Thanksgiving 2008

This year Thanksgiving was back in Wyoming with more family than I expected. I was also given Friday off so I could stay home longer and I can't even express my gratitude to Mike for that. I needed a break at home more than I realized. It was fun to have two of my sisters and their families also home. I wish we could have had EVERYONE...that get together will happen in January when we all get to go to Disney World!
At home, we enjoyed many things but mostly enjoyed being home and being able to relax. Gina bought her boys looms and yarn for their long drive and so knitting hats became a popular past time. They happened to be the same hats we knitted at EFY for our service project all summer so I thought I was the pro. But I quickly learned that there is much more you can do on those crazy looms and we tried some new things. Really, I was mostly impressed that my nephews were so willing to learn and did such a good job. They are pretty much amazing!!!

We also enjoyed our traditional Christmas Tree hunt in the mountains. This year was much different since there wasn't any snow. When we got to the mountains there was a little snow but still not the norm. I'm not sure if it is harder truckin' through knee deep snow or having to climb over all the dead trees. Both are memorable and I am so glad I got to get my apartment a real Wyoming tree again. I missed it last year.

And, of course, you can't forget the annual Parade of Lights. We finally got snow on Saturday but it was more wet than anything and just added fun to the candy thrown in the parade. Good thing my niece and nephews didn't care that their candy was a little soggy. We all still had fun bundling up and supporting our local businesses. It's nice that some things from childhood don't change.

I have never doubted my gratitude for the most amazing family, but I never refuse an opportunity for a reminder. :) It's fun to watch my nieces and nephews grow up. I may be biased but I am sure they are the smartest, cutest, and most amazing kids ever!! I loved watching them play, helping them learn new things, and just loving them. Thank you my amazing parents for raising us so well and keeping us all so close.