A Pennsylvania Thanksgiving

This year we spent our Thanksgiving holiday in Pennsylvania with many of Ben's relatives who either still live in the area or came back home for the occassion. We stayed with his grandparents (Luke's Pop Pop and Gigi) and were lucky to have lots of family come by to visit with us there. Ben's sister Lauren and her boyfriend Matt even made it over since they were in PA for Thanksgiving with his family. We were also fortunate to see Ben's aunt Holly and uncle David up from DC, cousin Peter who lives in PA now, and their daughter Brin who flew in from LA. There were 17 for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, with aunts, uncles and cousins a-plenty. Luke had a great time with everyone and appreciated our hosts Tina and Alan and their children opening their home to a few more guests this year.

My parents also made it up over the holiday weekend, not for turkey and dressing, but to help pick up a tractor that has been in Ben's family since the 1940's. After an extensive restoration, she's all shined up and ready to go down south to stay in the family another 50 years and then some. It made the trip very well and is now resting safely in a garage for the winter.  It is a special memento of the family farm and all who have lived and worked there. 

All told, Luke saw 23 different relatives during our four day visit! It was certainly a whirlwind trip up on Wednesday and back Saturday night, but it was great to see everyone we could and to be there to help decorate for Christmas with Pop Pop and Doris. Our next treat was to see the lighting of the tree in nearby Skippack with Ben's aunt Nancy and uncle Pete. My parents stayed overnight with them when they got into town, so we had a great night out seeing Santa, listening to carolers and eating some delicious Italian food---we started the holiday feasting early with year! Luke had some big laughs with Uncle Pete as you will see in the photos---he knows how to get him going!

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving whereever and however you may have celebrated. I know times are very challenging for so many families right now, but that seems to be all the more reason to simply acknowledge the gifts we have been given, to celebrate our families and friends with grateful hearts as we enter the holiday season. This Christmas is the perfect time to find comfort and joy in what we already have and not what may or may not be under the Christmas tree. 

Admiring a Parade of Trees - Oak Ridge, TN - The Oak Ridger

Admiring a Parade of Trees - Oak Ridge, TN - The Oak Ridger

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My friend Laura and I made the front page of the Oak Ridger today!  Ben called from work to tease me.  We had a great time at the Parade of Trees gala on Saturday night.  The event benefited Girls, Inc. of Oak Ridge.  Ben's company was a key donor for the evening, so we were asked to attend on behalf of the company along with Laura and her husband Duke, and four other coworkers.  The food was excellent, the band was great, and everyone had fun bidding in the auction or shopping in the Chrismas market.  We'll try to post more photos when we get copies from others at the party.

To learn more about Girls, Inc. and the work they support, visit http://www.girlsinc.org/.  You can read about their educational initatives, community activities, donate online or find a local chapter to volunteer your time.  For example, the Oak Ridge chapter offers programs such as workshops in financial fitness and encouraging girls to pursue academic coursework and careers in the sciences.

The Big 30

We celebrated Ben’s 30th birthday yesterday, remembering the experiences three decades afforded and welcoming all the new ones to come. Unfortunately, he had to work, but we tried to make it festive all the same. Luke stayed home from school to help me make him a red velvet cake and to meet Ben for lunch during work. Luke spilled the beans that we got balloons and flowers for the occasion, but I think Ben liked them all the same. In the evening, we went out to a concert at the Tennessee Theater by the Youth Symphony Orchestra and then came home to a late dinner and of course, the cake. Luke was eager to help his Daddy blow out his big 3-0 candles… and to sample the sweets. And so to Ben, I hope you had a great 30th birthday. Here’s to 30 more and then some! Luke and I can’t wait to see what those years will hold.