A Day of Thanks...and more

and now...our Thanksgiving Day recap as captured by a phone camera:

Our day started bright and early outside the Galleria mall to run the Turkey Trot 5k. The streets were flooded with other people that had the same idea. The middle shot below was just a small fraction of runners lined up for the race. I have to thank Steve's dad for the earphones I have in the photo below. In all my haste to exit the car as we were dropped off I forgot to grab my music. BIG mistake! Charlie walked a good distance back to the car to get it for me. what a lifesaver! 

 The "race" was much more a game of human dodging than an athletic contest for me. I was pushing Clark in my jogger through the sea of people--many of whom weren't so speedy--so Steve was able to easily leave us in the dust.

 I caught him in the end, though, and finished in 26:36. Steve finished just 13 seconds later. I didn't make my goal of 24:00, but either way I'm still champion of the year. and I didn't run over anyone with my stroller, so that probably counts for something.

 On our way back to the car we stopped to play with some ducks.

 Once home, we made our Thanksgiving contribution before heading over to the feast.

I had a wonderful helper in the kitchen to keep me company.

 There was some book reading as I finished getting ready, then we were off

 to play with family.

 I caught a few z's before we headed out to brave the frenzied midnight crowds on Black Friday. 

 We didn't last long at that early hour, so we got some sleep then took Clark out with us for more shopping.

 Here we are, a few dollars poorer, but looking so cute in our matching shirts.

the end.

Japanese Garden

We've had superb weather here lately so a couple weeks ago we took a short stroll through the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. I didn't take many pictures of the actual garden, so this is mostly a log of Steve carrying Clark on our adventure. When the garden closed we let Clark wander around in the park and play near the train tracks. We're responsible like that.

First Trip to the Zoo

Clark had his first trip to the Houston zoo last week, thanks to some friends inviting us for a playdate (thanks again!). 

Mr. Clark did what he does best and pointed at everything he saw.

In the petting area he was much more interested in digging in the dirt than looking at the goats. Boys will be boys.

One is Fun

I love having a 1 year-old. This is such a fun age. Clark is really good at walking now, loves exploring outside, likes footballs, babbling, and the playground. He's old enough now to understand some things I say and follows some instructions. He loves pointing to things and can crawl in and out of his toddler chair himself. When he wants me to read to him, he brings me his books and makes himself at home in my lap. One is fun!

"Wizard of Oz People"

Last night we took to the streets as the "Wizard of Oz people", so aptly named by our trick-or-treating comrades. Our friends invited us to their neighborhood where were 3 in a sea of goblins, ghouls, and an excess of miniature Spidermen. To say it was a popular Halloween destination would be a huge understatement.

Since we were late getting home yesterday we almost ditched our costumes. I had gone to all the trouble of making my frock, though, so we got ourselves dressed up as planned. Besides, what else was I going to do with thrifted shiny red shoes?

We had a lot of fans as we went door to door. The occupants of the house below called us back to their door so they could take another look at our costumes. 

After trick-or-treating to a handful of houses, we rejoined our friends on their porch. Clark parked himself in front of the candy bowl and began passing out candy to the costumed kids. It was the cutest thing ever and the kids loved him.

Even though Clark can't eat his candy I think he had a great time giving it to others and being part of the mayhem that was Halloween. Thanks Jason & Rachael for inviting us!