Thanksgiving in St. Louis

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We were able to travel to St. Louis to be with Mike’s family for the holiday. The day after we got there, the temperature was 70 degrees and absolutely beautiful. So we decided to take full advantage of it and we took a trip to the zoo with Grandma.

All the animals were out and active and Sarai really enjoyed experiencing all the animals in person. She loves the animals in her books and can make a lot of the animal sounds. But seeing them in real life was a whole new world for her.

We got to see the mommy elephant and her baby, camels, penguins, monkeys (Sarai’s favorite), lots of fish and zebras just to name a few.

Sarai thought the monkeys were really cool until they got right up to the window near her. She didn’t quite understand there was glass between her and them.

We were so excited to have a nice day while we were in St. Louis and have a chance to go to the zoo there. It really is fabulous and if you are ever in the area, you should definitely go. Plus, it is free!

Park Play

You would never have known Thanksgiving was just around the corner with some of the weather we had earlier this week. It was 78 degrees and absolutely gorgeous! So Sarai and I decided to take advantage of the warmer temps and we headed to the neighborhood park. One of Sarai’s new favorite things is leaves. Whenever we head outdoors she points around and says, “Leas! Leas! Ooooo!” I love that my daughter enjoys this time of year because fall has to be one of my favorites as well. The beautiful fall leaves are such a testimony to me of the Father’s love for us. I enjoy marveling at his creation and I pray my daughter will learn to marvel at His works as well.

Sarai also loves to slide! When daddy goes with us, she goes down the twirly slide all by herself but since it was just mommy and Sarai today, we stuck with the straight slides.

After a couple of spins down the slide, Sarai thought it would be fun to play peek-a-boo in between the rails.

I guess the squirrels realized how nice it was outside as well because they were busy at the park today. I actually thought there was a raccoon or dog in the brush but it was just the squirrels. Sarai heard them too. She would stop whatever she was doing and be completely still just listening to them scurry about.

It was so nice to be outside without our coats enjoying the fall colors. Of course, yesterday a cold front came through and we are back to long sleeves and coats. Oh well. We hope everyone is enjoying this time of year as much as we are and we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Daddy, Sarai and Laundry

Mike and Sarai were having a little fun the other day while I worked on folding laundry.

Apparently they have a new game where Mike puts her in the laundry basket and she rocks back and forth until the basket tips over. Of course, she wouldn't perform this feat for mommy to see but Mike claims it is completely hilarious. I just think she looks too cute sitting in the basket.

Halloween 2007

How cute is my little pumpkin!

Halloween was so much fun this year! Sarai still didn't fully understand but she did wonder what all these strange people were doing ringing the doorbell. Mike had to work at Papa John's Wednesday evening so Uncle John joined us to go trick or treating. We had a really good time and Sarai got a few suckers, now her favorite thanks to Aunt Erin :-)

Just a fun bit of info. The pumpkin costume she is wearing we actually borrowed from our friends we are living with. It was Erin's first halloween costume. How fun is that! Erin actually found a picture of her in it from 14 years ago. Thanks Erin! It was very special for Sarai to be able to wear your costume. Happy Halloween everyone!

Apple Picking and The Pumpkin Patch

In late October, we got away for the day and headed to the mountains to get some apples. You haven't lived until you have tasted a fresh mountain apple! This has become a bit of a tradition for us and I believe this is the fourth year we have gone. We always take the back roads up through the Lake Lure/ Chimney Rock area so that we can enjoy the colors on the way. Unfortunately this year the colors weren't all that great. Some it was due to the lack of rain here, and we were probably a week or two early for the peak viewing time. But that was fine because we still had a great time.

Our friend Andrea was able to join us this year and she and Sarai had a good time looking at the river and the rocks.

After a bite of lunch at a cute restuarant that looks out to Chimney Rock, we headed to Grandad's Farm to pick out some apples and play in the pumpkin patch. Sarai didn't know what to make of all the pumpkins but she had fun sitting in the middle of them.

All in all, we had a great time and enjoyed just being together. Now we have to get home and start baking some apple crisp!