Thanksgiving Weekend

This Thanksgiving weekend was different for us, like just about everyone else this year, as we adjusted our plans due to the pandemic. We decided to stay home on our own, but we were so glad to video chat with my parents and Mark's parents and siblings (also our new nephew's first appearance on Zoom!). We sure missed being with Aunt Debbe Jo and Uncle Mike and the rest of the crew in Michigan, but we also exchanged some texts and pics with them. I heard from lots of friends, too, so we felt loved from a distance. 

We had a low-key day at home: a bit of the Macy's parade and the national dog show, reading, and hanging out between the video calls. 

Here's what we ate, served family style from the kitchen counter, eaten on the crystal dishes from Mark's mom.

cranberry sauce, roasted chicken, brussels sprouts w/bacon,
mac & cheese, and layered potato casserole

a closer look at the sprouts, mac, and potatoes,
plus homemade pan gravy on the back burner

up close on the cranberry sauce and chicken

my very full plate...so delicious!

pumpkin pie! 
(served w/whipped cream)

Mark said it was his favorite Thanksgiving dinner ever (since everything on the menu was something he wanted...except the cranberry sauce, which was just for me). This compliment made me very happy. ❤

We kept our tradition of decorating for Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving, putting a few things in different places this year. We also got some really cute outdoor lights--but we decided to order a second strand so we can wrap them around the banister more. We also have some cute knit stockings on the way. No homemade evergreen wreath on the door this year, but hoping for next year!

Christmas tree w/lights at night

mini-tree with lights and other decorations

close up of the mini-tree

big tree--daytime view

a couple things in Mark's office

the outdoor lights

more outdoor lights...just not quite long enough!

stained glass
(made by Grandpa Mike)

Meanwhile, it's been really awesome to have a long weekend off, totally disconnected from teaching/work (which has been hard this fall...). Next week is our last week of classes (I'm meeting with my students for individual conferences), then we have finals week, and we're done! 

Despite all of this year's challenges, we have so much to be thankful for...and if you're reading this, you are on my gratitude list, too! Take care and stay healthy. 

PS: Christmas Decoration Update

Since posting, the second strand of outdoor lights came in, and Mark did a great job rearranging them on our banister:

outdoor lights at dusk

the rest of the lights at dusk

a blurry picture of the tree and the lights outside

the lights after dark

the rest of the lights after dark

We also ordered a pair of Christmas stockings, which look great hanging on the shelf with the nativity:

stockings hanging on the shelf

Mark's green stocking

my red stocking