Thanksgiving Part I & II

We awoke to a light snowfall Thanksgiving morning. I held Keira up to the window so she could watch the flurries, but I don't think she knew what to make of it. We'll have to take her outside once the snow really starts to fly!

We spent Thanksgiving day in Rochester with Mark's family. It was quite the event. Dan and Paula braved a 22-hour road trip from NY with their two girls, Mallory and Miranda, and brother, Andrew. Rob, Rachel, and Katelyn flew in from MO yesterday morning. It isn't often we're all in the same place at the same time so it really was a special day. We had a wonderful feast and my waistline is paying for it. But, 'tis the holiday season and feasting is one of my favorite parts about this time of year.

Keira really had a great time playing with her cousins. This was the first time they were all together. If I had been on top of my game I would've remembered to get the four of them together for a photo. It would be fun to see how they change over the years. Oh, well. I'll have to remember next time.

Today we visited our friends, Meredith and Dave and their son, Sam. They're in town visiting their family. The babies were so cute and had a great time exploring each other's faces. We celebrated their half-birthdays and were happy they were in such great moods - so cute. It's also Mere's birthday today...Happy Birthday Meredith! I'll post pictures from that visit as soon as I get them from Mere (hint, hint!)

Afterwards we visited our friends, Pam and Ed and their son, Jalen. We had a mini-Thanksgiving dinner with them, courtesy of our local Boston Market. Ha ha. The food was yummy and once again, I overate. I think Mark did too. Jalen was super sweet and shared his choo choo trains with Keira. Ed was pretty devastated b/c his beloved LSU team lost in overtime. So very sad.

Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving Part III and that will conclude the trilogy once we get my family together. We're hosting my family at my home, but Linh and I have split the cooking responsibilities. Linh and Steve have the tougher responsibility - the turkey. After last year's fiasco I don't think I'll ever be allowed to cook the turkey again! Anyway, it should be fun.

Since this is a special time to reflect on our blessings, here are a few things I'm thankful for...I truly am blessed.

*Keira...She is full of life and makes life worth living.

*Mark...He knows me better than I know myself sometimes and is my strength.

*My family and extended family who are always there to support and love me.

*The memories I have of my Mom so that she will always be with me.

*My friends who stand beside me through everything.

*My network of "babysitters"...They let us have a life that doesn't involve diapers.

*Food...I love food! I'm so thankful that we never have to go without.

*Winter...Without it I wouldn't appreciate the spring, summer and fall.

*Having a roof over my head and food in my belly.