Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello family and friends. We hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This was for us a very memorable day, especially since it brings back vivid memories of a year ago when we were newly arrived "Madrilenos" trying to figure out how to go about the process of living in Spain. A year ago, we clung to our beloved friends and really cherished this great American tradition called Thanksgiving. Then as now, we recognized that these friends were our family here. What a wonderful holiday no? It should really catch on everywhere in the world, as we always need more moments of gratitude and happiness.

Unlike last year, though, this time around we had our wits about us and were able to decorate a bit (something the kids really enjoy).

In keeping with last year's tradition, our friends Jason and Carolina, baked an incredible, mouth-watering 16 lb turkey; Leah delighted us with her broccoli salad and then blew us away with her turkey stuffing; Carol and Paolo added a Brazilian twist to the celebration with the addition of a spectacularly beautiful couscous cake (seen above), which immediately got the cameras out and flashing!

The kids, Antonio, Alejandra, Francisco, Juliana, Max, Sara and Rowan, had a riot as usual running around, jumping on beds, getting hurt, yelling, playing tag and just having a grand ol' time. It is really neat to see how their friendships have developed over the course of a year, as before their interaction was more timid and tame (to say the least!). Now they are so familiar with each other and really perceive they are with friends (and not just acquaintances), which has made all the difference.

Paolo, Carol (+baby!), Sara, Antonio, Fede, Martha, Francisco, Alejandra, Jason, Juliana, Carolina, Max, Leah, Scott, Rowan and Tom

Right before digging into the turkey and fixin's, everyone shared what they were thankful for this year and it was pretty unanimous: gratitude for our spouses and family, for friendships and new experiences abroad and the conviction that while had been a tough year (more for some than for others), it has been worth it in every sense!

I think we've kicked off the holiday season in the best way possible. The countdown begins now 'til Dec 23rd, which is when we will depart Spain for London. Keep us in your prayers as this is going to get crazy!!!

Best wishes,
The Martinez Family