Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving

As Christmas approaches, I simply must step back in time...Way back to Thanksgiving, and share some of the fun we had with Shan and AJ's families. I could journal about each picture, but in the interest of time and -- saving time, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy! As usual, just a sampling of a memorable, fun weekend - and the last we will have at AJ and Josh's MN home, since they are moving on. Change is bittersweet, y'know?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to anyone who stops by this blog!

Christmas time is (almost) here!

I (MELANIE) decided this looked fun (thanks Alisa).
1. Have you started your Christmas shopping?
Started? I don't really Christmas shop...:S

2. Tell me about one of your special traditions.
Christmas music begins after halloween. Even if the rest of my family doesn't do it, I do.

3. When do you put up your tree?
Usually after thanksgiving, but this year it was mostly mom and dad that did it.

4. Are you a Black Friday shopper?
I never have, so no.

5. Do you travel at Christmas or stay home?
Usually travel, unless the rest of the family is coming here.

6. What is your funniest Christmas memory?
Alisa brought up the temporary trash can/toilet. That basically tops all.

7. What is your favorite Christmas movie of all time?
Definately Elf. Hands down.

8. Do you do your own Christmas baking?
ummmm no... :D I help sometimes

9. Fake or real tree?
I don't remember ever doing a real tree, but the romanticism of it seems wonderful.

10. What day does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
I HOPE I'm not panicing since I don't have to do anything.

11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
Nope

12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
Being together, watching kids.

13. What Christmas craft do you like the best?
I made a snowman out of glass balls and a sock and other stuff this year. I was proud.

14. Christmas music, yes or no? And if yes, what is your favorite song?
YES!!!! Secular: Santa Baby, Christmas Time is Here, The Christmas Song( aka Chestnuts roasting on a open fire)
Religious: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Good King Wenceslas, Oh Come All Ye Faithful (especially in Latin) ET AL

15. When do you plan to finish all of your shopping?
....

I realized that most of these questions were not directed at teenagers, but oh well.
So now that you've read this, TAG you're it! Copy the questions on your blog and answer them! It's so fun seeing what everyone's traditions and favorites are!

Happy Birthday to our new Seventeener!

What can I say about Little Miss Sunshine? She's older, bigger (in that long, lean way we all wish we had), and smarter than when she charmed us all by coming into the world - and reciting movie lines before some can talk - but she's just as sweet and beloved as ever.

First day of junior year; she sure knows how to pose!

Always gathering up people she loves for warm fuzzies and photos!
(Recognize the quilt? It's the one Suzie made...)

Yes, that's Kenneth Cope, who spoke and sang at their big summer event, then gave photo opps to his faves... okay, maybe everyone who asked. ;-} But he's now one of her MANY Facebook friends.

Carl Fredrickson and his house, from UP-- Alias Mel and one of her best buds

I think she has a million photos like this one of her and another best bud during the musical. When someone becomes famous, all those photo duos she's snapped will come in handy...

These pics are only a sampling of Mel and all she has going on... But her favorite thing about her birthday (and there was much to smile about)was that all the married sibs called her! Thanks, you awesome big brothers and sisters, for staying so connected to these much younger cabooses!