The most wonderful time of the year

Since I've lived in Seoul, Thanksgiving has always marked the transition week from autumn to winter -- at least in terms of weather.  Literally, the winter puffy coat has come out on Thanksgiving each year on the dot.  This year, with the temperature hovering around freezing all week, has been no different.  More posts to come about autumn (my favorite season of the year!), but for now, a celebration of the holiday season, which officially kicked off yesterday!! (extra sweet this year since Thanksgiving fell on the same day as my mom's birthday)

Thanksgiving is always a bittersweet holiday in the life of an expat.  For the last two years, we celebrated "Friendsgiving" with possibly the most delicious holiday spread we've had (no offense family!!), hosted by our friend Alana, a pastry chef from NYC.  This year, we celebrated at WeWork -- which had an impressive spread including turkey, brussel sprouts, and of course, pumpkin pie (between a hungry Filipina and a former fat kid, you can bet there was a lot of strategizing taking place).  We gave thanks for our blessed lives, largely summed up by who was waiting for us at home:

Every year since the first year we dated (2007), we've been keeping a gratitude journal that we write in each Thanksgiving.  Of course, family tops the list every time.  Living abroad, it's easy to meet expats who seem to run away from family; we often remark how lucky we are to have found someone who's so close to family, yet still true to one's passion of international travel and exploration.  

I spoke to my family (parents, cousins, and aunt/uncle) this morning over FaceTime -- which of course has now become 0% about me and 100% Elliot TV.  While it's hard living so far -- especially during the holidays -- it's always nice knowing the rest of our families are together right now.  We got this photo earlier in the day from LA:

And in extra special news... drumroll... our Aunt Lori and Uncle Leo got MARRIED this week!!! -- you can see the happy lovey dovey newly weds on the right of the pic above.  CONGRATS Aunt Lori and Uncle Leo!!!  We love you!!!!

In fact, with the only possible exception of my dad, I don't know anyone who Elliot fell more instantly in love with than Aunt Lori.  As soon as he met her (this past summer in LA), he had an instant huge smile and reached out his arms for her to hold him.  For easily the next hour, all he wanted to do was snuggle next to her:

Of course, there was love for Leo too (I love this pic with Elliot's tiny hand on top of Leo's massive one):

For the whole time I've known them, Lori and Leo have always seemed married (when Lori told her mother Elaine (Elliot's great grandmother), she asked: "But aren't you already married?").  But it's always extra special to officially celebrate love and ever-after.  Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Presley -- we love you guys!!