This Thanksgiving The Relle Clan joined those Texas Tigers that were still in town with a special guest from Louisiana-Kay Kay (Jeremy's Mom).
DISCLAIMER: I realize that Jack's hair is out of control in these pictures. Yes, our Christmas pictures were taken with his hair in the following condition (with a ton of gel), I promise I tried to make an appointment sooner but she was booked, and know that since Thanksgiving his hair has been cut, and No, it is not the big boy cut....still swoop banged baby Jack.
When we arrived the tribird was still in the oven so we all just hung out catching up. Jack wasn't so much into the adult talk....he was more interested in Tedo and Bently the dogs.
"Come on dogs...I threw every ball out the basket...can't you at least fetch one of them to bring back to me?"
"Hmmm, I know that I don't have a dog (other than my stuffed animal that has a water bowl and real bone, but wasn't bred to play outside), but I'm pretty sure on TV and when I've been around dogs in the past they fetch dog toys and bring them back. And seem to enjoy it." 
"Ah hah.....I knew chasing them would get them moving. This is how we do it in the country big city dogs."
"That's right Tedo...you got the hang of it. Wait....why are you running to your Dad? Don't' tell on me please. I don't want to go to thinking time on Thanksgiving."
" You can trust me...I'm a vet. See my Animal Hospital kit?"
"Please don't eat my patients....I'll never be able to move to the big city if I sued. Can't we work this out? What about throwing the balls or chasing again?"
The unveiling of the tur-duck-hen from Louisiana. Yummy!
Jeremy made seafood bisque and next to it is part of the side dishes straight from the Meals to Go section at Market Street. Only the best from Mama Relle (Mom is probably disappointed...or proud that I chose to rest & spend time with my family away from work rather than cooking).
Sides continued: Cheddar and Sage Mashed Potatoes (Yum), Praline Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Medley, Gravy, & Potato Salad. And of course there was wine, beer, and later on champagne (writing it all-food & drinks- makes me realize why I was passed out in the country on the couch by 7:30 snoring like a bear as Nick and Jack told me).
First bite didn't win him over.
But after saying Cheers to family and friends near and far we all had a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner....Jack's favorite was the seafood bisque. That boy never seizes to amaze me when it comes to his food palette.
Proof that the meal was a success!
And who could forget dessert? Jack was nibbling on a two bite pumpkin pie with cream cheese compliments again of Market Street but the adults snacked on cookies compliments of the school's cookie dough sale & my hot hands (hot from volunteering of course) and Miley's homemade pumpkin pie (Nancy should be proud).
And as you can tell there were no hard feelings between Jack and his new friends (watch out Pepper & Lucy) after the chasing episode.
We sure missed family but think that our time at Christmas will be much better with us having a quiet break to get things done that work and a busy schedule keep us from crossing off our list. Can't wait to see ya'll soon.
Thanks Jeremy, Kay, Shelby, Miley, Tedo, & Bently for another great Texas Tiger Thanksgiving!
Here are a few more shots from our 9 day Thanksgiving Break!!!
At the beginning of the holiday Jack dressed up warm (like a homeless bum according to his Dad)...wonder if it was the shoes with the broken Velcro strap, the Mexican poncho, the glasses upside down, or the ski hat that is too small? I agree...wonder what made Nick think that?!?
"Nah Dad...I'm too cool to be doing manual labor. You finish up the yard."
"Hey, I don't see Mom helping either...I sure hope the neighbors don't call CPS on you Dad."
"Watch out...payback is a bitch when you have to rake all these leaves again after I throw them at you repeatedly."
My little homeless bum.
Who is such a big boy he falls down, doesn't cry, gets back up...
doesn't let him get down and keeps on going (I think he gets this trait from me-hehe).
When Jack came home from school on Wednesday Nick and I had put up the tree. He raced over to help decorate it.
Running to get more ornaments...so excited that HoHo (what he calls Santa) is coming soon.
Every year gets better and better. Watching the joy on his face was wonderful.
If he had a say so the tree would be covered from top to bottom in ornaments. We kept it simple and as non breakable this year as he would allow. Plus with going to Louisiana for the majority of our break it make the take down a bit more manageable. 
My little Angel.
My reindeer.
My abominable reindeer.
Thanksgiving night we read the Elf on the Shelf. Jack named him Doc (luckily as Boy was his first pick) and the next morning Jack was so cute when he found Doc the Elf on the Shelf in the Christmas tree. Last year Nick and Jack would wake up every morning to run and find the elf. This year is it even more fun because he is excited to find it...but understands that his behavior is reported to HoHo nightly by the elf. Great concept that I am carrying over to my classroom again this year as well with Magical the Elf on the Shelf (my students named him today).
Once the inside of the house was decorated it was time to finish up the yard.
A bunch of neighbors were out decorating too (no comment on their style of Alien Spaceship Launch Pad, oops-I meant Christmas Decorations. Wouldn't want to be a Scrooge). You'll have to wait til we get it all finished up to see the Relle Clan's house all did up.
Sunday we headed over to the McWilliams to finally meet baby Harper (and visit Karen and play with Olivia too). She was so precious. It was like holding a mini Olivia. I forgot how tiny newborns are. Can't wait til she is up and moving though so she can have tons of fun with her big sister Olivia and brother in law, Jack.
You know we couldn't just visit and have pizza without a fun creative project...so we decorated gingerbread cookies with icing, gum drops, & sprinkles. So much fun and so tasty. 
It was so great to spend time with them! I'm so happy for the McWilliams, but at the same time a little sad because we've been through the same stages together since the kids were 3 months old even with Karen and I both having to return to work after staying home together for a year and I had always hoped that we'd go through baby number 2 together as well...I know though that everything happens for a reason and that although Jack doesn't have a younger sibling yet and Karen is at home again with Olivia and Harper...we'll still remain the best of friends and one day the Relles will add another infant to the group to keep us on our toes. And to think one day the adults will be hanging sans kids while Jack and Olivia are off driving themselves to dates (with each other of course!)....SCARY! 
