Thankful to be giving Thanks...

It's nice to have a day where the country is unified in remembering to give thanks. I guess when you are around family for the holiday, you can get a bit nostalgic. Or perhaps it's the tryptophan that is causing it; but grandma was reminicing 30yrs prior. I was about Terrence's age when we left Vietnam in hope of a better life. Seeing the little munchkins, Terrence and now Calvin this year, running about and thinking about that statement by grandma really put things into perspective for me this year.

My dad said it best before he carved the turkey. We look back and we are thankful for everything that we have accomplish and have achieved. Thanks to each of our father and mother, who made it possible for each generation to have more and in turn able to give thanks each year as a family.

Thanks to Nancy who roasted the Turkey and Susan who made the rib roast. They were terrific. Julie's side dishes and dessert went great with the meat. Grandma kept complimenting the food and even asked for the recipe so she can share it with her eight other children. This is a big deal from someone who isn't used to "Americanized" food.

And a special thanks to dad and mom, who always do so much each year for each of their children. And continue to do so now for their grand children.

Here are a few pictures from the night.

A favorite game at family gatherings. It's call, pass the baby.

It's all about these moments for me as a photographer. It happens so quickly, but to capture it for all time, it's priceless.

There was nothing interesting for black friday this year. I love people watching but this year, I get to watch Terrence for a few. While his mom gets ready for work, we ran out and got coffee... plus a couple of these shots to take advantage of the early morning light.

I have been enjoying this little oasis for a long while now; each time I pull into the Starbucks parking lot. With Terrence, camera and perfect lighting, I decided it was time to make the shot I was envisioning in my head. That didn't happen but it was fun nonetheless and we got these shots to cherish instead.

A photo tip: If you want your 2yr to stand still enough for a photo. Give them something to do. Forget about posing them. The picture and magic is in moments they create on their own.

Love this series. I like capturing sequences because the frames themselves can tell a story. Here, Terrence matches up the left he pulled off the tree to the leaves on the piece of branch I gave him.

Anyways, I have lots of photos to share. If you like lifestyle photography and can't hire a professional photographer, it makes sense to dress your kid up cute and come to any gathering that I am around. You know I love taking photos. Ok, off with Terrence to make some more.