My son's birthday and Perogies, Sauerkraut and Brownies

Wow - My son had his 23rd birthday today!! I phoned him and told him that the day he was born was one of the very best days of my entire life. And I have been blessed with him in my life since then. What a wonderful wonderful son I have. He is a treasure. I missed him today. He is working and living away from home and came home last weekend for Thanksgiving so at least we got to see him last weekend (had a birthday thingy last weekend). But still. But then again. We have to let them go. He had a nice time with the girlfriend and a nice dinner out, and relaxing time, so that's good. Can't believe he's that old. already. whew.
We had a great family get together at Mom and Dads today. Everyone was too busy on Thanksgiving so we all did our own thing and this weekend we decided to do something instead. The weather was cool"ish" but good and we were able to stay outside the whole time. We have all had ENOUGH turkey. So we did hamburgers, sausages, perogies, sauerkraut, salad and the kids made chocolate pie (decorated with smarties and whipped cream - fun) and we had brownies and pumpkin pie for dessert. With the beer and wine (tried the Dan Akroyd VQA wine - Chardonnay - not bad and of course, it's Dan Akroyd. So OF COURSE we will love it...) and the kids were running around and the dogs, it was just great. Owen and Brady put on their "Spidey" costumes and the young ones (not 16 yet) were driving the golf cart all over the place (my food was hopping all over the plate when Sarah was driving - yikes - I don't think those pot holes are supposed to be there when you're whipping around in a golf cart!) but they had a great time. I think Michael even caught a fish (again). Should've brought Alice. She and Cody would've had a nice time. Next time. She needs to meet other doggies. Jaimie had fun. Nice for her to see the others as it's been a while. I love the family thingies. They tease me a lot but it's okay. I love them all. If I can figure out how to make this sweater I'm working on (a jacket really - Noro "Fletcher" moss stitch hooded jacket) then I will make each of them a sweater. Kim (my sister) had a gorgeous cabled cardigan and I really really want to make one like that. Overall a really nice day. I have some SERIOUS knitting to do. It is really getting cooler outside. Finished the two chemo caps and mittens, and a scarf. Need to finish the Feather and Fan scarf for a friend and am working on this Noro sweater jacket. I love the yarn. Noro Iro in earth colours. It is sooo pretty - every time I finish a row I can't wait to work on the next one and see the colours. I am using #6 needles instead of #7 in the pattern to get gauge. Bamboo works better with the Iro - not the Addis. So. Have to work on this back part. Will let you know how it goes. Have never grafted before and have never done a hood. This is a hooded jacket. Have only made baby sweaters. So this is a bit scary and exciting and fun (jumping right in - and may need some help). See what happens. I may have to wear it with three or four extra arms tucked in, or some padding around my neck. haha. I have gauge. And I have the pretty yarn and the good needles and this internet for help. Should be fine. I will pop up some photos soon so you can see progress and the pretty yarn. Really. The whole reason I want the sweater is because of the yarn. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Gonna go knit. I think Desperate Housewives is on tonight. Maybe a good movie to knit along with...