Happy Thanksgiving!

I think this has officially been my favorite Thanksgiving yet!
We started our festivities yesterday when Erik's sister, Jessica, and her family, Mike, Austin and Whitney, arrived. This morning we got up early and participated in the Larry Cox Memorial Turkey Trot in Chillicothe. Erik, Mike, Austin and Whitney ran in the 5K while Jessica, Mom, Megan, Kelsey, Malachi, Elliott and I walked in the 1 mile Fun Run.



When we got home we prepared for the first annual Allsop Turkey Day Football game. Our friends Ed and Christina Martin and Nick and Daniel Gardner joined us for the fun. I think it's safe to say that everyone had a great time and the football game will become a tradition.

We rested a bit in the afternoon and then headed to the Lloyd house for dinner - and what a dinner it was! I think there were 23 people and TONS of yummy food.

Now the Allsops are back at home parked in front of the Aggie game. Gig 'Em Aggies!

Domestic Skills

You can't say Meg's not domestic when you see this....

Another Year Older

Yesterday I celebrated my 31st birthday, and, in spite of feeling older, (Erik won't let me forget he's still in his 20s!) I had a great day. Last year I spent my birthday baking cookies for the Lloyd Co. Open House - and I had a great helper. This year I had an equally great helper, although we didn't get quite as many cookies baked!

Malachi did ask why he had to wash his hands before we started because, "they're gonna be dirty when we're done anyways!"

Aunt Meg surprised me and the boys by coming down to visit in the afternoon and babysit while Erik took me out for dinner last night. We enjoyed a relaxing dinner together without kids and then came home to a freshly baked red velvet birthday cake - YUM.

They promised they didn't give my 2 1/2 week old baby cake batter to eat, even though he apparently tried to get some in his mouth!

Lots of Help

We were lucky enough to have some help when we brought Elliott home from the hospital a couple weeks ago. Kevin and Becky were able to come for the weekend and we were so happy to have them! Not only did they spend lots of time playing with Malachi, they were able to do some grocery shopping and cooking for us. Of course they had lots of time to cuddle their newest grandson, too! Thank you so much, Yaya and 'Buelo! We're excited for you to be here again in a few short days!

Big Brother

In addition to adjusting to life with another baby these last two weeks, we have also been adjusting to Malachi being a big brother. He's doing a great job sharing attention with Elliott, however he does seem to always "need" us when our hands are full of dirty diapers or taking care of other baby needs. As you can see in the pictures, he likes to hold and kiss Elliott. He also likes to read to Elliott and teach him things. For example, he tried to teach him how to play trucks by rolling a toy truck all over Elliott's face and body. I definitely have my hands full right now, but at least Malachi loves Elliott and tells him so multiple times a day. It's very cute and it makes me love being a mom even more than I ever imagined possible.

First Photo Shoot

Elliott had his first photo shoot with Aunt Kelsey on Saturday. We caught him at a great time - immediately after eating! He was very alert and she was able to get all her pictures in about 10 minutes. Here are a few of my favorites...
Kelsey's baby gift to Elliott (and me) is a year's worth of pictures. This means that there will be more great pictures to come as Elliott grows and changes in the next 12 months! Thanks, Kels!