Thanksgiving and tellin' Santa what I want

I hope everyone had a lovely turkey day. We had a nice quiet dinner at home. My father in law Mario flew in early on Tuesday morning to help out with the kids while Phil had a little R&R after coming off of the hectic race season. It was so nice to have family in town. Mario was a major help with the kids and certainly worked hard when the Christmas decorations went up.

I'd decided to have our dinner made and just pick it up but the turkey bug caught me and I decided to make the meal myself. It was just right - enough food without major left overs - and all the yummy things everyone wants. The rolls were probably my least favorite. I have a great recipe I'd like to make someday when I actually have a mixer so this year we just had Rhodes rolls and they weren't that great. Everything else was so yummy. The kids were both napping so us adults could enjoy our meal and it was wonderful!

The other night our friends, the Bagozzi family, invited us to a local outdoor mall to watch Santa light the Christmas tree. I think we were misinformed because the tree was lit before Santa arrived but he did arrive in all his splendor in a horse drawn carriage. It was fun for the kids but this Santa held nothing next to Grandpa Tom's Santa getup. Dad, I wish you were coming here for Christmas!! You are the best Santa ever.

Anyway, I got one shot of Mari and I waiting for the 'big man in red' and then my camera died. In my angst I yelled to Santa that I'd like a new camera for Christmas. I hope he heard me!!

I told Mari to smile 'nice' but wasn't watching her as I was taking the photo. She's got quite the personality!