Wednesday, November 30 -- Gratefotos

I mentioned my Dad and Loraine during my grand tour -- but didn't point out that I am thankful for them specifically. I don't want to leave them out! -- because I am very thankful for them! I confess, the photo wasn't exactly taken today -- it's from this summer when we all were at Brent's house. I'm glad they're still so healthy and willing to travel -- always up for a party, a game and a good time.

Tuesday, November 29 --- Gratefotos

Last year John gave me this stadium seat for my birthday. I was rather unimpressed. After using it for a year -- I'm singing a different tune. I love this thing! I have certainly spent my share of time perched on hard, cold, uncomfortable bleachers! So now -- I can honestly say -- I am so thankful for my stadium seat. He had my name embroidered on it -- which is pretty cool, too.

Monday, November 28 "Gratefotos"

We got back home to WI too late on Sunday to buy a Christmas tree. I was a little bummed about that. Then -- I had this cool surprise on Monday at work. People came by to drop off a huge tree that they donate to the church where I work. I was helping unlock the doors for them and find a place to put it. They offered to let me buy one of the extra trees that they had in their truck (they were planning to sell the extras to a lot). So -- I bought a 10 Frazier Fir for "wholesale"! I am so thankful for my WI Christmas tree! We're thinking about sticking some lights on it and some ornaments.

Sunday, November 27 -- Gratefotos

This is actually -- the day -- my birthday! -- day 4 of the "Four-day, four-state, friends and family birthday tour." We stopped in IL to visit Mindi, Ian, and Uncle Rick. Seeing them was so fun - -but sad because Aunt Karen and Whitny June couldn't be there, too. I am grateful for all of them. I really should have taken a better photo -- either captured the fam or Mindi's cool apartment. This really shows neither to any advantage. Mindi threw this great birthday lunch party for me -- salad, Chicago-style pizza -- and Boston Cream Pie for dessert! Actually, Uncle Rick was responsible for the cake/pie -- nice work! So cool to be with them "on the day!"

Saturday, November 26 Gratefotos

This would be Nina and Poppy - our dear friends. We stayed with them on day 3 of the "Four-day, four-state, friends and family birthday tour." They are "be there for you" kind of friends. I am so thankful for them. We love staying at their house in Elkhart, IN. They make us feel right at home. I know where everything is at their place -- even the extra rolls of toilet paper.

Friday, November 25 -- Gratefotos

Yep -- that would be 3 ---- 3 birthday cakes! On day 2 of the "Four-day, four-state, friends and family birthday tour" we stayed at my brother Brent's house. His amazing wife Kelly hosted 6 house guests for the weekend - -then invited more friends over on Friday evening -- and celebrated my birthday. And -- she made me the most amazing birthday cakes! -- chocolate, covered in ganache! Wish I had taken a picture of Uncle Brent, Aunt Kelly, and the little cousins. I am so thankful for them -- and I love them even more than I love chocolate ganache -- and that's saying something!