The Daintys

Ryan celebrated his 30th birthday this past weekend! So, Grammy came to watch Leah, and Ryan and I took a trip to Indianapolis. (Thanks Mom!) I didn't think I'd like Indy the first time I went there a few years ago. I guess I was feeling a little superior having grown up outside of Chicago, but I have to say the city has really grown on me since becoming a hoosier. The Big Ten conference championship game between my dear Spartans and the Wisconsin Bagers was at Lucas Oil Stadium, which is a pretty awesome place to see even if you don't like football! We had seats on the 50 yard line, and it was a great game - even SEC-loving Ryan enjoyed it - despite a heartbreaking ending. (Well, Ryan wasn't too sad. I guess that's good since it was his birthday and all...) We ate at Jersey's Cafe, which we had seen featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives on the Food Network over the summer...it was delicious. Homemade chips piled with bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce, and green oni...

Leah turned three about two weeks ago, and over Thanksgiving we had a little birthday celebration for her since we had the benefit of out-of-town family being around. We celebrated at the toddler-revered chocolate cafe, which has a giant play structure in the theme of a cocoa tree and, of course, a great deal of chocolate. And, at Leah's request, there was a dragon cake. A PURPLE dragon cake. It was fun to watch Leah play the hostess; we read this birthday book a bazillion times before the big day, and the book highlights birthday manners. ("Oh, thank you for this gift, let me put it at the present table and we can go play." Rather than, "Mine, mine! All these presents are MINE!") Speaking of presents, she got all kinds of new dress-up clothes, which she changes into every afternoon the minute we get home. Someone ELSE had a special birthday recently too...tune in next time for the special "Ryan is thirty" post! :)

We hosted family here at our house this Thanksgiving. We had the works - Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, green bean casserole, broccoli-cheese casserole, rolls, corn bread, salad, cranberry sauce, (and canned cranberry!), and PIE... Lots of pie. (Thanks Grammy and Auntie JJ!) There was a lot of card playing, many stories read, and many naps. We are so thankful for all the blessings in our lives, and most especially for our family. After scarfing this pie Leah said, "I think I'm full." Hah!

Last weekend we headed to Chicago. I had a very fun reunion with my college roommates, who I hadn't seen for quite some time. And Ryan and Leah met up with his parents, who happened to be in town for a conference. My girlfriends and I stayed at a hotel on the Magnificent Mile and had fun wandering around, trying to find a restaurant or bar showing the MSU game. (We were not successful.) We ate a lot of good food, laughed a lot, and got cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. I guess that goes along with eating a lot of good food. So good to see you all my friends! Meanwhile, Miss Leah had an adventurous day as well. They went over to Millennium Park, and to the kids museum at Navy Pier where Leah climbed and played and explored. Then there was swimming in the hotel pool, and playing with Grammy and Papa. The girl practically slept all of Sunday after all the excitement! In other news, Leah turned THREE this week. Somehow, I did not take any pictures of the actual day. But...

Trick or Treat! Halloween is here again; this year, Leah dressed up as Cinderella. Actually, she was "Cinderella on her WEDDING day!" She made us refer to her as Cinderella during the course of the evening. ("Can you get your shoes on, Leah?" "No! Mommy, say, 'Can you get your shoes on Cinderella princess?'" What a drama queen!) We had fun trick-or-treating with friends, and then had hot dogs and chili back at our house. Yum. Happy Halloween! Mr. Incredible, Spider Man, and Cinderella These kiddos lucked out and got a ride in the wagon when they got tired... With door-to-door service!

We had an amazing weekend in Connecticut this past weekend as we joined with the rest of Ryan's family to celebrate the wedding of Ryan's cousin, Amber, and her now-husband, Bryce. The wedding was beautiful, and it was so great to see so many people we haven't seen in far too long! It was hard to choose which pictures to post here, but here are a few favorites. At the rehearsal dinner. Grammy took Leah to get her first manicure! Ryan, walking his aunt (the mother of the bride!) down the aisle. Amber looked so beautiful! Our little goofball... Leah, Paige, and Peyton twirling, spinning, and dancing! Leah was starting to get tired at about this time... Sunday Brunch. Leah finally mets Uncle Ronnie!

This past weekend we had a visit from Auntie Teresa ("Auntie 'Resa"), her boyfriend, Pat, and Grandma R. Leah was in seventh heaven. Teresa brought a craft that involved paint. We watched football and played silly board games. And, my favorite, we went to an apple orchard and got MANY, MANY apples. (So far, we have eaten them whole, and we made apple cinnamon pancakes with fried apples on top...there will be much apple crisp, apple sauce, and maybe some apple french toast in the coming days...) Thanks for coming, we had lots of fun!