We hosted Thanksgiving this year, after my one-year sabbatical for being pregnant. Well, I "passed Go" and it was my turn to do it up right for the family. We had a nicely blended family gathering, the 5 of us, Grandmom & Pop, Eileen & Declan, Bern & Shawn and Shawn's mom, Judy. Josie was our token "Poccohantas" dressed in the appropriate attire.
The meal turned out to be my best yet, with turkey, sweet potato casserole, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, broccoli casserole (Eileen made) and all the fixings--and of course, WINE. Dessert, provided by expert pie-maker, Judy Donihue, included pumpkin pie, lemon chiffon pie, and apple pie. Vanessa insisted on having something chocolate, so I made chocolate cheesecake.
Activities included lots of pictures, assembling our annual "tree of thanks" (but this time with a frame for our picture); (fake) tatooing the kids and all the adults with butterflies, baseballs, and hearts; and a round of "Scene It" (with Declan and Jack both continually moving our game pieces making it difficult to know what space we were on!). Food comas followed, but a good time was had by all.
We are thankful to God for giving us the gift of Josie this year, Vanessa & Jack, and keeping our family healthy and happy. We are thankful for everything we have and all that we are able to do. We are thankful for giving us our 10 years together, married and our 15 years total, together. Last, but not least we are thankful for our immediate and extended families, and friends that make our lives rich with love. Happy Thanksgiving!
We spent Christmas Eve at Grandmom & Pop's, as usual, followed by Midnight Mass. We celebrated Christmas Day at our house, first, opening presents from Santa first thing in the morning with Aunt Kris & Uncle Mike. Grandmom, Pop, Eileen & Declan joined us shortly after that and we had a nice brunch followed by another round of presents. We had a wonderful time and were happy that Kris & Mike flew up from San Diego to spend Christmas with us this year. It was also Josie's First Christmas and she seemed to enjoy every minute of it, especially the gift wrapping!
