Music City and the desert
I flew from NOLA to Nashville on Monday, November 22 for a week of Thanksgiving cheer, and then flew to Arizona on Sunday November 28 for work. I just got back yesterday – I’m laying on the couch as Craig giggles his way through Elf and the Prof serves me bagels and coffee.
I went to Arizona for a conference, and to meet my boss (who lives there) for the first time. I was able to stay in the Arizona Biltmore hotel the entire week – a gorgeous art deco resort.
It was quite luxurious and I enjoyed the break in chaos after spending Thanksgiving week buried in munchkins.
We had a great time with the whole fam. My brother and his girlfriend are big rock climbers, so one day they took us all to the climbing wall and belayed as the kids scampered up the walls as if they do this every day. Even Liam, our non-athletic nerd, shimmied up those holds like an expert.
Jack got to the top a bunch 
6 year old Hannah did too 
Sister Amanda did hard climbs 
I stuck with mostly easy but made it to the top 
Long legged Liam 
4 year old Charles did some bouldering with dad’s help 
Craiggy boy was a rockstar 
Liam too
We had a gingerbread house decorating contest one afternoon – girls v. boys. 2 year old Margot studiously decorated the gingerbread men you see in the picture to the right below (it was my brother’s girlfriend’s idea to use slivered almonds as shingles!) I tried once to take some of the candy in front of Margot to use elsewhere on the house and she gave me a stern-browed look and told me to GO AWAY.
(The boys’ roof slid off, so the girls won! Girls rule and boys drool!)
As for actual Thanksgiving day – it was lovely. Charcuterie and games, midday traditional turkey dinner. Jack led the kids’ table in a pre-meal grace without even being asked, what a cutie pie.
Speaking of . . . the Prof bought four pies from a bakery and we all devoured them, kids in their matching Grinch pjs.
Baby Louis took turns sleeping on everybody, Margot practiced getting her hair into a ponytail like Cindy Lou Who, and 2 year old Jacob (not normally a snuggler) stuck to 11 year old Liam like glue.
It was loud and chaotic and lovely. There’s no people I more enjoy spending time with!
Wide awake 
Margot by the tree 
Recipe for this below! 
The five sibs. (Middle sister’s husband had to run an errand). 
Uncle Randy wanted a matching shirt photo, Jacob was Not Having It
Here are a few recipes from the Thanksgiving week!
Friday morning crescent wreath – this thing was delicious!
Wednesday night rigatoni with meatballs – not hard to make for a crowd! Also, spinach salad with dried cranberries, pistachios, and gorgonzola cheese.