Thanksgiving Wrap Up

The Keils had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, full of family, friends, football (although USC cheats) and of course - FOOD!

The Awad family kindly adopted us (ok, so we begged once we found out they were going to fry a turkey) on the actual Thanksgiving Day. Nana Keil came with us and we enjoyed an adundant feast with beautiful company.

The next day, the Keils hopped a flight to Phoenix for round 2, with the O'Connors (aka Auntie Kelly and Uncle Brian). Our wonderful hosts entertained us, along with Mom, Dad, Betty, Priscilla and Rich for dinner. Not to mention, accomodated us all weekend long.

Everyone pitched in for dinner, making it a family experience. We ate and ate until Kelly surprised us with Turkey Jeopardy. I can't remember who won. I think I was eating apple pie.

BTW - Olivia loves Roxy Rabbit, Kelly's bunny - shout out to Roxy for entertaining her all weekend.

Saturday we dropped Mom off to the airport, then headed to the Boulders Resort to check it out. Olivia ordered grilled cheese - which came with massive amounts of fries and adult size sandwich. We thought it was good, and cute (plus the busser kept bringing muffins/ice cream "for the baby, the baby...") as she ate and ate. It was cute, until she woke up at 1am screaming (probably with a stomach ache) so we're going back to organics....

Sunday, we went to the World Zoo and saw giraffes, a jaguar and kangaroos. Who knew Livvy could say "leopard"? Monday, was a tour of local model homes, then back to OC. WHEW!

Once last thought, I want to say thankful I am for the wonderful family and friends in our lives. We are fortunate to have food, good health, a home etc. that so many others do not. Just a moment to recognize our blessings, and think of those who are less fortunate.

Now onto Xmas!

But Its Not Even Thanksgiving

Never too early to line up your Christmas Tree. Early this morning, the Keils ventured out to Peltzer Farms in Irvine to tag the family Xmas tree. People line up with tape measures, and gloves on and rush in the lot at 9am sharp to pull the tag off the perfect holiday tree. We met Uncle Red and Nana (thanks for organizing) and went on the hunt. It was quite fun. We tagged a tree (didn't wait in the big line to pay for it, Nana kindly went back later to pay after the rush), ate some donuts, and had a lovely morning. Family traditions are a beautiful thing. There aren't too many Xmas tree farms in SoCal so hopefully we'll be able to continue this one for some time.

Tonight, we braved the crowds and went to the lighting of the Fashion Island Xmas Tree, which is 70 some feet tall. Its just amazing. The choir from J Serra High School performed then at 6:45pm they lit the tree. It was beautiful. A little crowded for toddlers, but Livvy seemed to enjoy the song and dance and waved "Hi Tree" when the lights went on. I love this little girl...pics to come. I have to download of the video camera, which I am not good at.

Tis the season, now let's fry a turkey!