish!

Matt is leaving for Singapore on Monday with his Model United Nations class. I am not looking forward to 7 nights without Matt. Brynn has become a big time Daddy's girl and is really going to miss her daddy. Every morning when she wakes up she runs into the living room to see if Matt has left.

Here are just a few more pictures of our precious Aubrey!!

Dora and Boots

DORA

BOOTS

Dora and Boots

Getting some candy!

Brynn's I love candy face.

 

A bumblebee (Brynn's best friend Peyton) and Dora running to get more candy.

Brynn wanted Daddy to be Diego, but I just couldn't get it together in time. I was still crocheting red boots at noon. My friend, Katie, made the adorable monkey hat.

Mommy and Boots

Family Picture