McGinley Thanksgiving

On Friday, we traveled to Valpo to continue the Thanksgiving festivities. Friday evening, I attended my 10 year high school reunion. With a graduating class of just 52 students, 12 of us met to reminisce and update our classmates on the happenings in the last 10 years.
Earlier in the day, Helaina was able to have a play date with Jon and Erin's daughter, Grace. Grace turned one earlier this week and is as cute as a button. They live in Maryland, and we enjoy every chance we get to spend with their family.

Sharing cheerios

Early Saturday morning, we visited with my mom's side of the family, Helaina's Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Walter. We played for a couple hours, had too many sweets, and stopped to see Great-Grandpa plowing the field in his tractor.

Then, we spent the afternoon/evening at the Snook residence, celebrating the McGinley Thanksgiving. We feel very blessed to be able to share quality time with both sides of our families for the holidays. Helaina loves each and every grandparent, aunt, uncle, and cousin. There were plenty of "kids" (as Helaina refers to them) to keep her entertained.

Cousin Haley, Amber, Charlie

Uncle Nathan and Helaina

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Freij Family! We hope that you enjoyed your day as much as we did ours.

We spent the afternoon at Randy's parents' home, devouring the delicious meal prepared by Randy's mom and aunt Georgette.

Hard at work

Helaina couldn't keep her hands off our cousin Alex. He just turned 13 and there is something about him that keeps Helaina right by his side. Hugs and wrestling all at the same time.

Turkey Time

Last week Helaina went with Seede and Teta to the Turkey Farm to pick out just the right turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner this year. Today they picked up Mr. Turkey, all 24 pounds of him, and Helaina helped Teta begin to prepare him for Thursday.

Helaina, Seede, Sitty Salwa, Teta

Oh Christmas Tree

On Thursday, we joined Randy's family to honor the memory of Halo Faraj (Fred) Freij. He was Randy's grandmother's brother. He had several health issues since 1992, and we will most certainly remember his strength during these last few years to put up a good fight for his family.

This weekend marked the official beginning of our holiday festivities. Between working through the weekend, two hockey games, meetings, and doctor visits...we managed to find some time to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

Helaina helping Randy and my dad put up the Christmas tree

Spreading apart the branches

Helaina loves anything Santa! These window clings were perfect for her entertainment...just look at the reflection of her face in the window...pure excitement!

On Sunday, Helaina was able to attend her first Red Wings game!!! She knows when hockey is on the TV and understands that some nights Randy cannot be home because he is working at the hockey game. She had a BLAST! She was dancing in her seat to the music, clapping and bouncing after each goal was scored, and enjoyed the endless snacks. A special thanks to Teresa and Theresa for joining us in the fun.

Snacks

and suckers! Suckers sure do make the world a better place :)

19 weeks and counting

Our morning routine...brush our wild hair (we're trying to grow out the bangs), brush our teeth, and we practice flossing.

Our afternoon routine...the kids in the neighborhood knock on the door around 3pm and Helaina is out the door shortly after. Today they made another leaf pile to jump in.

And everyday we struggle to keep the hat on head. "Don't like it! Don't fit!"

And then there is Baby Freij #2. He/she seems to be growing as well as we could hope for. 19 weeks along. The belly really began to make its' appearance this week. We have an ultrasound on Wednesday that is able to tell us the sex of the baby if we wish. As with Helaina, the sex will be a surprise until the birth. And no, I didn't have a feeling with Helaina as to what the sex would be, and I don't have a feeling with this baby either. Only time will tell :)

Family Playdate

This weekend was relatively low key compared to the last few and the upcoming holiday craziness. These kind of weekends are our favorites!!! Randy and I both were able to get a Saturday morning workout. The Khoury family visited us at our home for a family play date on Saturday evening. Isabella and Helaina now interact for long periods of time, and Isabella also takes on a "big sister" role...showing Helaina how to go potty in the big girl toilet and sit at the dinner table in a booster chair. And Helaina is finally becoming more accustomed to having a baby around. Alina is helping us with the brother/sister transition. Helaina was showing her lots of affection, hugs and kisses all night long.

Sunday afternoon we were pleasantly surprised by Randy's brother, Omar, who was able to visit us for the afternoon. Helaina was running around the house and clapping, saying "Go see Omar!!!"

Alina and Helaina

Helaina and Isabella