Set Up Shop At The Top..
Of the Four Seasons of course! Thanksgiving was very special this year. We were blessed to have so much family come to see us and we had a blast. Non stop fun from the time they arrived! This is the first year in YEARS that we spend Thanksgiving with my Uncle Colby and his beautiful family. It was a tradition that I hope we continue because it was a JOY to have us all together again.
They arrived on Wednesday morning and were here when I got off of work. We headed down to Rice Village which I know we have talked about so many times as our favorite area of Houston. We love Mi Luna and usually take all our out of town guests there for tapas. Such a great atmosphere and unique food.
The restaurant had a beautiful Christmas tree.. and it starts! They loved it. I love the holidays.. isn't every picture better when a holiday lights are involved?
We walked around and did some shopping. Mainly Eli did some shopping. He scored a hat. I mean seriously.. wouldn't you buy him this hat too? He loves it. Wore it all weekend. Rocked the look I think. My little hipster.
We all got a great laugh at Colby's stylish ride... Hey! I think he looks awesome in the minivan!
We were disappointed to find the Chocolate Bar was closed.. but not for long because Justin realized the House of Pies was open! The line was crazy and the parking lot too of people getting full pies for Thanksgiving but we breezed right in and filled 3 sets of tables. I must say that after much debate over all the pie selections I picked Bayou Goo. Everyone voted it was the favorite! Amazing. Officially the best pie ever. Done.
The next day the boys, Justin, and Poppy went to the hotel early to swim, play, and maybe catch some parade. Us girls headed down later. Um .. and in the parade! We called the Four Seasons because all the rodes were blocked and they talked me through. Seriously through the parade. We just told the police "reservations at the Four Seasons" and they stopped the parade and let us drive in it. We had the windows down waving. Clowns surrounded me. Kinda surreal.
The Four Season was amazing and gorgeous and everything a luxury hotel should be. Of course.. we looked fabulous as well :-)
Justin and I went to Christmas Day at the Four Seasons 3 years ago when we first moved here and had no family come visit. My camera battery was dead and I did not get to capture everything that is the Four Seasons. It truly is a luxury experience. The service is amazing. The food is fresh, prepared in front of you, and the top flavors your palette has experienced. Hands down.
I love that Colby and Laura booked us a private dining area. It was incredible and had glass windows looking into the kitchen. It was also awesome because it contained my children. We have a great group picture but somehow I didn't save it off mom's camera. When she sends it I will update.
The best part was the Fairfield Room.. for kids! Once we found this and got them checked in, we all were able to enjoy our dinner and the kids loved the jumper and all the crafts that were going on. Of course, they also dropped in a spot wherever they were to play with their Poppy!
After some great afternoon naps, we were back at it again. We met them again at their hotel and the staff brought out the wagon. Each child when they arrive at the hotel gets to pick a toy from the wagon. They each chose a "horsey".
The ice skating rink at Discovery Green downtown opened for the holiday season that night and we stopped by for some fun. Oh Yeah! I ice skated. and didn't fall one time! Neither did Justin.. came close though!
After working up an appetite, we were ready for some food. Only problem. NOTHING is open on Thanksgiving. I am not kidding. I even called Domino's. The hotel said that only one restaurant other than theirs was open. McCormick and Schmicks. I was not thrilled about taking the boys to fine dining but we have to eat right? We THRILLED to find out they had outdoor seating and we basically had the patio and atrium of the plaza to ourselves. The weather was fantastic. The company great. The kids were so good and sweet. It was the perfect end to a perfect Thanksgiving with family.
I put this verse of Thanksgiving on my facebook for the day. I found it on Pinterest actually as Thanksgiving printable and I love it.
I was reminded so many times over our visit of that last verse. His faithfulness continues through ALL generations. Spending time with 4 generations of our family on Thanksgiving was a blessing. To be part of a Christian family with God in the center is the true family. What an awesome legacy my great grandparents and grandparents have left us. And what an incredible opportunity and responsibility to pass that to my children and other generations to come. May we PRAISE HIS NAME always and in everything GIVE THANKS!
Love,
The Riley's
They arrived on Wednesday morning and were here when I got off of work. We headed down to Rice Village which I know we have talked about so many times as our favorite area of Houston. We love Mi Luna and usually take all our out of town guests there for tapas. Such a great atmosphere and unique food.
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| Uncle Colby and Aunt Laura |
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| Cousins! Abigail, Gracie, and Madison - are they the cutest?? |
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| My Ma |
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| Ma and Beckett |
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| Dee Dee and Eli |
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| Abigail and Gracie |
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| Celebrated Dave's birthday with redneck wine glasses made of mason jars with a stem! |
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| My honey |
We walked around and did some shopping. Mainly Eli did some shopping. He scored a hat. I mean seriously.. wouldn't you buy him this hat too? He loves it. Wore it all weekend. Rocked the look I think. My little hipster.
We all got a great laugh at Colby's stylish ride... Hey! I think he looks awesome in the minivan!
We were disappointed to find the Chocolate Bar was closed.. but not for long because Justin realized the House of Pies was open! The line was crazy and the parking lot too of people getting full pies for Thanksgiving but we breezed right in and filled 3 sets of tables. I must say that after much debate over all the pie selections I picked Bayou Goo. Everyone voted it was the favorite! Amazing. Officially the best pie ever. Done.
The next day the boys, Justin, and Poppy went to the hotel early to swim, play, and maybe catch some parade. Us girls headed down later. Um .. and in the parade! We called the Four Seasons because all the rodes were blocked and they talked me through. Seriously through the parade. We just told the police "reservations at the Four Seasons" and they stopped the parade and let us drive in it. We had the windows down waving. Clowns surrounded me. Kinda surreal.
The Four Season was amazing and gorgeous and everything a luxury hotel should be. Of course.. we looked fabulous as well :-)
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| The CUTEST GIRLS EVER!! |
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| Trying to get a picture with both |
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| Still trying |
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| Still trying |
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| Not going to happen! |
I love that Colby and Laura booked us a private dining area. It was incredible and had glass windows looking into the kitchen. It was also awesome because it contained my children. We have a great group picture but somehow I didn't save it off mom's camera. When she sends it I will update.
The best part was the Fairfield Room.. for kids! Once we found this and got them checked in, we all were able to enjoy our dinner and the kids loved the jumper and all the crafts that were going on. Of course, they also dropped in a spot wherever they were to play with their Poppy!
After some great afternoon naps, we were back at it again. We met them again at their hotel and the staff brought out the wagon. Each child when they arrive at the hotel gets to pick a toy from the wagon. They each chose a "horsey".
The ice skating rink at Discovery Green downtown opened for the holiday season that night and we stopped by for some fun. Oh Yeah! I ice skated. and didn't fall one time! Neither did Justin.. came close though!
After working up an appetite, we were ready for some food. Only problem. NOTHING is open on Thanksgiving. I am not kidding. I even called Domino's. The hotel said that only one restaurant other than theirs was open. McCormick and Schmicks. I was not thrilled about taking the boys to fine dining but we have to eat right? We THRILLED to find out they had outdoor seating and we basically had the patio and atrium of the plaza to ourselves. The weather was fantastic. The company great. The kids were so good and sweet. It was the perfect end to a perfect Thanksgiving with family.
I put this verse of Thanksgiving on my facebook for the day. I found it on Pinterest actually as Thanksgiving printable and I love it.
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving grateful praise. 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Love,
The Riley's