This calls for...

A CELEBRATION! After doing our best to be patient, we missed the official announcement of the presidential election results on the news while we were out playing at the park. Needless to say, we were VERY excited when we got back. It was definitely worth the wait. Our country has a lot of healing to do, but hopefully, this is the first step!

We took down our sign right away (so as not to gloat...it is the Midwest after all)...

But made sure that we all watched Kamala and Joe's gorgeous acceptance speeches. They were historic and heartwarming and, above all, AMAZING!!

NEW FUN AND GAMES!

Virtual school has a later start time than in-person school...and also means a lot of sibling together time...so the kids have gotten pretty creative lately. 

Forts and sleepovers in the basement...

Making "Among Us" real with art...

And a little sewing with old socks!

Adventures in the park...

Brie even hosted her book club on the driveway! 

CHOCOLATE! I was looking in my files for a chocolate chip cookie recipe I made back in April and I counted 66 NEW recipes (of all categories) since the pandemic started. This period of time has definitely stretched my cooking skills and recipe repertoire. I'm pretty proud of that! 

Oh, and I didn't end up making that April recipe. Instead, Sebastian and I kicked off holiday baking a little early with Peanut Blossoms! 

Speaking of holidays, I might have splurged on Target's new selection of holiday decorations. The living room feels festive now!

A CHANGE IN PLANS!

Mom, Dad and Beth were planning to drive to us for Thanksgiving this year, but we really felt like it was important to lay low and not ask them to travel. We opted for safety first since things are so bad in America (particularly Ohio) right now. 

So we cooked and baked all our favorites for just the five of us...

And enjoyed an intimate Thanksgiving. 💗 As always, we went around and shared what we're thankful for, which this year is so many things. From the safety of virtual school to having each other, and for shelter, delicious food and technology (yes, it did get a nod), there was a lot to say. 

Prosecco!

The wishbone!

And a walk to the park to help with digestion...

Then dessert! (Mine required a fork and a spoon.)

Meanwhile in VB...Mom, Dad, Beth and new family member Lolly were celebrating together. We really missed them, but are glad they had each other.

Of course we Zoomed in the afternoon with all the grandparents since we felt especially separated this year.

We are already looking forward to Thanksgiving 2.0 when we can do it safely with extended family. Until then, we are feeling very thankful. And very full. 

P.S. Our hilarious friend from high school enjoyed her Thanksgiving meal WITH Joe! Ha!

P.P.S. Samuel made this hysterical video--a parody of Cake Wars--with the pies I baked for Thanksgiving. The stop motion action and Brie's random accents make it extra entertaining. Had to share!