Topeka Thanksgiving

We ran the Route 66 Half Marathon on Sunday morning and then left for Topeka on Monday morning at Elise's morning naptime. I figured my legs would be sore and would tighten up in the car which they did. We stopped for lunch at a nice playground Carter enjoys playing at and when I got out I could barely walk. I was surprised with how quickly they stretched out though. After walking around for a while with Carter playing I was walking mostly normally. It was so cute to see Ty sprawled out on the ground while feeding Elise lunch as I played with Carter. It was nice being out of the car but we were all anxious to arrive in Topeka. Ty's brother, Paul, and sister-in-law, Amanda, were there visiting from Florida. It would be the first time we'd seen them since June. Plus Ty's mom and dad had both taken off work and his Uncle Kelly and Mary were visiting from Ohio.

 

 

 

When we arrived at Ty's parents' house, Leina already had the food for dinner ready and Paul was making some homemade rolls. We were able to get out for a hike on some trails close to their house. Carter really enjoyed the walk and Elise looked absolutely adorable in the carrier, as usual. I'm going to miss it when she grows out of it! That evening we had chili with one set of grandparents and then Aunt Gena and Uncle Karl came over for homemade ice cream after dinner. It was so nice to see everyone. Carter enjoyed all the attention and Elise was passed from person to person for snuggles. She did decently well with all the newish faces, most everyone she hadn't seen in about 5 months. The moment she saw her Auntie Amanda she lit up. It was so cute to see her give her auntie kisses. Amanda got a kiss on the cheek, on the nose, and then on the eyebrow.

 

Helping Gpa with his work.

Enjoying time with Great Grandma.

Elise ready for her bath.

 

The next morning Leina unveiled a surprise for Carter. She had found a drum set for him at a garage sale! I can't remember if she said she paid a quarter or 50 cents for it, but whatever it was, it was a steal! Then Uncle Kelly, Mary, and Ty's other set of grandparents came over for a traditional Thanksgiving meal at lunchtime. It was so cute to see Elise at the table with everyone else. It was her first time having sliced turkey. The only way she'd had turkey before was ground turkey. She ate really well. She started eating before everyone else and was still eating after everyone else finished. It was impressive how much she ate and how well she did feeding herself. We had cake for dessert and Ty's grandpa got after it with a huge piece! Both kids took a nap and then Mary brought out some wooden turkey centerpieces she had gotten for Carter to color which he loved!  Carter did some tree climbing in the yard with his Gpa while Amanda and I took a walk with Elise. That evening consisted of leftovers and sitting around, relaxing, enjoying each other's company.

 

Carter helping Gma and Uncle Paul carve the turkey by pulling apart the legs.

 

Elise and Gigi playing.

Carter, Elise, Gigi, Mary, and Muffin playing with a ball.

Elise enjoying snuggles with Papa.

Elise ready to eat!

 

 

 

Mary and Elise sharing a moment.

Papa's giant piece of cake!

Mary helping Carter color the turkeys.

 

 

Elise enjoying our walk.

Carter eating some homemade ice cream with Gma helping him not make a mess.

Wednesday morning I went for a run and, much to my delight, found lots of pine cones to save for crafts and a sensory bin. Then we took family photos taken by Leina and Rocky's neighbor. After that we had a blast outside! We played soccer while Carter again tackled the trees with his Gpa. Then Amanda's nieces and nephews come over to play with Carter. It was a blast to meet her niece we hear lots of stories about! The kids rode bikes in the garage and played with balls. Carter had so much fun we ended up leaving later than planned and he still didn't want to go. It such an amazing trip!