Thanksgiving Trip



We made the long voyage to Iowa to spend Thanksgiving with my family.  We all had a really nice time and are glad we made the trip.  My Grandma Dot joined us from Lincoln and my brother and his girlfriend, Angelene, came from San Francisco.  It was so nice to see everyone.  Most of the time was spent just hanging out and catching up.



 

Maya and Grandma Dot doing her sticker book

Snuggle time with Papa Gary

Thanksgiving dinner was a big feast as usual!!

Carving up the big turkey!

Gathered around and ready to eat!!

We also celebrated Christmas while we were there.  My Mom and Dad gave the girls American Girl Dolls which they LOVE.  They were made to look just like them!



Gabi's has glasses just like her.  Maya's has curly hair!



Mom & Dad waiting to open presents!

 

 

We were also treated to a performance of Beauty and the Beast.  The girls had a great time and Gabi listed about 6 favorite parts on the drive home that night.

Waiting for the show to start!

Grandma Dot, Grammy Mary, Gabi, and Papa Gary at intermission.  The gold streamers fell from the ceiling during the performance!

Angelene, Tom, and Maya

Thanks Mom & Dad for all of your hospitality and gifts!  We all had a blast!


This past weekend was a fun one in Buffalo.  It is the official start of the Christmas season for the city and all kinds of fun stuff was going on.  In addition to getting our Christmas tree in the mountains and decorating the house up, we took in the Christmas Parade on Saturday night, made Gingerbread houses with friends, did some local shopping, and got our pictures taken with Santa!

Joe found a good tree this year!

With their gingerbread house!

Hard at work!  I think more frosting and candy was eaten than actually went on the house!

Buddies!  Reminds me of when I was younger...a brunette surrounded by blondies!

We tried out hand at paper dolls yesterday morning.  They had fun with them!

My best friend from high school, Susie, was also in town and came over with her daughter, Bertie, and her husband.  It was soooooo good to see her!  It is amazing how a Brooklyn-dweller and a Wyoming small town girl can remain kindred spirits for so long.  So thankful to have her in my life!

Our girls!

And last but certainly not least....Gabi & Maya are going to be BIG SISTERS!!! We are due with our third child on May 26th (Maya's 4th birthday!) We couldn't be more excited!

Lots of love to you all!  Tara