Family Time at Thanksgiving

We drove to Ohio for Thanksgiving again this year - to meet Sharon, Mark, and Carmella at my brother's house and join his family for their gathering. Kat, Jason, and Daniel travelled with us. There were 20 of us at Chuck's - 12 adults and 8 kids nine and under. It was pure chaos at times, but nice to be together. Rich prepared the turkeys and everyone contributed something to the meal. We loved being able to spend some time with our grandchildren and for them to spend time together.

Carmella is 13 months old, walking, and very busy.

Robin entertained Daniel, followed Ella around the house, and was a huge help with the little ones.

Blue Birds in the Bushes

I have really enjoyed watching the blue birds this year, first with the nesting boxes outside the kitchen window, and now as they come in to eat the berries from the bushes outside my window. They must be migrating, because they come in large groups with a flutter of bright blue.

Leaves on my lawn!

Uh, Oh. When we moved here we left all those big trees behind. Looks like we might have to start raking again! Hee hee.

Field Trips and Bonfires

On Thursday last week I had the priviledge of taking a wonderful group of students to visit the Newseum in Washington, D.C. http://www.newseum.org/.

That evening, as SADD Club advisor, I was helping to put on a bonfire pep rally for winter sports. The Pennsylvanians Against Underage Drinking brought large bean bag chairs and set up a lounge around the perimeter of the bonfire. Their message: It's never too late to make a u-turn and make the right decision. They gave out tee-shirts to all the kids at the bonfire. http://www.pullayouee.com/

Saturday we entertained our neighbors for a bistro supper of steak and pommes frites topped off by Karen's wonderful chocolate bread pudding. On Sunday we had duties at church and a Bible study in the evening. Monday evening we went to an open house for missionaries to South Africa. Tuesday evening I had parent conferences until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday I drove SADD Club officers to Lancaster, PA, for a conference and returned to take the debate team to their meet - another late night. Thursday I was sick, but duked it out through parent conferences until 8:00 p.m. Today I am home - mostly sleeping.

Hopefully we will be healthy for our trip to Ohio next week for Thanksgiving and time with family, including Sharon, Mark and Ella.

Pop-pop and Daniel

Rich and I went to see Kat and Daniel for a few hours on Saturday and babysit while Kat attended a baby shower. The little guy changes so fast that we can't get enough of seeing him!