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!