Oh, wow...you know I'm not going into detail because there really isn't any detail to go into, I've just been way to busy to blog. Sorry family.

We are day 2 into school after the long Thanksgiving break and I am feeling, well, thankful.

Here's a thing or two for which I am thankful:
~A family that loves each other. We may not always get along well but we do love each other. With as many strong personalities as we have getting together under one roof, there is bound to be some sort of shenanigans going on.
~Babies. Oh, babies are so sweet. My little ones are getting so big but I tell you what, there is nothing quite so wonderful as someone elses sweet little one.
~Laughter. We had lots of laughs over the dinner table and throughout the day. Combine my brother and I and someone will get teased.
~Moms are wonderful. Yes, I am a mother now but my mom continued to take the matriarchal role and all I had to do was bring mashed pototoes and offer to help. The rest of the time, I sat on a chair and and talked with her as she worked....one of my favorite things to do.
~No drama. We all got along well. No one got their feelings hurt as far as I know and we had a great time.
~My brother and his wife are wonderful. They make a great pair. It's so fun to watch them together and sit and talk with them.
~Vegetable were abundant on Thanksgiving day and I am so glad. I am not a fan of turkey so I had a very good reason to load up on a plate full of salads and veggies. Score one for me with regard to the scale.
~Beautiful weather. Okay, so I whined all summer about the weather but what we have going on right now is totally making up for it. The weather has been so incredible. I am praying that it will continue right on through December at least. Blue sky and warmish air = happy Rikki
~A camera that was working mostly. I got some terrific shots of our family with the help of Jon of course. I'll post some of them at the bottom.

Things I could have done without:
~Really nothing. It was one of the best Thanksgivings I can remember. We had Christy's family join ours and it was so fun.

My family (Dad, Mom, Jon & Christy) are all heading to Australia for 3 weeks which great for them. They will experience Christmas down under. I am really looking forward to hearing about all there adventures and frankly, I'm a little jealous.

Our little family will be heading to Portland and Seaside over the Christmas break. We are really looking forward to spending some time with Todd's family some of whom we haven't seen in a year. The kids can't wait to hug Grandpa Alan and wander Portland with him and of course Seaside is always terrific. Caleb and Moriah are planning activities to do with there cousins and they are really looking forward to just hanging out with Grandma, Aunt Billi, Aunt Nicole and Uncle Kurt.

I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and your Christmas blessed. Here are some photos of our ever growing family.