Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. Yes, I love it more than Christmas. I love the reason for Christmas more than the reason for Thanksgiving (although it's a close second), but there's something about the newness of the crisp, frosty air, the beauty of falling leaves, the wonderful smells of sage, thyme, nutmeg, and ginger, and the feeling of peace and contentment that comes from spending time with the people you love best, giving thanks and raising a toast to the season.

We had a special holiday this year. My friend, Sheila, and her two children, Amanda and Josh, came to visit. They joined us for the dinner Michael and I made for the Eby side of the family, and I roasted my biggest bird yet! A 25 pound gobbler. I didn't dry it out and it came out golden brown and yummy. And no, I didn't take a picture. Darn. But I have witnesses! Sheila has pictures on her camera of our feast...sadly I was too busy cookin'!

Then, they joined us for the Dolley celebration. My folks went through some impressive contortions in their dining/living room to get so many of us around the table. We ate, drank, and were definitely merry. We strolled down the hill to art studio of our local glass artisans and bought beautiful hand-blown ornaments for all the kids.

Good times.

Finck, Dolley, Thomas and Eby Cousins

I take zero credit for this pix. My cousin, Nicole snapped this cute shot. Thanks Nicole!

Back: Evan, Colin, Cole, Luke

Front: Wyatt, Grace, Jack, Amanda

Stage Left (Off-camera): Liam

The Augustine' Family

Sheila n' Me

Wyatt, Amanda, Jack and Josh