Elena loves helping in the kitchen. Actually, she really loves to help and it's good to keep her occupied.
Baking with Grandmazona and Grandpa Pat, Thanksgiving morning.
Once the turkey is underway, we usually go for a walk. We've had many walks around Lynx Lake and today the weather was beautiful.
During our stay we had drinks (warm apple cider for Elena) and snacks on the patio with a fire in the chimenea.
One morning as the sun was coming up, javelina's began to stir under the "birthing tree." These native, wild bores are quiet with occasional snorts. You usually hear rustling as their hooves step on the rocks below. There was an entire family including a couple of kids, mom, dad, even grandma and grandpa--per Elena.
After walking through the yard, they walked across the street and behind the neighbor's house.
Elena and Great Grandpa Grossi.
Great Grandma Newman introducing her collection of Nutcrackers to Elena. Elena loved them!
You can hang Nutcrackers anywhere, even your toes! :)
Elena about to share a Nutcracker with Great Grandpa Newman.
Sizing up one of the biggest Nutcrackers in Grandma's collection.
Daddy lovingly looking at his daughter, eating dinner with her fingers in a fancy restaurant.
We were out celebrating Great Grandma's 89th birthday. Happy Birthday, Grandma!!
Leaving the restaurant with Grandmazona and Grandpa Pat. (Thanks Kerri and Maggie for handing down such a beautiful dress and coat. Elena reworked it to be her own but removing the black sash.)
After dinner, we went to the Festival of Lights. You slowly drive through and get to look at so many beautiful displays.
There were several tunnels of lights. The Festival is beautiful.
