We started off the Holidays by traveling to Norfolk, NE. to spend Thanksgiving with Tom's mom, sisters, and nephew. Tom grew up in this town. He moved to Kansas City when he was 24, wow so long ago. Like most of you know, I hate the cold, but some how over the years we have lucked out most of the time, this week was no exception. I only think we had one supper cold day.
She is a wonderful cook and always overdoes every meal. We always eat so good and have a lot of fun visiting and relaxing. I stared to read the Twilight series while I was there. I much say this will always be known as the year Twilight ruined Christmas. Just kidding, but I could not put the books down. I had to read them all (liked them, a little disappointed in the ending) which meant that I did not put up one Christmas decoration up in my house. We spent the Christmas holiday with my mom so she had a tree. Something had to give.
This was the Thanksgiving spread, made almost exclusively by Tom's mom. I made the roles (not shown) and the gravy which never really turns out that great. Betty also makes yummy pumpkin pies. The table included turkey, mash potatoes with gravy, crunch salad, a macaroni salad, watergate salad, sweet potatoes, and green beans. On our way up to Nebraska we were listening to a radio program that talked about all the different ways to cook a turkey: fried, smoked, in a paper bag lined with lard. Betty buys turkey breasts and cooks them in a crock pot. A cleaver way to free up the oven.
Andi tried the mash potatoes. It was a hit.
This is Alek, our only nephew on the Bollwitt side. He was 8 years old during this visit. He is such a good cousin to Brycen. He loves to play with him and has a lot of patience for Brycen. Alek has lots of toys at grandma's house for Brycen to play with.
This was our Christmas gift from Alek. A nice Chistmas letter and picture(not shown). As you can see he signed it "Alek or AK". When Brycen pronouced his name he says, "AK", like yak without the y.
Alek gave Brycen a train set that he played with when he was younger. Brycen loved it and still plays with it everyday. We have added a few pieces to it as well. Here is Alek and Julie with a few trains.
Bryce opening gifts
Alek opening gifts
Yes we are teaching him good manners. Here his is hugging his Antie Laura cause she gave him a train set too.
Grandma and Brycen
This is Fat Andi. Can't miss that double chin.
Andi Belle spending some quality time with Aunt Julie and Laura
Grandma looks great in this color.
Here is Brycen and Thomas, how he loves this train.
Daddy was great to set up the track for Brycen. Although it did not stay up for long since he put it in the middle of the kitchen.
Betty was so kind to take our picture, the only one of the trip. It is kind of funny because if you look at the past years pictures, we are always on this couch for usually the one and only picture.
Andi Belle happy.
Andi Belle sad. Such a fluctuation of emotion at this age. What am I talking about, at every age.
