Family Thanksgiving

It's hard to believe but we were totally up for a second Thanksgiving meal a day later at my parents house. I got to make the pies this time instead of the turkey and mashed potatoes. I discovered that pecan pie really is incredibly easy to make and man, is it tasty! Why do we only make it around Thanksgiving?! It was so nice to spend time together as a family and we even got to play a few rounds of Yahtzee after the kids were in bed--a Yoder family favorite.

My parents kept Sasha for the rest of the weekend so we could have some down time with just Jack. It always makes me realize how much easier it is with just one, especially with just a baby. I never would have said that the first time around with just Sasha to care for, but my perspective has changed completely.

When we came down to Albuquerque to pick up Sasha on Sunday night, we went to the huge Christmas light show at the Botanical Gardens.

Friend Thanksgiving

This was our year to be with the Yoders for Thanksgiving; however, my dad was visiting his mom in Ohio on the actual holiday so we had our family Thanksgiving on Saturday. On Thursday we collaborated with 3 other families to put together a tasty traditonal meal at our house. The food was delicious and a good time was had by all.

The kids were seated at the table for 5 minutes at the most and then enjoyed "Curious George" in the living room.

Jack enjoyed his dinner several hours delayed. He slept while we ate--perfect timing.

Jack's First Road Trip

As with any place I've ever lived, if I stay in town too long I get antsy to take a trip. Since having Jack we've pretty much been laying low in Albuquerque and Santa Fe so we were due for a getaway. We drove 5 hours south to the Carlsbad Caverns for a long weekend. The cave was amazing, but what Sasha loved the most was the Holiday Inn express with the indoor pool and hot tub! We used both heavily every morning and afternoon. We all slept really well in a hotel room together--Jack had his longest stretch of sleep to date even! We also enjoyed a small zoo in the town where the animals were in their natural habitats.

Sasha is much more interested in artwork these days.

Indy visitors

I was thrilled to have my old nursing school pals, Jill and Michelle, out in Santa Fe for a visit last month. We did all the classic Santa Fe things like eat breakfast burritos, browse the shops around the plaza, relax at the Japanese spa in the mountains one afternoon, and hike. They were real troopers in spite of the high altitude. Thanks for coming out to visit, girls! The weather was perfect and it continues to be the warmest holiday season since we've moved here. 60 degrees and sunny today!