I believe I left off at Thanksgiving, which we celebrated with friends for the seventh year in a row. It all started in Schweinfurt in 2003. Our first Thanksgiving away from our families, I remember being so happy when our group of friends decided to do a big Turkey Day potluck. There were probably 20 of us in the party room of the blue building and there was fantastic food and drink, and A LOT of laughs. We quickly came to realize the truth in the quote "Friends are the family you choose for yourself." For though they could never take the place of our families, we surely felt among family that Thanksgiving and every one since that we have spent with the good friends we have made along our Army journey.
This year's Thanksgiving began at home with the Macy's Day parade. Drew snuggled up on the couch with his buddies and some blankets and set about watching the floats, balloons, and other excitement of the parade. Unfortunately, I sort of forgot that the parade's telecast includes so many singing numbers from the various Broadway plays. They didn't hold Drew's attention for long. Maybe next year. But he did like seeing the giant balloons of some of his favorite characters.
Later that afternoon, having filled our house with the yummy smells of Bill's ham, my spoon bread (thank you Sarah Cook), and homemade applesauce, we moved our potluck contributions over to our friends' home. There was enough food for a small army and plenty of good company and laughs. Here's a family shot.
We have much to be thankful for, but this Thanksgiving we were most grateful simply for being together, as Bill will spend next Thanksgiving in Afghanistan. Even though we do not look forward to that time, we know we must be thankful we have had as many holidays together over the last five years as we have. A belated Happy Thanksgiving to all.
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