Happy December + Thanksgiving

DECEMBER is my favorite month of the year, and I'm so happy it's finally here!

We're adjusting to the new climate. I would say the weather here right now feels more like late Sept./early Oct. in Utah. The trees are losing the last of their leaves, and it is raining quite a bit. Our mini rose plant is still in bloom:

Before telling about Thanksgiving, I want to share an experience that reminded me of God's awareness of our needs, no matter how small.

I had been grocery shopping and needed raspberries for a cheesecake Nick was making. I went to the grocery store Tuesday and almost bought some, but decided to get them at Costco. On Wednesday I went to Costco which was of course CRAZY with people. I searched everywhere for raspberries, but they didn't have any in stock. I'm probably not the only one who has felt like it was the biggest deal in the world to have to go to yet another store at the end of a long, crazy day, just to buy one thing. I was at that point, when all of a sudden, in the cereal isle about 10 isles away from the fruit, sat one lone package of perfect raspberries. It was an answer to the prayer of my heart. I know that God knew how I was feeling and what I needed. I was glad for that experience the day before Thanksgiving to remind me of all my blessings, especially knowing I am a child of God.

Now, on to THANKSGIVING!
We were grateful to have been invited to Candy & Tony's home in Philly to celebrate the day. It was refreshing to get out of town and be with family.

Getting ready to take our first road trip in the new car!

Nick really driving it for the first time.

Passing Baltimore.
I felt a bit like Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle - driving the freeways of Baltimore in the rain listening to Christmas music on the radio.

The last time we visited, Candy & Tony were still doing a lot of work on their house. They have worked really hard and it shows. Their home looks so beautiful!
Nick's Aunt & Uncle flew in from Utah, and his cousin Elizabeth came down from New York. David & Bethany are in Philly finishing his last year of law school.

Aunt Sydette, Emily, Elizabeth, Nick

Uncle Ed, Madeline, David, Bethany

Tony & Candy and the amazing turkey and stuffing - YUM!

4-year-old Gigi gave us a violin concert. She was nervous to be in front of a crowd, but she did really well. I love how tiny her violin is.
THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!!!

On Friday Nick and I relived our first date.
On the Friday after Thanksgiving 5 years ago he took me to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. We're glad the last Harry Potter film had a release date that let us celebrate that special day. We, of course, wouldn't have been holding hands that day ; )

As a side-note story, on our first date we sat down and I realized that we were sitting next to the Rasmussen family from Price. That was a little crazy. Well, this year I looked over partway through the movie and noticed our neighbors from the ward sitting just across the isle from us. I guess it's a small world wherever you go!