We all took Thanksgiving afternoon naps...and then decided we’d drive around to find more to eat. Jo and Peter did not disappoint! And Meryl got to meet Jana too.

Tease! We took a family Christmas photo today. Bring on the holiday music and cheesy Hallmark holiday movies!

This girl skipped her afternoon nap and had no intention of settling down on the plane. Already at a year, she’s primed for Spring Break partying...if only she was heading south instead of north!

Next up, Thanksgiving eve grocery shopping with everyone else. Must have canned cranberry jelly. 

Nothing like a potluck! Tonight’s was Thai themed, and oh was it so good. We topped it off with an egg nog taste-off, and Meryl dined from ‘my’ high chair 38 years young! Maybe in that time we’ll finally figure out the selfie-stick.

She likes them! She likes them! My work here is done. Tim’s Cascade jalapeño chips are my favorite. Can’t beat five stars of heat!

Forget reading books, let’s pull Dad’s leg hair!   

Meryl has decided that our trick-or-treat candy bowl should instead be her own personal human-powered saucer.   

Frank’s Dad made up the phrase, cuga cuga (koogah-koogah), for repeated loving (sometimes imposing) hugs. It’s become our house term with Meryl, especially when she’s the one hugging! 

Second year in a row, 1/4 of a cow on lock. We’re ready winter, let the roasting and steak eating begin! 

The remote control is by far one of Meryl’s favorite toys. It must be the TV remote, and it works just as well without batteries...or the TV.  

Lola flew back from the Philippines today and she and Tito Edward wasted no time before coming over to play with Meryl. But they did stop by a Filipino market on the way for carioca, a fried ball of sweet rice flour. Dessert before dinner!