park playdate + friendsgiving

Last week we finally had a hint of cooler weather on the horizon and it.is.amazing.  Since the weekend the weather has been absolutely perfect.  The chilly mornings has me reaching for that second cup of coffee in my favorite mug and admiring the lonely piece of Christmas decor in our entry.  That process has been slow this year.. BUT- we are working on it.  

mug c/op linens + lace shop

With the gorgeous weather sticking around for a bit, we decided to take an impromptu trip to the park for a picnic.  Baker gets really warm in her carseat with too many layers, so I try to keep a blanket or something on hand for when we are out and about in the cooler temps.  

It was finally chilly enough to try out her new JJCole Bundleme. 

headwrap c/o shelby chic boutique // denim jacket c/o gymboree 

While the big girls played and ran off some steam after eating lunch, Baker Bree and myself sat the sidelines and watched - so cozy in her carseat.  Girlfriend didn't make a peep the entire time we were out there- and normally she absolutely despises her carseat. 

 original graphite bundleme c/o jj cole (#bundlemegood)

 Serpa lined and kept her warm against the chilly winds and the crisp air of the day.  I love this as it is not bulky and the zipper feature allows the cover component to stay put.  Baker is constantly kicking and moving her feet, so keeping a regular blanket over her legs can be a challenge.  With this kind of weather sticking around, I am excited to be able to use this many more times this season. One activity I am really looking forward to is spending the holiday season with baby number three.  Traditionally we go to an outdoor mall and walk and window shop on Christmas Eve and this will be the perfect accessory to Miss Baker's stroller seat.  

 Cant forget about these crazy-trains.  There energy level.  

If I had 50% of the energy they do 100% of the time I could take over the world.   

juuuuust sayin. 

On another note.. Its Thanksgiving week!!!  WHO is ready for a delicious meal shared with family and friends?  After our park playdate, we headed back to the house to prep for our annual Supper Club Friendsgiving. I completely failed at getting any pictures aside from the food spread that night.. there were 8 adults and 8 kids under four running amok that night.. so wrangling them was work enough.  I've been watching all the Food Network Thanksgiving programs and I continue to hear 'do not try a new recipe on Thanksgiving..' 

Well.  Why not??

Three words: Crock Pot Turkey.

I fell upon a few of these recipes when searching for inspiration and so.. I thought.. why not? 

I was in charge of the turkey, ham, mac and cheese + flakey rolls.  

The turkey in the crock pot (recipe HERE) was super moist and really delicious .. it was probably the best turkey I have ever had- and I'm not a fan of this bird.  The gravy made from the drippings of the turkey in the crock pot was even better.  

The ham was just a store bought warm and serve.

You have got to try this macaroni and cheese   - I promise you will not have left overs.. which is a little disappointing. 

 Friends.  Let me introduce you to the most high maintenance cake on the planet.  

salted caramel apple snickers cake

snickers (!!!) 

Jacqueline made this cake.. yes.  From scratch.  She has a two week old baby.

NBD. 

 We ate SO good that night.  THE best mashed potatoes (HERE), traditional green bean casserole (HERE), corn bread casserole (HERE), flakey rolls (store bought), and a yummy fall Honeycrisp Apple Sangria (HERE).  Oh- and whats thanksgiving without the stuffing (HERE)?? 

After dinner, Ash and I polished off a bottle of red between the two of us and four sweet girlfriends chatted the night away while our littles played together on the floor in front of us and our hubby's watched football on the big screen on the patio.  

No pictures (aside from the food), but I was deep in meaningful conversation in those moments spent with our lifelong friends.

So much to be thankful for for this week!