'appy Sanksgeeveeng!

Y'all, I am a tired pup, but I wanted to write just to check in. My family has been here since Saturday and it has been a lovely adventure with lots of relaxation. I think I've relaxed more since they've gotten here than otherwise, since I've been in Rouen. That said, I've been getting up early to meet them for breakfast, and staying up late to plan lessons and talk to Donnie (happy 9 months, btw, my dear) and Amy (happy ... 4 years and some time, friend!). We went grocery shopping yesterday at the crazy huge grocery store LeClerc which is a short subway ride away. I kicked some kid out of his seat for my gramma to sit down -- I was pretty proud of how sassy I was. I caught the eye of some kid and glared at him, saying, "You can move for an older woman to sit down, can't you?" And he scrammed. WOO.

Our shopping trip yesterday, combined with TONS of food that Mom, Gramma, and Cameron brought in their suitcases, resulted in quite an amazing Thanksgiving Feast this evening. I had classes all day, but Gramma was hard at work in the kitchen. When I got back from class, I helped her get things ready and reheated and cleaned up and set out. Xiao Lu contributed an amazing eggplant dish, and some mushrooms that, I admit, were a little good, even though I'm quite contre mushrooms. (I even told my host mother, three years ago, that I was allergic so she wouldn't try to feed them to me. But now I've gotten over myself, a little.) Fabi made an excellent hors d'oeuvre involving bread and cheese and caramalized onions. Lisa brought a pear crumble and some really tasty "digestif" alcohols; Lauryn contributed cranberry sauce; Megan made some delish green beans with almonds. Darcy showed up with delightful lentils with goat cheese. I'm going to make that again, for sure! We had stuffing, Gram's corn bread which received rave reviews, banana bread, a rotisserie chicken, noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, carrots, plenty of wine... I am sure I'm forgetting something, but you get the idea! It was a feast!

I was so grateful to be spending such an important holiday with my family from home and my Rouennais family. I am so blessed and grateful for all my incredible friends and family.

Tomorrow, we're off to Yvetot to celebrate Thanksgiving again. Sunday, to Paris, and Monday I send my family home. I'll be following them shortly (home in 25 days from today), seeing my loves at home, and coming back for the remaining four months of my contract. Life is good. Love to you all, and I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings.