November

Eli's birthday was on the 20th of November. All he knows of birthdays is what we have read in books and what he remembers from Joe's birthday. Since I had made Joe a pinata for his birthday, I felt I had to make one for Eli. A ball theme seemed the easiest way to go about it seeing a balloon looks most like a ball. Plus, I couldn't have another ugly pinata (Joe's pinata ended up looking like a pickle instead of boat).

We had a little party the 19th. Eli was waiting to eat the cake all morning long... he didn't even care that he didn't get to blow out the candles (a friend helped him blow them out).

We also played pin the soccer ball on the player. All the kids helped Eli open his presents. He got a couple of books, blocks, broom and dust pan, ball, monkey slippers and a rolling pin. Eli was excited about them all. Thanks!

He just received belated gifts from Sandy, grandma and grandpa Abel at Thanksgiving. I don't know how we missed taking even one picture of Eli with the grandparents or of Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving was delicious and relaxing. Eli loved playing with his trains and grandparents. Joe and I enjoyed the weather while walking around the neighborhood.

Friday we were able to ditch the little one off on grandma and grandpa while we went to the temple. It was lovely. It is probably our last chance of going for a while since the baby will be here in a couple of months. Eli was lucky enough to take the Toby (the metro) to the zoo with grandma and grandpa.

It was fun to see Joe's old house and neighborhood (he lived in Maryland for about 3 years as a small lad). We also went to a colonial farm on the Potomac, saw lots of animals and a view of Mount Vernon. Sunday we headed back. Though Joe and I decided we abhor the traffic around D.C. and are glad we don't travel in it on a daily basis. Eli traveled surprisingly well, lucky for us!

Halloween

The climax of Halloween came the night before as we rolled ourselves to the Trunk-o-Treat. After creating a masterpiece of a costume for Eli (Thomas the Train), he refused to wear it. He was a bit overwhelmed by everything that was happening... there were games, candy and a lot of weird people dressed up. I did make a bucket for him that didn't leave his side. At least he liked something. Plus, he learned how to say "Thomas".






Joe and I had the gumption to dress up. Oh, we are so spirited.

I have to say I thought I was pretty clever coming up with our costumes... even the babe got to dress up.

If you can't figure it our from the picture I'm an oven, the babe's a bun, and Joe's the mighty baker.




Halloween morning we did get Eli to put on his costume in order to take pictures and a bit of video. Our camera doesn't always work though and we have lines going through the pictures/videos. Still, lines and all, Eli's pretty cute. Perhaps we'll get a new one but that's we say about everything else we own.