Rock Strand Family Thanksgiving

We had a very nice Thanksgiving this year.  What was so great about it was that we didn't have any one day where we traveled between two families. The John Family had Thanksgiving on the Saturday before, the Rock family on Thanksgiving day, and the Hall family the Saturday after. In the past we used to do up to three family events in one day.  It's amazing how much more carefully you evaluate your travel plans when you have a kid!  Even two events in a day is pushing it with driving, nap schedules, bedtime, and stimulation levels.

I've been trying to get lots of photos of Wally with his family.  This was my attempt at staging a pic with Wally, Dad and Mary.  I was trying to get him to smile but the best I could get was this "angelic contemplation." Also got a whole series of cute shots of him with my dad, here's a sample.

Anyway, it was really nice to see everyone and be able to spend some time with our family.  This year it's been tough to get everyone together with all these babies, work schedules, and such. Wally got lots of kisses from Callie - Drew and Carolyn's golden retriever who is a pretty and sweet dog. For a golden puppy she's also very well behaved, and it was fun to play with her.  Since it was a beautiful afternoon, I tried to get a few "woodsy outdoor" shots of Callie but for some reason she wasn't following my directions to "sit still" and "now take two steps forward."  So I got what I got.  Good practice for when Wally's running.

It was a really good turn-out, with Grandpa Rock making the trip from Anoka to Lake Elmo.  Since his heart surgery this past summer, it's been hit or miss for him to travel.  Got a great shot here of him with Granny and Jesse during our prayer.  Also, a classic Jesse pose with a cracker sticking out of his mouth.  Sexy.

The food, as usual, was excellent.  Drew made a wonderful dressing with cranberries and sausage - note to self to ask for the recipe.  I brought sweet potatoes.  Wonderful cheese spread for appetizers, and a new salad with dinner.  Granny's pecan pies were exceptionally tasty this year, but I only got one piece in before we had to hit the road. Lot's of other stuff too.

Cute pic of Callie and Drew in the Background here.

And a nice family shot of Andy, Kacy, and Colin.  I had this really great shot where Colin was looking at the camera too, but it was completely out of focus.  grrr.... any tips on how to prevent that with my nifty fifty lens is greatly appreciated!