A Warm Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is always such a short trip that we feel like we don't get to see anyone for as long as we'd like to. It makes me look forward to Christmas and to the day that we may be able to live closer to our families. Even though it was short, we had a great time. I have started to really like Thanksgiving more and more over the years. I think it's because mostly everyone in this country celebrates it in some way or another. I don't have to wonder if I will offend anyone if I wish them a "Happy Thanksgiving!" The whole feeling is gratitude, just like Christmas, but since there are no gifts exchanged, you aren't really even tempted to be greedy or covetous about gifts you're receiving. I don't really like participating in the whole "black friday" insanity, but even fanatical shoppers at least have an attitude of "giving" in their motives. At least the idea is that you're out buying gifts for others instead of for yourself.

I also love Thanksgiving because of the focus on delicious food. Mmmmm.... Our Thanksgiving week meal highlights include:

One of the best turkeys I've ever had
Really good Candied Yams
Amazing Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
Sour Cream Apple Pie w/Struesel
Pumpkin Pie
Omelettes in a bag (you know, for kids!)
Shrimp Boil (or Fisherboat Scrap Surprise)
Fresh Tamales
Yummy Taco Salad
Sour Cream Enchiladas

We ate so deliciously (to englishize a Japanese phrase). Calvin had a ton of fun with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. I have included some pictures of him on the beach. The week was so relaxing even though there was a lot of driving. Calvin was so laid back wherever we went. And we witnessed miracles (one being the passport hand-off unassisted by cell phones outside Why, AZ and the second being the evasion from the 3 Policia with machine guns who stopped the car in front of us for speeding).

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

This last photo is just a little extra tidbit.
Calvin got his laundry hamper, pulled it down,
and crawled all the way inside it. He was being too cute.