Thanksgiving & a Name the photo contest

I should really take a few photos with Oma and Opa when visiting them. But I get so relaxed and spoiled being up at their house that I tend to forget. We went to Oma's house for Thanksgiving this year. Oliver LOVES talking about Oma and thoroughly enjoys having her wrapped around his little finger. She read a TON of books to Oliver, lays down on her stomach to color on the floor, and feeds him super yummy food whenever he's hungry. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day. Oliver and I were even able to take a nap on Oma's comfy, cozy bed after lunch.

Then Uncle Jason came home and played with Oliver for a little while. What a treat, Uncle Jason borrowed Oliver his sunglasses to wear. Oliver made sure to share with his bunny.

name this photo and win big.
If you leave a comment you'll be entered to win a set of 10 handmade Christmas cards!
I'll pick a winner sometime this week.

Gifts Ideas $10 or under

Oliver doesn't need a whole lot and we're not expecting gifts this year. For those who feel like getting Oliver a little something without breaking the bank I've put together a few suggestions. But PLEASE do not in anyway feel that you MUST get him something. He's still young and a little goes a long way.

Books off the Amazon Wishlist on the bottom of the right sidebar(or click here)... like fifteen animals by Sandra Boynton ($6.25 at target) or Where's Waldo.

Small Puzzles, memory games, or Flashcards

Hot wheel cars, plastic food toys, building blocks

*Art supplies: Crayons, Markers, clay, goo, watercolor paints, chalk, Placemats

Clothes 4T or larger

Marmee and Daddy are thinking of getting Oliver a small table top art Easel and a doctors kit (he can play with at the hospital visiting Baby). If you'd like to get things that add to those like Art supplies* or Fun Band aids... feel free.

Ps. Not that Daddy or Oliver would agree with me, but Oliver currently has plenty of stuffed animals

Also, for those who love handmade (which we adore!) a few family gift suggestions:
1. Loaf of homemade bread (pumpkin, banana, cinnamon raisin, etc)
2. Desserts: apple crisp, or Bread pudding (hint, hint Morfar)
3. One big old family meal- at your house or ours
4. Frozen meals for a couple of tired parents once baby #2 arrives

Three pregnant sisters

My younger sister Eme had a baby shower yesterday. Being pregnant with two of my three sisters is a bit crazy but at least there will be a big cluster of cousins around the same age. That should be fun. Eme's due date is two days after mine and my twin sister Michelle's due date is about 3+ months after that. That adds up to a lot of baby bellies in the same room.

A little history

I took the day off from work today and we went on a family adventure to the History Museum. It's not actually the most awesome play place for a 23 month old, but Oliver loves seeing new things. He explored a grain elevator play tower with Daddy, checked to see if the old candy machine would give us 15 cent chocolate, and tested TV tubes to get the Television working again.

Oh, that's not all we did- there was a lot of see at the Museum. Oliver found the old soda fountain shop where he could scoop up ice cream for everyone.

More... that's right. We found a couple games that Oliver enjoyed playing. Pin the tail on the donkey and the clothespin drop.

Lastly, he drove an old greyhound bus! How fun is that. It was a great day and the Museum was totally not busy- which is a nice change when big kids tend to run over our little man in crowded places.

Marmee and Oliver's little walk

Oliver and I enjoyed a half hour walk in the chilly fall weather. He found lots of rocks. He was so nice, he would find one for himself and then find one I could hold. Its what I always wanted a handful of rocks.

The city has been doing a lot of road construction around our neighborhood. I think they're finally wrapping things up, but the last month Oliver's had plenty of chances to watch the big trucks. He can tell you that a big truck says "Beep, beep, beep". The street sign was down and he wanted to touch the 'blue' sign. I tried to tell him that it was in fact green. (Usually his first color guess is orange for everything.)

baby kisses

We're trying to talk to Oliver about the baby. Not sure that he quite understands the whole baby will soon be coming home thing. I think we'll go to the library and get a few picture books on the subject. For now, this is what he knows:

oh yes- Oliver has named the baby "bunny". I suppose I should be flattered that he loves baby as much as his favorite stuff animal- the one he sleeps & cuddles with.

At least he's considerate enough to pull my shirt down to cover my belly when he's done with the subject of baby. I think he'll be a good big brother.

Face time with Oliver