Columbus Zoo -- November 2009

Around Christmas time, the Columbus Zoo stays open at night to showcase its Christmas lights. Mike's parents were still in town, and we all bundled up to walk around in the cold. Mike's dad bought a hat in the gift shop, and he got lots of cute comments on it. He was easy to find, too. :-)

One of the highlights -- for me, at least -- was seeing the baby elephant that was only months old. He was adorable as he played with this 35-pound ball.

It was pretty cold out, and hot tea and hot cocoa were definitely needed.

Thanksgiving 2009

For the third year in a row, Mike's parents braved the cold to come visit him for Thanksgiving. They're very brave, particularly since retiring to Arizona some five years ago. Although I'm an avid cook, I like it when Mike's parents take over the holiday cooking. At some point, though, I should really cook for them. Maybe once Mike gets his kitchen renovated. :-)

Besides, I couldn't do much better than this yummy one!

Mike's brother, Steven, and his girlfriend, Haley, also joined us.

Thanksgiving at Mike's

Thanksgiving this year was at Mike's new house, and we celebrated the first big meal with a nice bottle of champagne (or sparkling wine, I didn't check the label). So, here's everyone raising their glasses for a toast. Mike's mom and dad are on the left, and his brother Steven and Steven's girlfriend, Alison, are on the right.

Now isn't this a nice photo -- men in the kitchen getting the coffee and dessert ready? I thought it was cool, because we women were talking at the table, and the Reale men were in the kitchen.