We just spent a wonderful vacation back in the States. Thanksgiving was a great opportunity  to see family and catch up on the news back home. With the number of folk that attended Thanksgiving dinner, the day practically turned into a family reunion and we devoured the 30 pound bird!! We were only missing a few people -- One day we will must get everyone together in one place at one time! We were fortunate to have a second Thanksgiving with the other side of the family on the Sunday following Thanksgiving day, so we really got to see everyone while we were in town! Yum Yum! We love Turkey!!

One of the other highlights of our trip "back home" was going to the Christmas parade on the day after Thanksgiving in downtown Seattle. We met the Kuhns, Kim & Kids, Tami and Scott, and Bob and Florence downtown under the star on the Bon Marche. What a great time! After the parade we went to Ivars for lunch and then did a little shopping. Seattle is truly a beautiful city... something we've known for awhile but it's nice to be reminded!

While home we drove past our house to see what it looked like now that the renters had been living there for a few months. I had been having nightmares about seven pick up trucks parked on an overgrown lawn and all sorts! As it turned out, everything was in order! The lawn was well taken care of... and the family was outside putting up Christmas decorations! Whew! One less thing to worry about.