A little recap of our day. Jeez, it's been so long since I posted personal stuff that I think I may have forgotten how! The picture above and the next one below I took with my new Lensbaby. Still working on getting the hang of it, but it has one sweet spot of focus and the rest is all blur.

Timmy and I watched the parade (aka hoorade) in the morning for a while, then the big boys helped me make brownies (the helping consists of them cracking the eggs into the mixer bowl and eating all the batter left on the spatula and in the bowl!).    

Do you remember Graeme (our adorable soccer coach who was here for Thanksgiving in 2006 and stayed with us for 3 weeks in summer 2007)? Well, his parents happened to be in NYC this week and joined us for this years thanksgiving dinner! They are like our non-related English family. We had such a great time having them with us for the day and I really feel like I already knew them even though we had only spoken by phone once and via email lots of times. Now, if I can just save up enough for a trip over there…

I think they had a great time too (I hope so) and had nothing to say but "gorgeous" about everything- the food, the house, the boys! It was so great hearing that accent again and hearing some of my favorite expressions…half seven, cheers, brilliant, etc. We all even got to speak to Graeme on the phone! We miss him so much, but apparently there is hope that he is coming back in the summer for a visit or maybe even back to NY to live permenently! I sent his mom home with a ton of brownies for them all to share. They brought us some great gifts as well. A beautiful royal dalton crystal clock for us, new Liverpool soccer sweatshirts for the boys which they LOVE.

We went to dinner at John's parents with the usual crew in attendance (my parents, Joe & Gail, Uncle George and his sons Billy and Bobby, Aunt Anne, Uncle Jim, Dr. Meagher and Feather). My father in law did his usual speech/poem before dinner. Here's how it went (it's long but worth it!):

We gather again on Thanksgiving Day. We're happy you came and hope that you'll stay.

We have an assemblage of all stripes and shades that ranges from old folks to young dashing blades.

There's my brother George the wisest of guys, he's much more than welcome cause he brought the pies.

And our nephew Bobby and his brother Bill, Aspirant broadcasters with consummate skill.

And who is that angle no poet can scan, well I do believe its' my kid sister Anne.

And then there's son John who's had a long journey from Levittown rascal to top flight attorney.

And of course his bride Beth a permanent fixture, if you're nice to her she might take your picture

And my grandson Jack a spirit so free, watch out for this guy, he reminds me of me.

Of course there is Patrick as good as it gets, who always says Grandpa don't sing Meet the Mets.

And then there is Timmy whom we all admire. Well that's no surprise, his last name is Beyrer.

Now Marilyn's happy, her husband's a dream In spite of the fact that Ken is a dean.

When some states are blues and others ar reds, their state is bliss cause they're newlyweds.

And then there is Joseph, my younger son He bought Jack the Dog, we thought he was done.

Then Gail said "hey Joe, I've got something to say. there's a bundle of joy that's well on it's way.

This brought glee to Heather who went on a rant and said, I can't wait to be the kid's aunt!"

And elicited pleasure from good Dr. Rich who simply exclaimed "well, son of a _______"

There's someone else, who's free from all sin. He's well known in Cornwall as Mr. James Quinn

Now I've not forgotten the love of my life for two score and five she's been my loyal wife.

I love her dearly she's highly prized How she's hung on this long I'm sometimes surprised.

Now these days are filled with far reaching drama and as we reflect on this great panorama

We shout out "oh lord, oh man, or my mama" for that great son of Erin, Barack Obama.

Now some time ago, Graeme brought untold joys when he crossed the Pond to help coach the boys.

They were inspired, took kindly to him and we welcome his parents Diane and Jim.

This is a day that we all celebrate cause we live in a country so grand and so great

Freedom's a blessing there's no inbetween, God bless america…god save the queen!

Dinner was delish (or "gorgeous") and we all stuffed ourselves. I brought my brownies and paperbag cookies (Ivy, if you are reading this, I'll save you a few- don't worry!) for dessert. Billy got a hold of the cupcakes- poor thing didn't stand a chance! Also had to mention to be on the lookout for Billy- he'll be making it big soon. He just did an improv show with Robin Williams!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!