Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Sorry I know this is a little late but it amazes me how time flies. I can't believe Christmas will be here soon. Tony and I went shopping today and I believe we are done with all that.

Wanted to tell you all about our Thanksgiving holiday. We left Austin around 4:30 and the drive was...umm...okay. It had been spitting outside all day and thank goodness Tony had replaced my windshield wiper a couple of days before, because it was difficult to see through the nasty rain and spotty snow. After we got through Des Moines, we got stuck in traffice for about 30min. For those of you that haven't driven South of Des Moines on I-35...there is nothing, I repeat nothing that should make traffic at a standstill. Apparently a lane was closed because they have been doing construction. Well, the lane wasn't actually closed, people just saw the sign that it was and so they got into the other lane, like any good driver would do. But it still sucked...mostly because I was driving.

The rest of the trip down was pretty uneventful and we didn't have any blinker problems this time either so I was thankful for that.

Thanksgiving Day we woke up, watched the beginning of Macy's Thanksgiving Day, and heard mom say her famous line (and it wouldn't be Thanksgiving if she didn't say it), "_____ number of years ago I was getting ready to march in this parade. We had to wake up at 5:30 to be there." Mom, I thought I wouldn't share your age with the whole world :)

For dinner we went to Grandma Sally's home and had a wonderful meal with our wonderful family. It was a pretty low key day which was perfect. It was a nice time to just sit around, relax, have good conversations, and eat some wonderful pie and peach cobbler.

Friday, I went shopping with my mom and sister while Tony took off with Wayne and Joe to run the trap line. If I remember right they caught a couple of beavers.

We didn't get up at the crack of dawn to go shopping, we left around 7:30 which was fine by us. We ended up with a few bargins and had a wonderful lunch at Carlos O'Kellys. I can't tell you how bad I've been craving it. It was delicious.

Friday night, the Michaelis' came to visit. It's always great when we get to see you guys. Maddie and Emma we miss you bunches and Conner you are so goofy. Good luck with the rest of the school year.

Also that night we headed to the Paxico bar for a couple of drinks with Adam and Loretta. Glad we could catch up!! Sorry the bar closed so early :)

Saturday we had Thanksgiving with the Erikson side at Mom and Dad's. Once again the food was great! Elaine made rolls....yum. For those of you that don't know, when I was younger my Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter meals mostly consisted of 4 rolls, some corn, mashed potatoes and a small, very small amount of turkey with ketchup. Have had since broadened my choices but rolls still get me every time. At least now I eat more of the other stuff and no ketchup on the turkey.....I'm a big girl now...haha. Oh, and I also discovered I have a new found love, sweet potatoes. Never used to eat the things, the orange turned me off, but oh my I didn't know what I was missing. We even had a "fake" Thanksgiving earlier this week with a couple of friends and I was super excited because I didn't have to wait until the next big family meal to have sweet potatoes :) Oh the little joys in life.

Anyways that afternoon the boys all took off to the farm to do some shooting. I hear they had a pretty good time and everyone came back in one piece.
Us girls played some Taboo and went for a walk(Jack and Dee, once again I apologize if Belle has made Allie terrified of large dogs). It was such a BEAUTIFUL day.

When we got back for our walk the boys were home. During the rest of the afternoon into night football was watched, battleship was played, puzzles were started, and I learned that I need to learn more of my historical/national landmarks thanks to my ten year old cousin during a game of Catch Phrase. (Thanks John, I don't think there was any way I was going to come up with Old Faithful...but it took you no time.)

Sunday we had to head back. Nothing too exciting on the drive home except we almost ran out of gas, and then once again while I was driving we got stuck in traffice for at least 40min.

Tony and I are so very thankful for each and everyone of our family and friends. We have been very blessed this year. With buying our new home, graduating college, and starting the next chaper of our lives. It's hard to be away from everyone and we miss you all greatly.But I truly believe this was God's plan for us at least for the time being. No one knows what the future holds but we just have to put our faith in Him that He will lead us through.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays mostly because there is no fuss. It's simple. Just food, family and fun. I thank God every single night for the gifts that He has blessed me with and I ask Him every night to watch over my loved ones and continue to provide for us all.

May each and everyone of you continue to be happy, healthy and loved.

Love you all,
Lisa and Tony