Thanksgiving

We planned to have a big Thanksgiving with a group of seven families at our friends, John and Amy Lore's, house. As thanksgiving drew closer, more and more families dropped out due to illness or work conflicts (Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Russia, go figure). We were starting to get nervous with everyone so sick-- especially with an international trip in the works and being pregnant. Sadly, on Thanksgiving morning, our hosts' son came down with a high temperature and we decided we'd better not risk it. We felt horrible dropping out at the last minute. At first I thought going out to dinner would be a nice plan B (we did it last year in London), but then another friend who had opted out for the same reason called and we decided to scrape together what we could for an authentic meal. Luckily, she had already done most of the work, making yams, stuffing, and a pie in advance. We bought two chickens (no chance of getting a turkey by this time), some potatoes and celery and got to work. Four hours later we had a passable feast that I was pretty proud of, especially considering it was made by two pregnant women and one husband with next to no kitchen experience. It was much better than eating out, and so far everyone is still healthy.

We got some bad news the next morning when we found out that Andrew's Grandpa Sandgren passed away Thanksgiving evening. He was 94. The funeral will be on Friday and we are flying out Wednesday. Andrew will stay a week and come back to work then return again for Christmas. Ella and I are just going to stay through January 10. We are grateful that we are able to make it for the funeral and to see the family and be with them. The logistic arrangements were much easier and inexpensive than I ever imagined. The airline even waived the change fee on Ella and I's tickets.