Thankgiving

This year was my first Thanksgiving without my family and with Bryan's family. He stayed in Madison last year to be with us.

Normally we go to St. Louis to spend time with my mom's family and the last few years after Dad died we stayed in Madison so we could be with Gramps and Laura and I made the big dinner. Well, this year since Gramps is no longer with us so Laura and I decided that our holidays have to be much different to try and keep them from being so sad. So, she went off to New York City, and I came out to Northern California with Bryan. Now, our trip is not just for Thanksgiving, it's also to look for housing since we're planning to move here in June. We've been driving around looking at different areas and think that we've settled on one or two cities to rent in until we get acclimated and then buy within the next year once we really know what we want and need.

Back to Thanksgiving, Bryan's parents made a wonderful meal and we ate at this gorgeous table.

Bryan's mom sure knows how to set a nice table. It was a smaller affair with just 10 of us total, so I suppose that makes it a little easier. I'm used to 30-40 people and it's a lot more casual, though Aunt Marlene always decorates her house nicely and makes it warm and inviting. It was really neat to see Bryan's family traditions. We went around the table and each said what we are thankful for this year. The food was so yummy and while I only had one plate, my tummy was too full for pie! It was tragic. Luckily I was able to have a small piece later in the evening. I also met Bryan's aunts and uncle on his mom's side for the first time(still haven't met the other side yet, that will be after we're married at our California reception). They were very nice and I enjoyed meeting them.

No Black Friday shopping for me this year. Dad and Laura always went and I went a few times with him. I went alone the first year after Dad died to get a dvd for Laura that she really wanted. I had to go to Target at 5am or whatever time they opened and then wait in line for an hour just for one item. Unless she really feels the need for a deal like that again, I'd rather spend a little bit more money and save my time. Bryan's mom and I will be going out tonight at some point, but just for fun. I'm not about to battle all the crazy deal seekers out there. I'll relax and do some blogging in my jammies while they wait in line to buy their items.

I'll definitely have to get out to the malls this weekend still to do some shopping for the Glitz and Glam swap over at The Bargain Blonde. My swap partner is Andi over at My Life as Mrs. Fredericks. She seems absolutely adorable and I can't wait to send her all sorts of cute things!