So we headed over to Cedar Rapids to go to Thanksgiving. We stopped at Shannon's parents first, and brought them some cookies and chatted for a bit, and then headed over to my parents house for dinner. The crowd was in full effect, having 28 people in the house for dinner (one of my sister's family, my older brother's family, my brother and his wife, those who still live at home, my uncle and his family (minus one), Shannon and I and 3 other guests).

Dinner was great, turkey, ham, stuffing, many breads, fruits and vegetables. Homemade lefse. Mmmm...So we ate, and after dinner I played a game with my relatives while Shannon looked on. She wouldn't let me take a nap (which is my normal, after thanksgiving activity), but I understand why.

Afterwards we headed back to Shannon's parents to spend the rest of the holiday.

It was a good day. We drove back to Des Moines, and on our way back, after we filled up with gas in Newton, I accelerated to the speed that I've been going (about 7 over), and this car started riding my bumper, then went to pass, and just stayed right next to me. So I finally look over...and it's a state trouper in all his glory....

So I slowed down a bit.

No ticket for me, but it did make my heart go a bit.

So after he was gone, I then set it to be 4 over. That should be ok...I hope.

Anyways, Friday, Shannon went to work, and I was lazy at home. I played a whole lot of FFXII. Saturday was pretty much the same, except Shannon wouldn't let me play (after she woke up), so while she was setting up the Christmas stuff, I caught up on the last 4 episodes of the wire on HBO. She seems to enjoy doing it, so I'll let her. :) At least that's what I'm claiming.

Sunday we headed up to Ames to meet at Shannon's uncle's with the rest of her family to have a sort of reunion. It was actually kind of fun. One of her cousins is a 5th degree black belt (in what I'm not sure) and goes to China every year to train. He also brews his own beer and bottles his own wine. Certainly interesting. I had a good time. We went for a late lunch and Hickory Park (which was ok as normal) and on our way there, we saw Seth and Brianna walking along, so we called out to say hi. Certainly a strange coincidence...

The other strange one was that Shannon's Uncle used to live in the same neighborhood as my old boss (Tim) when I worked at the ISP up in Ames, and they knew each other. So...that was weird. I guess I've met him before.

Afterwards, we headed home, did some laundry, and finished off our wedding book and submitted it to get printed and then went to bed.

Great weekend, lots of family, lots of good food and lots of fun.