Nico was kind enough to get a photo of me with my dad. I do not have many of these and cherish each one. 

Rachel and Alissa pose for me. Although I have a version of them both smiling nicely, I like this one the best. 

Nephew John William is now taller than both Kyle and I. 

Nicolai giving me the eye. 

Brother-in-law John, mid story. 

Niece Rachel and Maya goofing around at the table. 

This morning we drove to my parent’s home in Schenectady, NY where we were joined by my sister Alissa and her family for Thanksgiving Day dinner. Nala was not feeling well before we left for the trip. After the 3.5 hour drive she looked even worse. When she started wobbling and falling over, we rushed her to an emergency animal hospital where she was put on intravenous hydration and stayed for overnight observation. She was as good as new in the morning. The same can not be said of the father (me) who was ready for hospitalization after receiving the $500 bill. Jeanine and I could have stayed in the Ritz-Carlton sipping Champagne for less! 

I needed a head shot for a presentation I am doing at work next month. All of the other executives have file photos taken by a professional using the standard format, suit and tie in front of a medium gray background. Having grown to despise suits and all they represent, I opted to pose in what I normally wear to the office. I picked the background to match my sweater and set up my lights. Jeanine induced the smile (I will not share what she whispered to me) and released the shutter. I used a less toothy version for work but liked this one the best. 

Kyle had a number of friends over this evening including Chloe. Normally the kids watch movies in the basement theater. Perhaps due to the abundnance of pre-Thanksgiving Day cookies and pies the group watched Fly Boys on the family room TV. 

We caught an early flight back so Kyle could finish his homework. I think this may be the Brooklyn Bridge, captured on approach to LaGuardia. 

A very disappointing 1-0 loss for the boys this morning against a team which by all rights they should have defeated. Kyle played even better than yesterday, little surprise after a good night’s sleep. These away tournaments are very expensive. I calculated that it costs $10 a minute to watch Kyle play in such an event. That said, the opportunity to spend a couple of days alone with Kyle away from friends and distractions is priceless. 

Mayela with her baby. Jake is a very powerful little guy who can hold his own with a dog four times his size. He is very well behaved and does not eat his owners out of house and home. Perhaps he can be a mentor for Nala. 

I don’t have many photos of me with my sister and was hapy that Kyle took this one. 

Fortunately for this deer, Jake was on leash when she crossed our path. Otherwise, we would have enjoyed venison rather than an exquisite Italian meal later that evening. We were joined by my cousin Heather and her husband Burton while Kyle joined his teammates for dinner.