So much to be thankful for...

We had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving with Andy's family. We were just missing a couple of people: Josh and his new fiance, Desiree (more on that later). We hosted the meal and other hanging out activities here at our house, but it was really awesome that our friends Luke and Drea allowed Bert, Dale, Jon, and Ashley to stay at their empty apartment just down the street while they were in Portland. It worked out great for everyone; we are so blessed to have such wonderful friends.

 It was fun to see Papa Mac and the kids. The love him and we crack up any time Titus taps his head/cheeks/face because that is JUST like his Papa Mac! It is hilarious. If you know Bert and this funny habit that he has, you've got to see Titus do it too.

 Didi playing a rousing game of Cooties with Annaliese. Didi was a good sport and spent lots of time on the floor, reading playing games etc. with this little busybody.

 Uncle Jon and Titus. What good looking guys we have in our family!

 It is funny how kids always do this with olives. I guess it is just that they see a hole, and automatically know that they should stick their fingers in them.

Andy did a lovely job setting the table with our beautiful china and crystal (and clearing off the buffet, which is usually filled with stuff making it not accessible). I made all the sides, including mashed potatoes, bacon gravy, green bean casserole, apple cornbread stuffing with sausage, but skipped the turkey and bought a spiral-cut ham instead. It was perfect because Andy's family doesn't prefer turkey and I didn't want to attempt it any way on my first time hosting a big holiday like this. Some friends had an early Thanksgiving meal and then flew out of town and gave us some yummy fresh cranberry sauce and an apple pie. My mom supplied the zwiebach - again, didn't want to attempt it, knowing it wouldn't be as good. But it was a delicious feast overall, if I do say so myself.

 My professional gravy-tasters. :)

We hired a sitter for the first time ever, my friend Michelle from MOPS, to all be able to go to the USC v. UCLA game. Even the kids were dressed up in support of the Trojans!

It was my first football game of his magnitude. The energy, even from way up top, was really exciting.

 We've got spirit, yes, we do!

 Fight on!

 Ashley in her super cute new glasses! I seriously love them!

Andy took this pic and made us stay until the buzzer rang out. It was a great time for all... except any UCLA fans that were there.

We had some great family time, good conversations, as well as a brief shopping time at Ross for the girls. :) I love that it was low-stress and mellow. We had fun celebrating Andy's birthday with the family a little early, on Friday evening, with Cappuccino Cheesecake - amazing! It didn't turn out quite as "beautiful" as it has the past couple of years, so I don't have pics from this time, but here are some from two years ago (it is a once a year kind of caloric intake).

And here is the recipe.

Although words really don't suffice, thank you, God, for the many, many earthly blessings you have given us as well as for the gift of your Son and the life you give us in Him.