Thanksgiving

This was our first Thanksgiving with just our little family. I admit I missed our families, but it was also fun to make some new traditions. We made Indian hats, and I told Mason about the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving (reading from 'The Landing of the Pilgrims', a book I just re-read in the book club my friend and I started here). Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday - because like many Americans, my family is so connected to this day. I grew up hearing my Mom talk about all of our Ancestors who came across the Ocean in the Mayflower - leaving behind their comforts of home, and some of them their families, to escape religious persecution and tyranny in England. I've always loved my Dutch because my Ancestors found a safe haven for many years in their shores. It was a place of peace. I love that when they arrived in America, they were protected by the hand of God, and found friends in the Native Americans there. I am grateful that such people as Massasoit and Squanto helped the Pilgrims survive their first winters there. I am amazed at their courage, and sacrifice - and the many lives that were lost along the way because of cold and illness. I love this tradition, because in many ways, I have seen my Ancestors escape religious intolerance more than once. There are many parallels between the Pilgrims of the 1620's, and the Pioneers of the 1840's.

We had dinner with our friends here at the Law School. I'm so grateful for a family here away from home.

Mason helping out with the dinner

Nate making his family's favorite pie. A new part of my heart lights up when I see Nate in the kitchen! I love you, sweetie!