Thanksgiving and a visit from Grandma!!

Verna made a lovely table setting from pine cones that we collected in Colorado, when we were there visiting in July. Papa had sent these gigantic pine cones from California, that he and Pauline had been holding for the past 20 years. We put them to good use and it made a lovely table decoration.

This year we were fortunate enough to have a visit from  my Mom for Thanksgiving and were so glad that she could make the trip down from icy Kansas. The kids were super excited to have her and got lots of hugs, cuddles and book reading with Grandma's full attention for three whole days! It was fun to have Mom here to help with Thanksgiving dinner and the ability to say, "Mom, please fix this gravy, it's weird." Debbie, Lance, Ian, Eric and Debbie's Mom and Lee also joined us for Thanksgiving dinner. We have so much to be thankful for this year, and it was wonderful getting to celebrate this time of year with our family and dear friends, who have become our Texas family.

Now that it finally turning cooler, which means cooler than 70 degrees in Texas, we are now able to have fires in the fire place, and impromptu smores making.

I had to add this picture because it shows what I am most thankful for, our babies and family.

Thanksgiving morning. We usually participate in the annual Turkey Trot in downtown Austin. But this year, we decided to take a hike on the green belt. It was a very short hike as it started to rain, but it was so peaceful and lovely while it lasted. A great way to appreciate the time of year and work up an appetite!

Daddy and Isla figuring out the hike path

Isla LOVES to be read to. She will sit through 6+ books and kept it coming, so Grandma didn't have a chance.

I made Sam pose after helping to set the table.

Thanksgiving table, turned out so pretty! 

More book reading from Lance. She will capture anyone who will pick up a book and he was a prime target. This was actually a book that he read Ian and Eric when they were little and it was passed on to our kiddos. It comes full circle.

Dim-Sum! One of Mom's requests while in Austin was to go out for Dim-Sum. So here we are trying out a new restaurant. 

Silly Isla and Grandma

Grandma and the crew

After Dim-Sum, we had to check out the neighboring Chinese Market. Nothing like 50 cent Pink Panther rides for enjoyment!

Mom was busy teaching us how to make Zwieback, yummy German yeast rolls. But she had to stop for some demanded cuddle time.

Sam looks crazy. It was difficult getting everyone to look the same direction! They are making cinnamon Christmas ornaments.  

Decorating the Christmas tree. Sam was insistent to get a tree to decorate and put up all the house Christmas decorations while Grandma was here. He didn't want her to miss out on the fun. 

Isla is looking rather perplexed in trying to figure out just how these all work.

More reading time and getting ready for bed the lastnight that Grandma was here. It was so sad to see her go.

So while making Zwieback, Verna made Mom give us step by step instructions and measurements. Mom's usual response is to, "just add a little of this and than and kneed it until it feels right." Terrible instructions, so this time we watched closely, took notes, pictures and even videos. But even if we make them ourselves, it will never taste as good as Mama's. 

Sam was getting in on the action and was very proud of his own little rolls, under Grandma's direct supervision.