Thanksgiving Weekend

For Thanksgiving we had 13 people at dinner. In addition to Ashley and family and my parents, I have 2 brothers who were here - one from Wyoming and one from Indiana who had his two daughters with him. A nephew who is attending Kalamazoo College joined us too.
I bought a "roasting oven" to cook the turkey in and give oven space for corn casserole, squash, green bean casserole, etc. It cooked a moist turkey and it was nicely browned, too.
Alexander made pumpkin pies in the morning and Allison helped with the corn casserole. They both like working in the kitchen - breaking eggs are a speciality!!!! And yes....we have had a few on the floor - not today, though.


On Friday we went to Munn Ice Arena at Michigan State and enjoyed ice skating together. Alexander was going pretty good on hockey skates and only bounced his head on the ice once. Allison needed more help, but was finally "walking" on the skates and propelling herself a little. She enjoyed skating while holding hands with cousins, Erin and Sarah or me. Andrew slept on the floor under the seating --for a short nap so adults could enjoy skating. Alexander was the last one off the ice and watched the zamboni refinish the skating surface for the next group.

After skating, we returned to the "Greats" house and decorated gingerbread houses. This has been a tradition for many years and everyone enjoys being creative. The houses are always a work of art!!!!!

Saturday Alexander and Grandpa John went to the MSU Basketball game - got to ride the bus from the parking ramp. The "girls" - and Andrew - went to Horrocks and a walk in the neighborhood since the weather was so nice. Andrew took a good nap in the backpack and was a very happy baby for the evening.

Sunday morning Alexander and Allison helped Grandpa John hang the Christmas lights and wreaths outside. They also dumped the pumpkins down by the creek for the deer and other critters to enjoy.

After lunch I drove the kids to meet Alex in Bowling Green Ohio - about half way for each of us drivers. The highways were crowded, but the drive was just fine.

Today I'm cleaning up after the long weekend.......then a regular work week starts........