Our First "Austrian Thanksgiving"

Our first real snow came overnight and it continued snowing all day long. It was amazing to look around at the snow covered buildings, trees, and foothills of the Alps.

It was the perfect morning to be outside sledding, building snowmen, and making snow angels. (And sleeping all bundled up.)

Because our American Thanksgiving is not an Austrian holiday, Brian had to work today.  But we went to Mass with the University students, had lunch together and then Brian was back home before the kids were up from their afternoon naps to get ready for the "Thanksgiving Dinner & Ball" that the University hosts. Everyone wears traditional Austrian clothes...as we celebrate our American holiday!

They bring out a huge turkey with sparklers in it, while everyone gathers around singing God Bless, America. I'm not sure what Ellie loved more - the sparklers or extra time with her friends here!

Francis and I headed home, a short walk up the snow covered street with snow still coming down, as Brian and Ellie were off to the ball. They're still not home (someone's up past her bedtime!) but I believe the first part of the ball is professional Austrian folk dancers teaching everyone some dances and the second part of the night is a regular dance. So not a bad way to spend Thanksgiving! Although we are missing the Burgetstown 5k, watching the Macy's Day Parade and football, and whatever funny incidents are bound to happen at our extended family gatherings!! Missing you all. Happy Thanksgiving!