It's that Turkey Time of Year

Happy Thanksgiving from Morgan, Cody and Beth

We have lots to update you since we last posted. It has been a busy and crazy past week or so. But for the sake of the holiday I will begin with the present and work my way backwards. Today for Turkey Day we went to our church building to help others from our ward serve a Thanksgiving feast for a shelter that had asked for our help. We had a great turnout from our Harlem 1st ward, unfortunately we didn't have as many people show up as we thought so our Bishop and others started recruiting people off the street to come and enjoy the food. In the end everyone was blessed with yummy food, great conversation and a sense of truly being grateful for all the Lord has provided for us.
Our ward hanging out and waiting for more to arrive.

Taelen, the little boy handing out plates was on top of his game. Too bad we didn't have more people to hand them out too! More food for us:)

Last Saturday was our wards official Thanksgiving Party, so it's kind of like we had two parties. We had a great time eating and hanging out with everyone. We have been working very hard to get Morgan to smile for pictures. We tell him to show us his teeth (thanks for the great tip, Melgars) and he has finally stopped pointing to his teeth and this is the result. It makes me laugh every time I see it!

I want to take this Thanksgiving moment to say how grateful I am for wonderful friends. This lovely lady here, so graciously letting Morgan root through her purse, is our dear friend Anna. She has been a great friend during our time here in NYC and has been a huge help since Morgan was born. She is a wonderful babysitter and helps me every Sunday during Sacrament meeting, since Cody sits on the stand and I am alone with Morgan. I know I shouldn't need that much help with only one child but when that one child is Morgan, I need all the help I can get! I love talking about books, school and life with Anna and will be forever grateful that we have had her as a friend!

We opened a box the other night that contained bubble wrap and that great little tool belt. Morgan loved carrying his tools around and started stuffing everything into the pockets. Then he danced around with the bubble wrap. This kid just makes me laugh!

Talk about relaxed! This kid needs more stress in his life!

I must admit I have never before in my life bought a pomegranate and opened it myself. Since they are in season and on sale and I love them, I decided it was about time.
Morgan decided it was about time too. He ate them about as fast as I could get them out. Man those things will make you work for every last little seed...but man were they worth it just to get this face...

I couldn't stop laughing after I took this picture. He looks drunk on pomegranate and milk!

Last night we braved the cold and the crowds and headed out to the Upper West Side to see the Macy's balloons being blown up.

This is a view of the rest of the City who came with us!

It's hard to say if it was worth it but I guess it was cool to let Morgan see the balloons up close.

I don't think we would ever do it again because crowds are not really our thing but I'm glad we can say we at least did it once! We're such New Yorkers; so jaded!
Last Saturday before the ward Thanksgiving party, we helped this cute little man party on his 2nd birthday. Eliot is one of Morgan's best little friends and we had a great time celebrating the existence of such a great kid!

Eliot got a tent for his birthday and all the kids enjoyed playing inside. Bella and Chase are helping Eliot out at the moment.

After playing hard, it was time for sugar! Of course you may notice Morgan still has one hand on a little truck. Let's not get crazy with the break from playing thing!

Chase and Tyler joined Morgan and I in the cupcake picnic. Notice we're not on the carpet, crucial move for toddlers and green icing!

Every night Morgan gets so excited to play with Daddy...and to be set free from his clothing! Cody busted out Morgan's soft football and the two worked on Morgan's important ball handling skills. Never too early to train to be a linebacker!

Here's a fun video of Morgan jumping about, throwing the football, drumming along to Cake and showing off his smiling skills. Yep, he looks very ready for bed!

So once again, Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and family that are near and far. We hope you all take a moment to let Heavenly Father know how grateful you are for your many blessings. Right now I have never been more grateful for little faces that make me laugh and light up my heart. I love my family and the life Cody and I have decided to make together. I am especially grateful for prayer and my faith that by following the Savior's will we not only can but will be blessed beyond our comprehension.

Thank you for all of you who have prayed for us and given us hope and friendship!

I hope you all have full tummies and hearts during this wonderful holiday season!

Bring on the Christmas music!