'thankful' for my friend...

Thanksgiving was a little different this year...Sofia was very sick and Armando was slowly catching the bug, too. Only Alex and I escaped the funky coughs, runny nose and fevers. Thank the Lord!













While we missed celebrating with our families, we did have an impromptu Thanksgiving dinner on Friday night with Amanda.













She joined us for a dinner in our sweats and PJ's and brought awesome sweet potato casserole just for me! That's how I know she's a good friend...she knows I can't have a holiday dinner without sweet potatoes. Here's Sofia licking her lips to dig into some good food!













For those that don't know her, Amanda is one of my very dearest friends. I met her when we worked at AIM Healthcare and it's truly one of the best things that ever came of my move to Tennessee 10+ years ago. I always say she's the kind of friend who makes me relax. Meaning, I can tell her about things that are going on in my life (whether important or trivial) and once I'm finished venting, I feel better. She's like my brother, Daren - she's willing to "hate" anyone I'm angry with and is always on MY side. Everyone needs one of those friends (and/or brothers!). Plus we laugh at the same kinds of things...ok, and people. Armando and I have always loved hanging out with her and Donnie. Even better, my daughter loves them...or maybe it's just because they have dogs.

The best thing about our friendship is the way we can make completely inappropriate photo memories of Alex's first Thanksgiving...