Many Reasons to be Thankful

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at Christian's fab place in Palm Springs. It was great this year because we had a big group of people! I have to admit it, I was slightly nervous going into it since the inside of Christian's house looks a little like a museum and the courtyard contained a pool smack dab in the middle of where we were enjoying our meal. However, it all went off without a hitch!

Olive shows off a new hair style.

Self portrait(s).

Remember the aforementioned fab pool?

Olive takes a small break from mowing down salami to smile for a pic with Mel.

Aunt Con, Christian and Dennis pose in front of the bird.

Action shot! (+Frank -Dennis).

Sneaking away with more salami...

Taki and Annette doubling as pool/hot tub guards.

Mel relaxes (to read: watches the youngest kids like hawks) on the couch.

Where did I put that salami?

I'll just relax by the fire while someone brings me more salami.

Family pic

Aunt Con and Nikos

Entire Kienzle family in attendance 2010! L-R: Christian, Vernie, Kira, Christina, Austin, Aunt Con, Frank, Mom, Mason, Dad, Heather, Nikos, Kira, Melanie, Olive, Taki.

So funny how 5/11 Kienzle cousins (Chris, Christina, Austin, Mel & I) are now living in California.

With the addition of Tyke's Mom Linda and Annette, Christina's boyfriend Steve and Dennis (Austin's girl is taking the pic.)

The kids decided to start relocating some of the decorative stones on Christian's patio.

And now, let's warm them!

Love these of Maile and Kira!

This shot occurred before one of the only two (shockingly) near misses of the night. I didn't actually get the picture where Olive's back foot was suspended IN THE AIR over the pool. I think I may have been screaming Taki's name. He snatched her just in time. Later he told me Kira's near fall was actually worse because she tripped and stumbled backwards when no one was in close range - but luckily she caught herself and didn't land in the pool.

And let's end it on a high note. Here's Olive with my hot heels - which were deemed "gay-approved." Yes!

Next year - Tahoe! Kienzle family, we already booked Timber Lodge - can't wait!!