The holidays in Texas

We may never get a white Christmas in Texas

BUT, there is no shortage of "exterior illumination"

Great friends

One of the things that makes all the hours and travel of Ryan's job worth it is the spectacular people we get to call friends. Last Saturday night we were able to get some of the summer interns of 2008 back together for an amazing meal.

Josh, thank you for planning. Julie, thank you for paying....

I found it!

plus a new found love for yelling....

Thanksgiving

Sadly, we do not have any pictures from Thanksgiving this year, but we had a fantastic time. We drove to Lincoln, NE and spent the holiday with Ryan's brother Roger and his wife, Michelle. They made the most wonderful Thanksgiving feast. Not only did they make three different kinds of smoked brisket and the best tasting smoked turkey, but they also prepared side dishes galore - mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade cranberry sauce, jello, baked beans, rolls, pumpkin pie, salad, and I'm sure I'm forgetting something! It was spectacular! Thank you Roger and Michelle!

After Thanksgiving, Michelle and I braved Joanne's on black Friday and bought some fabric for some fun Christmas projects. The lines were huge, but the discount was nice. Michelle was sweet enough to teach me how to make an adorable Christmas table cloth and make a red Christmas sash for my holiday dress. The sash took Michell 20 minutes tops! She said I should be able to make the tablecloths in 20 -30 minutes (somehow I made it take 2 hours :)). Sounds about right, huh Heather H.?

We had a great visit and love that we live close enough to drive and visit family! Happy Thanksgiving!