the joys of family

An ounce of blood is worth more than a pound of friendship.  ~Spanish Proverb

family birthday celebrations

- although I think in family we have the truest of friendships. Where else do you find a group of people who will love you whatever you do, give everything expecting nothing in return, and be there always, no matter what? (Eventually you find someone else who will..and then what do you do? You make them part of your family :) I love large families. I love that I am over two thousand miles away from the place I call home - days away from my parents, my little sisters, my best friend (caleb), my room, my bed, my cookie drawer (yes we have a drawer in our kitchen specifically designed for my cookie making obsession) - and I still feel "at home." I'm staying at my aunt and uncle's in Utah for most of thanksgiving break and seriously, I don't know what I would do without them. Freshman year they were the refuge from small dorm rooms and cafeteria food. They're the needed rides to the airport and the fast Sunday dinners. They're the safe haven where I can escape from the constant rush of college craziness. Its refreshing to talk to adults and at the same time wonderful to be with kids. Being a niece and a cousin can be much closer to being a daughter and a sister than I would have guessed. Basically - they're wonderful. Three weeks ago they had me over for a fantastic birthday dinner only to find out at home on my birthday we always celebrate with Indian food (my absolute favorite). Tonight we had an Indian feast so that I wouldn't have to miss a year (DELICIOUS - and please note they made an Indian feast for tonight on top of all the preparations for tomorrow's celebrations). 

my Indian feast tonight :)

In the spirit of the holiday I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family, at home in New Hampshire, and here in Utah. I love them to death. Thanksgiving tomorrow!