November 25-28

We had a perfect Thanksgiving day. My parents came to town and my whole family celebrated together for the first time in 7 years. We had an easy meal of mac and cheese, tabbouleh salad, mashed potatoes and apple crisp. Everything was delicious and the leftovers were even better. One of my favorite things to do with Thanksgiving food is to eat it for breakfast. Does anyone else do this?

Friday night we went to my friend Alex's mom's house for another round of wonderful food and relaxing over a bonfire while sipping Bailey's and coffee. Alex's mom really took care of all of us transplants who came to Phoenix for college so it was really neat that she finally got to meet my own mom. And it is always great to see Alex. I really miss just being around him and how he always likes to stay up late.

Family picture in the windows of the antique mall where we were hunting for nothing in particular.

And we have put up our Christmas tree! All 4 inches of it.

Today we are in recovery mode. Especially Chrysanthemum who has not moved except to eat or go to the bathroom. All this company really wore her out! Back to school tomorrow for the three week stretch before Christmas break. My bones already have a chill just thinking about the Iowa winter we will be experiencing so soon. Good thing we will have so many warm hugs waiting for us!