Turkeys, Trots and Treats!

What a fun filled weekend we had with family! We started Grace's first Thanksgiving celebration with the Livingston family's annual 5K Turkey Trot in Naperville. Luckily the Ullrich family was up for the morning challenge as well, and met up with us and the Pavela family for the run. Grace slept through her first 5K and first thanksgiving meal at St. Charles Country Club, but was alert and lively for meal number two at the Ullrich home. We have a tradition at the Ullrich's of going around the table with a wine filled baron stating what we are most thankful for. It was an emotional meal to say the least, until Grace decided to let out a rather loud fart immediately following Jess's beautiful speech about her love for Aaron and their future together! Haha. It certainly broke the mood, and is officially my favorite Thanksgiving memory to date :)

Livingston family pre-run

Livingston and Pavela clans meeting in Brad's "secret parking spot" for the Annual Turkey Trot.

Grace's first 5K. She had no idea she even participated :)

Ullrich family feeling good after the Trot.

Ullrich fam running the Turkey Trot sans Grandpa. He was "in the zone" at this point!

Grace and her lovely Aunts! 

Livingston Thanksgiving meal number one. Never mind the antlers blocking Grace's head.. haha

Mom and Grace photos are rare these days.. haha :)

Kisses from Daddy

Family shot :) 

Auntie Dizzle holding Grace Mack in the outfit she gave her as a baptism gift! Perfect for Thanksgiving! 

Ullrich Christmas card photo for Thanksgiving meal number two!

Grace with Auntie Kels and her wonderful Great Grandparents

On Friday the Livingston ladies took Grace shopping for her first "Black Friday" experience. We were smart to head about in the afternoon to avoid the craziness at Oakbrook mall. We accomplished a few Christmas gifts on our list, and even had time for a relaxing meal at Cheesecake with our sleeping angel!
We continued the holiday festivities on Saturday with a cookie baking party at the Ullrich home. Our first baking party couldn't have turned out better, and will definitely be a fun family tradition for years to come! Grace even decided to help Mom with her favorite grapenut oatmeal cookie recipe by hanging out in the bjorn for the majority of the day :) We topped off our cookie party with one of Grandma Faye's card games to compete for her hand made Christmas ornaments to take home. They are absolutely stunning, and couldn't be more special hanging from Grace's first tree.

All the Waller ladies pre-baking. My preggo look is really just Grace Mack hiding under my cute apron.  Thanks again Kym for the adorable matching aprons! 

Chef Grandma Jodi and Grandpa Tom loving on Gracie. 

Grandma, Auntie J and Great-Grandma with our first finished product! Blondie cookies - very appropriate :)

Babe in the Bjorn. Great baking buddy.

Waller ladies post-cookie making!

Grace's first Christmas tree.