thanksgiving

this year we went out to eat at figlio's on the plaza.

my plate (no turkey!)

it was a huge buffet and they had the full thanksgiving spread including prime rib, ham and turkey. also, lots of italian sides. they had a seafood station with shrimp, salmon and tilapia. a breakfast station. and a fruit and salad station that was a whole spread in itself. and of course a full dessert table.

JR's plate

asa got pizza, shrimp and cheese.

and had seconds of the shrimp!

my dessert plate: cheesecake, apple crisp, molten chocolate cake and a HUGE chocolate covered strawberry.

no pumpkin pie for me!

she is her mother's daughter:

alister ate his whole piece of pumpkin pie!

although not in one bite as the picture suggests!

asa, natalie and silas had so much fun together!

we love our annual visit with the scheffler family!

every time she comes, granny wears a locket that has natalie's baby picture in it. natalie loves looking at it.

i adore seeing the two of them together!

that evening we went to the gallery for cookies and hot chocolate.
and a warm place to wait for the plaza lighting ceremony!

my brother brian and his adorable kiddos!

there is a countdown and then they flip the switch to turn all the lights on. it is so beautiful and festive!

then fireworks!

too loud for the little girls though.

then back inside for more playing.

sometimes when we get bogged down with the daily stressors, it's hard to remember that there really is so much to be thankful for. i'm thankful that our country and culture takes a day to remember those things.

natalie made a turkey at school that said she is thankful for her dog.