Nate & Ellie: December 2008

Blame Scott and his job for me being so late posting a Thanksgiving update. The man never gets off his computer - he is always working. Plus the fact that his computer is security protected with a fingerprint swipe makes it a bit problematic for me to use it at will.

So we apologize for the delay but here are some Thanksgiving photos to share (oh, that too - all the pictures were on Scott's computer).

We all had a great time Chez Evans. Or at Camp Evans I think we could call it. From the playground lovingly built for Nathan by Pop Pop to pulling weeds, swimming, riding a big wheel, playing golf, lacrosse, tennis, and frisbee, Nathan really enjoyed himself over the holiday. The weather helped too. It was so nice to escape the cold north and enjoy some 70 degree temperatures.

It was great to spend time with family too and celebrate wedding reception number 2 (the East Coast reception) for Brian and Maryanne. We got to see the Hoyts, Mayers, and many other friends who came in town to share the occasion. Ellie was on her best behavior at the reception and Nathan stole the show dancing for everyone (until his dad showed him up by breakdancing...and you wonder where Nathan gets his showmanship from....). Many thanks to Jane and Bob Hoyt for keeping me supplied with Guinness as well as holding Ellie so that I could dance with Nathan and spend time with my family.

We did have one hilarious (in retrospect) attempt at going out while we were there. I knew it was a bad idea at the outset but was inspired to try to eat with the family at their country club. Wouldn't you know it but Ellie immediately started crying when we arrived and Nathan started whining and disobeying just as quickly. So Scott and I spent the dinner feeding each other as we passed around the table, me jiggling Ellie and Scott chasing Nathan and taking him outside for time out. I think we have effectively deterred Maryanne and Brian from having kids for a while. They may have been on the 5 year plan but now are on the 10 after watching our family circus.

The unfortunate aspect of our visit was that GG was terribly ill with the flu and incapacitated. She even stayed in bed one whole day while we were there. None of us knew what to do!! Without our social programmer we were all at a loss! After that GG put on a good show and pushed through to the point that I thought she would be hospitalized when we left but there was no way she was going to miss out on time with her kids! It was such a great time, we were all (especially nathan) sad to leave.

Now we have returned from Christmas holiday (I am delayed with another posting but hopefully will catch up soon) and have two weeks left in our apartment before we MOVE to Arlington, Virginia!!! We are so excited but it is going to be a whirlwind as we get settled in our rental house. We won't know what to do with all that space - 5 bedrooms and a yard - but I am looking forward to going further South and having more room for the kids.