Politics and kiddos

I am here in St. Louis with my family typing this post.  I have had so many thoughts and ideas over this past month to write about but I haven't found the time to put together any posts.  When I got my ticket to come home this trip I was very aware of the dates of travel and that it would be very soon after the election.  This is interesting because my parents and I are on very opposite sides of the political issues.  I tend to think about politics as a spectrum versus just democrat or republican; each person falls somewhere, but it not always easy to see where they fit just by looking.  For example, my parents support me in my marriage and came to celebrate with my wife and I this summer as we married; however they would not vote to allow legal same sex marriage.  To see them at my wedding, you would probably assume that they were liberal (ish), or at least moderate on at least social issues.    

The beginning of the Z team!

 It is definitely weird, confusing, and sometimes hurtful, but really, if a gay daughter that they happily support (emotionally and financially) in a marriage ceremony, doesn't change their political views on the topic, I don't know what would.

To clear things up (in case there was ever a question) I want to say that I am so Proud (yes with a capital P) that we, as a country, made the choice we did on November 6th.  Nice job America, well done.

Supportin' my man.  #barackobama

I just had a big long explanation typed about reasons that I voted the way I did (complete with youtube clips :))  and why it is important to me, I  but deleted it, realizing that the election is over, my guy won, and I am happy and very thankful  for that, so why stir the pot?

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In other St. Louis happenings, my mom, sister, (who blogs over here) and I ran in a 5K on Thanksgiving day.  It was an out-and-back style run, which I prefer to a loop, but I had no idea of that when we started.  To be honest, once we started and we went down a few steep hills right off the bat, I was hoping for a course that was a circle!  Kaitlyn and I painted our faces and I got several comments on my "war paint".

Right as the pic is snapped, Kait says "I'm not gonna smile".  Cracked me up!

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I soaked up as much of these kids as I could until today when I woke up with a sore throat and headache.  I love being an aunt and seeing these kiddos grow.

Elisabeth and Alaythea, 11 months

Benjamin and Paw-paw

Benny, 2.5 years

Silly Laythie

Alaythea

Elisabeth only wanted mom or dad, she wasn't  feeling well, hence my current sickness.  

Family picture day.  

A sick but smiling Lizzie.

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I also did some visiting with my BFF Kristin, and her cute squishy son.  He has the biggest blue eyes, and was so happy the whole time I was there.  It is really awesome to see my friend transition into a mom and how she has done so well with it.

kinda blurry, but the only smile I caught, he's fast!

Havin' fun.

Post-nap, cute little bed head.  

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I spent more time with other family, but forgot my camera :/  I did get my wrapping done for the gifts I brought home in my suitcase.  I loved the wrapping done by kelle, and so I copied it and added a little something of my own, a bell.

I also caught this sunset while driving home one evening, it's pretty here with all the leaves falling and bare trees.

I hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving, I did for sure.  I have so much more to say but my throat- comfort tea and a comfy bed is calling my name.  Goodnight from St. Louis.