Parade Day and Baby Shower

Last Saturday was the Santa Parade in Grand Rapids. We took Sylvia last year (you can look in the archives if you want and see how much she has grown and changed in the last year!). This year we met some friends of ours, including Sylvia's "friend," Alexis. I cannot believe how much these girls loved the parade. The biggest hit was the "doggies." Sylvia was just ecstatic by all the dogs she saw. She kept pointing and shrieking "dog, dog!!!"

Despite her love for dogs, she did not appreciate having one on top of her head and soon the hat was thrown from the stroller.

These are both dads in action. It was very difficult to get the girls to smile and pay attention to the camera (first time ever for the Pumpkin!) because there was just too much to see!

This is an attempt at a family picture. We did get a better one, but that one is being used for the Christmas cards.

Saturday also saw Sylvia and I going to my folks' house for my sister's baby shower. Stepher is due in the middle of January and she and Joe are expecting a baby boy. My dad is thrilled. He always wanted a son, never got one, and then his first grandchild was another girl. And as Dave and I probably won't be giving him any grandsons, it's a good thing that Stephanie and Joe are!

Here she is showing off the cardigan I made for my coming nephew. Sadly, the sun caused quite the glare but in the picture below you can get a better idea of what it looks like (in addition, you get a glimpse of Sylvia's Christmas present):

Stepher is doing a Snoopy theme in the nursery, so I also knit this washcloth. It was actually meant to only be an experiment but it turned out cute enough that I added it to her present.

Even the Little Pumpkin contributed a gift. The night before I took her into her playroom and explained that tomorrow Auntie Stephy was having her baby shower and did she want to pick out a toy to give to her for the baby. I kid you not, this girl went through her entire toybox, touched nearly everything, and then she presented me with these two items-- and only these two items. I hope her cousin will enjoy them!

And the Pumpkin is beginning to not only get into everything but is also placing items in new locations. Yesterday I found my hairbrush in my gift bag drawer in our closet. I know a cat didn't do that!

In other news, I passed my glucose test! I was told to call back for more details, if I wanted. But I figure they can tell me anything else when I go in for my next appointment on Monday. My guess is that I came back real borderline again, and will be reminded to eat my protein.

We also want to wish everyone a truly happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for-- and in the list is included all of my friends and family who have become my "devoted" readers.