Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving! I realized it was our 6th Thanksgiving here in Virginia. It's amazing to think how our lives have changed in the last 5 years. We have so much to be thankful for.
I know it sounds cliche, but as I look back I am most grateful for the people in our lives that have made this move to Virginia such a wonderful one.
I remember our first Thanksgiving.......just a few months after we moved across the country, away from everything and everyone we knew and loved.
I was so homesick. I was counting the days, hours, and minutes until we were going to be on a plane, headed home for Christmas.
This year, I have to say, Virginia feels like home. Over the last few years things have changed so that many of those we love most are now here.
I still get a little homesick for family and friends back west, especially around the holidays.
But, I will cherish the memories we've made here forever.


Daddy and Tommy having a little pre-feast nap....


Thanksgiving is always more fun with cousins!

Capital Food Fight

A few nights ago we got to go to "The Capital Food Fight". This is an annual charity event hosted by Anthony Bordain (from the Travel Channel) where some of the best restaurants in D.C. come one location and set up booths where you can try some of their best dishes. They also choose two local top chefs and do an "Iron Chef" type competition right there!
One of Joe's clients gave him two tickets so we got to go and it was a blast. I can't claim to be much of a "foodie" seeing how my diet as a stay-at-home mom mostly consists of peanut butter and jelly, Ramen noodles, and macaroni and cheese. But maybe that just makes actually having a nice meal even that much better! We got to sped the evening in beautiful Washington D.C. eating some of the best little bites I've ever had. Everything from unique appetizers, to delicious meats, perfectly seasoned veggies, beautiful fruits, and of course.....lots and lots of rich scrumptious desserts!!!!!!
I was a great night out!

October Wedding Bells

I realized I never posted about my trip to Utah back in October for yet another wedding! (I guess that's what happens when you have cute nieces like I do! :)
My niece Laura was married back in October and Tommy and I were able to make a super quick trip so I could be there. We flew out the day before and flew home the day after but it was wonderful being there and seeing everyone.

Tommy and Uncle Joe:



Laura and her beautiful sisters! I can't believe my three oldest nieces are married now! Wierd!



As we were walking around the temple grounds we got to see the new temple exhibit at one of the visitor centers. They have this model of the Salt lake Temple where you can look right in and see what's inside. It was really neat, and I'm sure it is a wonderful missionary tool for non-members who come to see the temple.