Giving thanks

This year we ended our seven year hiatus and made our way once again to Ohio to be with Ben's family. We could not believe it has been that long since we last spent Thanksgiving there. I was reminded of how much I've missed it. It's an idyllic setting. Several generations gather under one roof with football on TV, basketball outside, young families playing with a new puppy, and there was even an engaged couple. And of course, food, food, and more food. What a perfect first Thanksgiving for Anna.

First, lots of Grandma time:




And let's not forget Grandpa...


There was so much fun with cousins:


Kisses from Ellie!


Drummer Boy Josh:


I think Ellie is just about ready for basketball:




Josh had a great walk with Grandma


Getting the dog Woodstock ready for a walk was a group activity:


We even got to try out a Wii:




And bonus activities!! A bridal shower for the happy couple:



(remember guys--it's called a "keepsake box".)


Welcome to the family, Lanette!

and Daddy's birthday party:






all thanks to our gracious hosts


Thank you Lynne and Dale for so many great memories. We hope to be there next year!

Nine month photos

About the same time every month, mom and dad suddenly stop discussing medieval philosophy and science fiction, move the furniture around in my room, and start dancing like crazy people while mom snaps pictures of my reactions.



It used to be kind of endearing.






But now that I'm getting older, some of the wonder is wearing off.





Sometimes I worry I might be living in a nuthouse.

Congratulations are in order

This post is typical of our lame attempts to pretend to follow sports. It's just hard for us. But every once in a while, a win comes along that even we can't miss.

Way to go, Yankees! (And thank goodness we get FOX through our TV antennae. Whew.)

Highlights from a great weekend--updated

Anna had a wonderful time bonding with Grandma and Grandpa this weekend. We can tell she misses all the extra attention! Ben and I are having a hard time picking up the slack. It was wonderful seeing our little shy girl open up and socialize a little bit. There's nothing like Grandma and Grandpa to draw her out!








(yes, that is Grandma's cell phone she's holding)











Ribs at Calhoun's. Yum.







The obligatory map photo from our afternoon in downtown Knoxville.


And Norris Dam, which we visited earlier this year. We knew it would be great in the fall.











Hay was put out for the deer, which attracted a whole herd at the time we were out walking. These photos are all courtesy of Grandma, since I naturally left my camera in the car. She got pretty close to one just on the other side of the road.





Thanks so much for a great weekend! We can't wait to see everyone again soon!

Fall in the Smoky Mountains

The rain here in Tennessee has finally started to give way to some fabulous fall weather, and just in time for a visit from Grandma and Grandpa last weekend! Our site seeing opened with a trip to Cades Cove, a historic farming community in the Smoky Mountains active from 1819-1930s. It includes original cabins, churches, and mills, but the public comes to enjoy the scenery and the wild life.







The one-way, one-lane loop around the Cove (11 miles long) coupled with relaxed Southern drivers somewhat offended the efficient Swedish sensibilities of our group, so these photos came mostly from inside the car as we rode along. We didn't stop very often, but even so, it was hard to take a bad picture. If you decide to give the Cove a try, I recommend biking during the hours cars are banned from the road.















And there was, in fact, some wild life as well:



A deer



And even a bear. (No really, it is.) We also saw turkeys and a close-up "boo" (squirrel) who was eating happily out of the working grain mill.

We decided against purchasing the locally ground flour at the gift shop...(though the guide assured us the grain the squirrel was sampling was designated for livestock only).

Even the camp ground rest area was incredibly picturesque:







And oh my goodness, I made it to the end of this post without one picture of Anna and Grandma! Better fix that...