Thanksgiving... and remembering Linda Ewoldt...

Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions this past week!!! We had been getting ready for a relaxing few days at Mom and Dad's house for Thanksgiving when we got a call that long time neighbor and friend, Linda Ewoldt, had passed in her sleep. The Ewoldt family lived a few houses away from Mom and Dad during our entire childhood. One of her 4 children, Matt, was one of my best friends growing up and I always had a secret crush on him! :-) We spent countless hours at the Ewoldt house... lots of fun over there! Mrs. Ewoldt (as I called her all my life) had been a labor and delivery nurse at Mission Viejo Regional Hospital, loved to camp, RV, white water raft, hike, sing, but mostly, be with and love her family and grandkids. Her passing was a HUGE surprise and she will be missed by so many that loved her!!! The service was Wednesday and although it was great to see Matt and the whole family for the first time in YEARS, I wish it had been under better circumstances!!!

Thursday... a new day... great food, loving family, and a great time to remember the blessings that we have and that we never know how long we will have them. The following is a pictorial of our turkey day... early Starbucks run (Carmel Frap light), Jeff's traditional early morning ride (I just LOVE Jeff in his bike gear... is that weird?), Jessica and Anna spending a ton of quality time together, Mom's beautiful table, Chris, Nicola and Anna swimming (yes, in Southern California you can still swim on Thanksgiving!), and my darling Dad helping in the kitchen (isn't he soooooooo cute!?)

We have a ton of leftovers that should last us through the weekend as we finish up our Christmas decorations... the tree and the outdoor lighting "challenge..." We believe that we are the "Griswold" family in the neighborhood, but the Mavity Family across the street challenges us for the title every year! Time to pull down all the boxes and start checking "Twenty five thousand imported twinkle lights..." Have a GREAT weekend!!