thanksgiving

There is so much for us to be thankful for this year, I could probably go on endlessly, but I'll just highlight a few of the "biggies":

- Being back in Kijabe, surrounded by a great community of friends, and having Dexter back working on teeth.

- Finally being in our own house 

- Probably most importantly! Baby Mulandi and the fact that so far all has gone smoothly and easily

- Being in Mass with friends and family for the holiday!

It has been GREAT to be home again.  This could be the last time we're here for quite a while since the baby comes in March/April and we may not be up for international getaways after that for some time.  I'm soaking up the crisp air, the bare trees, the fires in the fire place, and the time with dear friends and family.

My dad likes to smoke the bird, which starts ridiculously early.  Above it is some kind of meat and a few ribs that served as an app.  That meat's drippings dripped on the turkey making for some extra flavor bonuses!

And when I say ridiculously early, I mean that the bird went on the grill before the sun fully woke up.

It was a cold day

And Dexter, who'd never experienced -3* C was trying to handle it:

He helped my dad stack wood which did warm him up eventually, but he's generally suffering.  He's not above several layers of clothes - including two pairs pants and socks!

For my contribution to the day, I made cranberry sauce and, of course, pecan pie, which I'd never actually made before.  I made it the night before and then had a recurring dream (nightmare?) that I didn't put enough sugar in it.  Fortunately, I think it turned out perfectly! 

Here's the finished turkey, in all its glory!

And finally, for some friends!  

The Hammons

 Alyson and Jessica

 Margot & Craig

Jessica and boyfriend David (one of three Davids here last night!)

The Mulandis and Merings

 Jenna and Dexter

David & Nancy

There was lots of food, love and laughter. I'm so glad to have been here!