Thanksgiving and groaning

Not that I actually have anything to groan about (ok maybe the perpetually whiny and possibly still sick little boy who is on antibiotics and has been waking up in the 4am-ish zone the past few days). The real groaning is the pressure on the waistband of my jeans after a weekend full of overeating. Today? Lunch was lemon meringue pie with blueberry pie for dessert! YUM!! 

We had a lovely weekend with family and friends, including a marathon hike of the Millbrook Valley Trails on Saturday. I had Henry strapped to my back in a carrier and like to think that the exertion of walking 1.5 hours like that helped to burn off my solid and liquid excesses of Friday night. 

More frosty mornings, and a furnace that's coming on quite regularly, and the days getting very shorter all mean that Fall's in the air!  These chimps don't seem to mind it one bit:

This was the best smile she could muster, being saucy and all.

What a chimp

Grinning goofball

Millbrook is looking beautiful, as usual.  The Fall foliage is in full effect, and the geese have taken over the millpond.  I know they are a pain in the arse, but, I have to say I love this time of year where they land by the hundreds and the air is full of happy honking. 

All's looking good on Millbrook pond

Yesterday was the Higginson/Lee Thanksgiving dinner at Granny Barbara's cottage on Missisauga Lake.  It was as crazy and chaotic as usual with 19 (nineteen!) of us crammed into a tiny one room cabin.  Some of the guests didn't take up too much room, like beautiful baby Owen, celebrating is first Thanksgiving:

A living yam:  Sir Owen, the chubby cheeked

I have to say, I think that King Henry got his knickers in a knot as he was quite fine with being the only baby on the scene.  Too bad sucker, you're getting to be a big grown-up boy now!!

Henrew!

And back to reality this morning.  A quiet day here, filled with leftovers, snuggles on the couch, and about 400 books out of the bookcase (so far).  Also, lots of time for peeking out the window to admire the fall leaves:

Looking at leaves n' geese

An amazing range of colours on our Maple out front

So, Thanksgiving is over.... what could possibly be next?  Oh yes!  Only 11 days until these fabulous lovebirds tie the knot (or Tighe the knot, if you prefer!).  Can't wait!!!

Soon to be Mister and Missus Bo-Tighe

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. I hope the many things you were thankful for this weekend keep bringing you joy and happiness for the year ahead.  Like pie.  Or crazy kids.  Or a happy, noisy, chaotic household.  Bliss. 

Le grande pomme

Back to reality after a very fun trip to NYC. 

I have to say, Millbrook seems a little... um... quiet. We had a fun time and tried to cram as much in as possible, which meant for blisters and fits of delirium, but it was all worth it. 

 Here are a few photos from the great Higginwomen adventure. Lee has some over at her blog too, so enjoy! Dare I dream about a yearly NYC tradition? Woot woot! 

Washington Square Park - best dog runs and most entertaining crazy folk in the whole city!

Our apartment was just up the street from the Flatiron, one of my fave buildings

Enjoying some Egyptian culture at the Met

Awesome art installation at the Met

Love the Art Deco signage at the Chrysler Building

Fabulous foursome at Central Park

Cab hailing like a pro

We had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.  And it was interesting to compare the City to the last time I was there - one month after 9/11.  It was definitely more crowded this time.  And, Spring in NYC is a lovely time to visit.  I could have stayed another week, but expect Rob and the kids might have had some complaints about that. 

Now, back to reality!  Until the next trip, that is! 

Yore

Look at this amazing photo. It's my grandpa's family (he's the puffy-haired rebel with the leather jacket and the moody gaze). Also in the photo are his mom and dad, and his 2 sisters and 2 brothers.



I have been staring at this photo for many long minutes today. The fashions, the facial expressions (maybe it wasn't cool to smile back then?). I'm so glad we have photos like this - looking at the faces is amazing to see shades of brother Ben, my sisters, my mom and even me.

Am definitely putting a copy of this one on the photo wall.

Fall fun roundup

Ah, what fun the weekend was. Complete Faux-vember, with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. Evy, Henry and I had an abundance of fun, despite the fact that Rob was off on his annual 'mannymoon' with his boyfriends, Greg and Dennis.

Afternoon sun and an early moon

On Saturday, the neighbours took pity on me and entertained us with a smashing Guy Fawkes bonfire and a delicious supper.

Henry appreciating the bonfire. He tried to eat some foliage.
Ingest that healthy dirt and bacteria, boy!

Evy and her BFF Maia topped the night off with some disco dancing. (Dancing is ALWAYS better in your pyjamas, don't you know?)

Strutting their stuff. Evy is seriously coveting the disco light.
(Ok, maybe I am too).

Then on Sunday the Higgy Clan descended on Millbrook for lunch and some outdoor fun. Here we are up at the Old School.

A motley crew

Evy and Sam playing 'Choo-choo'
One is the engine and one is the caboose,
but I think this train went off the rails!

Aunt Mary (aka Patron Saint of Unruly Children) and the kids

And the grown ups prove they can have fun too
(Lee realizes it's hard to give your man-brother an underdog)

It was a lovely weekend, and a lovelier still because it doesn't feel like November! I know the flurries will fly soon, but I'm happy to stay in denial just a bit longer.

Sunset o'er the pond

I'm thankful for...