A Lovely Holiday

Thanksgiving has always been among my most favorite of holidays. And, through the years, we've experienced wonderful hospitality as we traversed across the country and were invited to join Thanksgiving feasts with friends we've met along the way. It was always an "extra" to be thankful for as we were not close enough to be with immediate family on this special day. One of our most poignant Thanksgivings was eating with my Mom in the nursing home in St. Louis. The food wasn't memorable, but now that she is gone, I am happy that we shared that day, knowing it meant so much to her.

Yesterday we spent our third Thanksgiving celebration with the Neeleman's since arriving in Bellingham. We are so grateful to be included each year. Ben always does a great job cooking the turkey and Jen is renowned for her delicious rolls. Kelsey even made collard greens, which Bob enjoyed immensely. There were lots of tasty treats, from cheese balls to zucchini appetizers to the traditional Thanksgiving Day sides. There was even 15# of potatoes, which reminded me of mashed potatoes at Bob's house when Georgette was alive. Kristi's yummy pies rounded out our great turkey dinner.

There is also the annual "weigh-in", with the "brave" ones getting on the scale pre and post feasting. Bob "cheated" by concealing a heavy book under his shirt for the post weigh-in. Others were impressed with his weight gain so he confessed and was disqualified. They go by % of weight gained and this year little Ivy won, but somehow Steve got the winning pot...he came in second and "our boy" sure knows how to eat.

We awoke to snow yesterday, but the roads cooperated and the trip to Arlington was a sight to see, with beautiful snow covered evergreen trees. We did forget our camera, however, which gives us a failing mark as grandparents, as this was Evan's first Thanksgiving. He was too excited to nap, but did so well all day. In fact all the little ones had a great day. It was especially fun to watch Felix, Robby, Owen, and Ivy sliding in the snow. Owen and Robby were very proud of their snowman, too!

Our temps finally rose last night and it melted the snow away (yeah, for Bob's back as he did not have to shovel)! We did get an extra treat yesterday, too. Angie has been meaning to give us a shoot of a jade plant that she has had since college and shared with family and friends. A local plant person had told us they were difficult to grow and this just mystified Angie, as she has found the opposite. She gave us a pretty pot to start our new jade plant in and Bob planted it when we got home. It looks so pretty on our windowsill and we are hoping it will thrive. What a nice way to end a lovely day...thanks, Angie!