November was a tough month. And looking back on those the first two weeks, I had no idea the heartache we were about to encounter.

I spent the first weekend at my parents’ house in Connecticut while they were away. I drank wine… ordered pizza… watched six episodes of Scandal. It was glorious. I went for a walk and collected leaves of all shapes and colors because they were too beautiful to leaf leave on the ground.

And on Sunday evening I visited Grandma Trudie. I showed her a bunch of family photos. We watched a little TV. I took this selfie of the two of us. It would be the last time I saw her like that.

Three days later we got a call that my Grandpa Gus in Florida was not doing well and we rushed down to see him. While at his bedside, we received word that Grandma Trudie had suddenly fallen ill and her body was beginning to shut down.

Within a few days, both of my grandparents passed away with family by their side. I’m grateful we had enough warning to visit before they passed to get a sense of closure, while also comforting them in their final days.

Their funerals were held on back-to-back days in Connecticut. Family on both sides gathered around in support and we leaned on each other, mourning their loss while celebrating their lives. I sorted through dozens of old photo albums and put together these montages of their lives.

And then suddenly it was Thanksgiving.

For two whole months now, I have been working on The Wiz Live! for NBC. (They were wonderfully flexible about letting me take days off as my grandparents’ health declined.) This show is so vibrant — the sets, costumes, and choreography are fierce and our whole company of actors is remarkable. I am anxiously waiting for America to see it, and they got a sneak peek at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:

Here’s the video footage, in case you missed it:

Shout out to my co-workers who got up in the cold weather at 5am to facilitate this performance! I was happy to watch from my cozy PJs at home.

My aunt and uncle stayed with us for Thanksgiving and we enjoyed a delicious meal. I contributed two of my signature dishes… Brussels sprouts with bacon:

And sweet potato casserole:

My mom and aunt cooked two turkeys via the slow cooker, as well as a slew of sides.

My aunt made a gorgeous cranberry tart:

We also gobbled up pecan pie, blueberry pie, and ice cream.

Our family loves board games and we played Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us!

Honestly, my favorite part about being home is cuddling with our dogs. Is there anything better?!

This is my sister’s pup Oscar in a santa outfit she recently picked up for him. He is so good about tolerating dress-up time.

And this is my parents’ dog Bijou, whom we decked out in one of Grandma Trudie’s costume necklaces and then in Oscar’s santa hat.

And here is sweet Maggie, my aunt and uncle’s adorable Maltese:

And now I’m back on Long Island hard at work on The Wiz Live… stay tuned for it this Thursday at 8pm, live on NBC! We just completed our first dress rehearsal and I can’t wait for you all to see it.

December 3rd at 8pm… Y’all Got It?

And just like that, we bid good-bye to November 2015. A very trying month. But last Thursday’s holiday was a welcome reminder that we still have lots to be thankful for.

XO, Erica