It had been more than a month since we last went to Elizabethtown, so we went this afternoon. I had some really good coupons for Big Lots, Michael's, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Matt bought comic books while I bought a few gifts. Christmas is coming, and nieces and nephews are visiting soon. I've been buying a few things to prepare for having company at Thanksgiving. I bought glasses and looked at silverware because we don't have enough of either for lots of company. This week I need to buy a sheet for our crib mattress. The crib mattress on the floor seems like a good sleeping place for the "2-3 year old set," as I've been calling Audrey and Drew when discussing preparations for their visits. It would also apply to our friends' son Eliot, so it's a useful phrase. We've got some cleaning and some preschooler proofing to do around here, but we're pretty excited.
We also went to Aldi as we always do when we go to Elizabethtown. We bought some chicken strips because they seem kid-friendly. We also bought potstickers (steamed Chinese meat and veggie ravioli) and would be thrilled if they were a hit with the 2-3 year old set, but we love them and will eat them anyway. I also bought (with a coupon) a pumpkin cookie cutter that came with some smaller cutters that can cut out eyes, nose and mouth to make it a jack-o-lantern cookie. I also bought (with a coupon) a couple sterno cans to use with the fondue pot we got from Aunt Sandra. Dipping things in cheese sauce seems kid-friendly. We haven't had Beth, Mitch and Eliot over yet, so I'd like to have them over for fondue sometime. I also got a squirt bottle so that I can try making pancakes in fun shapes. I loved it when Grandma Natta did for me growing up. We've got toys and books, and I'm looking into activities. I don't know what the adults will do, but the kids will have fun.
