Thanksgiving 2009

I just want to take a minute to reflect on those very important folks I am so blessed to know. I hope you all had a safe and happy day.

A heartfelt thank you to my family for a memorable and emotional dinner. I love you all so much. The dinner was amazing, and being all together (except for a few loved ones across the country and world) was the greatest feeling.

Back row: Don, Mom, Ernie, Chloe, David, Brigette, Andrew, Olivia, Charlie, Alison, and Sawyer. Front row: Kevin, Ali, Sam, Skip, Hugh, Tina, Lance, Sam, and Charlie.

Me, my brother Charlie, my mom, my brother Lance, and my sister Sam.

Thanksgiving surprise

After all the surprises I received for my birthday, I decided it was my turn to do the surprising. So no one but my sister knew we were going to Virginia for Thanksgiving. So when my mother arrived today, Kevin and I went into the basement and Skyped Sam upstairs as if we were at home in Idaho.

So the stage is set... mom knows nothing. I said the connection was bad and that I would call back later. Sam loaned me a floppy hat, and I had my nephew and his girlfriend go upstairs with me, Kevin in tow with the camera. I wanted to see how long it would take for her to figure out it was me and get her reaction.

Here it is:

A perfectly executed plan. It was brilliant!

A Florida Birthday

Miss Ann celebrated her birthday with us girls in Florida this past long weekend (see Beth's blog today for more details) Ann has never had a pedicure before, so we all decided it was a good day to all go get our toes painted.

And our feet and legs massaged and pampered.

Oh that tickles!

Look at those gorgeous birthday toes!

She makes a wish and blows out the candles.

Happy Happy Birthday Ann. We love you!

We all proudly display our beautiful toes.

A beautiful day in sunny paradise.