My favorite Thanksgiving

Blogger keeps rearanging my pictures on this post....so instead of trying to make sense of it all, I am just going to type and explain how this was the most FABULOUS family experience!!
Geoff only had Thanksgiving day off. So we picked him up from the hospital on Wednesday night at 7 and made it into NYC and to my cousin's apartment at 10:15. It was slick and we were so glad there was no traffic. Graham transferred effortlessly, and Hugh had slept all three hours in the car and was WIDE awake. We were trying so hard to keep him quiet, because my cousin's baby was sleeping and wanted everyone to rest. However, he spent the next 45 minutes doing somersaults and doing "pillow olympics" while we all tried to fall asleep.

The next morning at 4:45 Geoff and Spencer headed out to reserve our spot.  Graham woke right up with the men, so I tried to keep him quiet in the other room while everyone was now sleeping in the family room.  At six Laura & Lily, and the boys and I headed out to meet up with Geoff and Spencer.  I had never worn the hiking back pack before and didn't strap Graham in right so walking to the subway and our spot was the most strenuous thing I have ever done. Graham was rocking around in it, and Hugh was running and darting around...and so I felt like I was chasing a little cat!

It was well worth it, because we had a great spot right at the beginning of the parade route and up against the street...so we had a perfect view. We hung out for two hours, eating and playing BINGO while we waiting for the parade to begin. We sat with a bunch of people from my cousin's ward.

I wish I could type how much fun it was....but there aren't enough exclamation marks. Hughie and Graham LOVED the balloons. LOVED them. Particularly Hugh. We could hardly peel him off the gate. He stood just straining to take in every roller skater, clown, float and balloon.  He wanted a picture taken of everything-but has declared Spiderman his favorite.

Geoff fell asleep for at least 45 minutes. No joke! And I am talking DEAD asleep. He slept through 4 marching bands and we were just rolling in laughter when he didn't budge as the trumpets and tubas came past.  I declared it true love, that he would drive and bring us because he knew I was so excited about it. I love you Geoff!

This picture was taken right at the beginning of the parade, and as you can see Hughie has his coat off and is just in a long sleeve t-shirt. It was fabulous weather. For a large part of the parade we just sat in our t-shirts or jackets. This definitely made it even that much more enjoyable.

I really can't tell you how great it was.  The boys were completely engaged until the very end!! And when Santa came--it was like magic! He stood and yelled "Merry Christmas" and the whole crowd cheered. His sleigh looked amazing, as did Mrs. Claus. Hughie was also amazed that this was THE REAL Santa, all the way from the North Pole. :)

After the parade we went back to the Kirton's to pack our things and headed right home because we knew the kids were just moments from exhaustion melt down.  We were right, and they were zonked by the time we were on the freeway.

We had to stop for gas one time and there was a McDonald's in the station. Hughie looked at Geoffrey and said "Daddy, can I PLEASE have a meal in a box?" This was a huge experience, so the boys got a kids meal and as they were holding it the started strolling around and wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We were so sad our cameras were dead because they were so ecstatic over their happy meal.  Lucky for Geoff and I, when we pulled into our home our neighbor Charity saw us and she fed us an entire Thanksgiving meal. :)

It was fabulous!