Thanksgiving and everything

Well, the big day has come and gone. I survived Andrea's favorite holiday quite well, actually. There were tears before and tears after (when I heard some Christmas carols), but curiously none on Thanksgiving day itself. I guess there's something to be said for keeping busy. Jack and I went with Kellie and kids to some friends house for the actual dinner, friends I had met before and liked. Then it was off to Linda's for dessert. Linda had a number of guests, so it was a lively scene, but not big and crazy.

To make up for the empty house Thanksgiving day I had a couple familys (the Vibhakars and Molinas) and kids over Saturday night, which was a lot of fun. Kellie got to be here for that, too, and put up with some good natured grilling. I keep mentioning Kelly, so I should get a picture of her on here soon. She's become quite a fan and booster, and in fact we are planning a weekend in Arrowhead with our respective kids next month, which should be a lot of fun. I was thinking about a house between Christmas and New Years, but couldn't find the perfect place. I'll save 66% by not renting during the holiday week anyway, so that's something to consider.
We can put that money towards ski lessons and inner tubing outings the weekend we're there.

Jack has been lukewarm to his new Tiger Scout membership. He'd rather just play with the guys than have an actual meeting. We went to a Scout fundraiser two weeks ago at a small bowling alley that
is open only for private parties. It was also an official Pack meeting, notable for it's brevity and for the presence of beer bottles in the hand of most adults. I think alcohol should be served at more Scout meetings. Let's make things REALLY social. Help that lady across the street and then ask her if she's ever tried to tell the difference between an Austalian and an American cabernet. Or something.

Here are a few random notes until I think of something else semi-worthwhile to post: Jack lost another tooth and a third is probably
pillow-bound this week. Three teeth in a row will then be gone on his uppers. Might be some challenging speech.

We saw birthmom Lily and family on Sunday. Jack has been told who Lily is but has had no real reaction. Matias, Lily's oldest, is mellow and easy to be around. He and Jack both love computer games and can play together easily. Four-year-old Fabian is not in that club yet...Jack has no interest in anything not game related for Christmas. He wants a Nintendo DS. I think back to getting socks and some rather prosaic things for Christmas and not being unhappy about it as long as other things were under the tree. I am going to have to work with him on how to accept gifts graciously.

I have hooked up a gas fireplace log set for the first time in my life. Got it used on craigslist for $25. It heats the living room nicely. I will always miss the smell of a real fire, but I like this option, too. And the house doesn't smell like a mountain cabin for three days afterward. If I get an artificial tree next year--and I might--I may have my Yankee credentials revoked.

Time to get Jack in bed now. I'll post this and revise later.