Lobster on Turkey Day?

Ellie in her Halloween costume:
lobster in a pot!
(photo taken in Oct.)




So, as far as holidays with my family go, this one wasn't half bad. In fact, I think I could even venture to say it was pretty good. This was well needed, after having had the worst ever birthday dinner (w/ my fam) last month. Big sighs of relief that it was not horrible, and actually rather smooth.

It was the first time we had our dinner somewhere besides my mom's house. My sister and bro-in-law hosted us in their new home. We each took part in the food prep. and were all pretty sane through out the afternoon and evening. The meal was great (as usual)! People pretty much got along, and the few moments of "uh oh, now she's really done it!" or "why did he have to mention that?" came and went quickly.

My hostess sister had prepared a turkey/thanksgiving game for us. We were skeptical, but it turned out to be a good thing. We each had a paper plate w/ a cute turkey shape and our name on it. We had to pass our turkeys around the table and each person had to write things they are thankful for about each other in the feather spaces. At the end we each had our turkey back w/ little notes from the others. It was a good way to affirm and encourage, something we don't naturally do well in my family.

We played a couple of games together and realized that we hadn't played a game in many many years. We used to play games all the time. Not sure what happened. It was fun to play and relax together.

Ellie was great, of course. She just keeps on getting cuter and cuter. She crawling all over and pulling herself up on chairs, sofas, pant legs (don't wear elastic waist slacks near her!). She now says, " mem mem mem mem mem" and "da da da da da" and ocassionally makes a barkingish noise like, "gwa gwa gwa gwa." She doen't seem to connect these sounds w/ mom, dad, or the dog yet, but they're pretty sweet anyhow!

Traditionally we each take time to share about somethings we're thankful for. And this year the sharing felt especially meaningful. People were more open and honest than usual. There is change and growth going on. I'm so glad to be able to see this. :)