Thanksgiving Back in the States

For the last two years we spent our Thanksgiving breaks traveling. This year, I was tentatively planning on having a baby--wishful thinking! So when I realized it wasn't going to happen, I decided to make a little Thanksgiving feast. I didn't want to make it too much work or stress, so I definitely took advantage of people aka stores that help you out aka Trader Joes, Costco, and Whole Foods.

^^blurry picture but it was so sweet how J was snuggling with Victor's mom after his nap. She got here this week and it's been wonderful!^^

So if you want some tips on how to throw an easy but still delicious Thanksgiving dinner:

Turkey in the crockpot! Since it was just five of us, I opted to buy a big turkey breast all seasoned that came with stuffing and gravy from Costco. It fit in the crockpot, and it was deliciously tender. Saved space in the oven and it cooked perfectly. If I hadn't done that, I probably would have bought a small turkey from Whole Foods and still cooked it in the crock pot. 

Trader Joes microwaveable vegetables. They're fresh but packaged so you can steam them in the microwave. Great time saver for my favorite combo: asparagus and Lion House cheese sauce. 

To hold people over I threw together that cheese plate (try the "unexpected cheddar" from Trader Joes) with yummy olives from Whole Foods. You should try them. Also, both Trader Joe's and Costco make a great pumpkin pie. I so was not in the mood to make one. But homemade whip cream is worth the time!

So there you go! Tips for next year, I guess haha. 

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Late Halloween Post...

....but too cute not to share!

I don't know where this family costume enthusiasm came from for Halloween and I'm not sure how long it will last because it's so not like me, but I just couldn't help myself this year! I wanted to dress up somehow to play on my big fat belly, and when I thought of how perfect and adorable J would be as Peter Pan (not to mention how easy it was to throw together), we went for it. 

Here is cute, mischievous, fearless (except of the vacuum), adventurous Peter Pan:

Joined by big bellied Smee:

I can't get enough of this kid!

 Later in the week at the ward trunk or treat, Captain Hook made an appearance

And they were itching for a fight!

Captain Hook's costume was thrown together a bit half heartedly, because I didn't want to spend a ton of time and money for an expensive pirate costume, but it turned out nicely enough! Happy Halloween! Almost two weeks later! Ha. 

And just a few more of the cutest Peter Pan there ever was. 

Marine Corps Birthday Ball 2015

 Happy 240th Birthday, Marine Corps!

This year I was a hefty 37 and a half weeks pregnant for this ball, so it wasn't quite the same experience, but we had a great time having a fancy night out. I love the Marines' tradition of the ball, even if this year there was no dancing for me.

J and I are proud of our Marine, who also just got promoted--congratulations, Victor. We love you!