Thanksgiving In Idaho

We have an unlucky track record when it comes to our Idaho trips.  In the past we've had an emergency appendectomy, broken finger, pink eye times three daughters, a seriously sprained ankle and immediate vomiting on Nonnies hardwood floors moments after walking through her door. This trip went a little more smoothly. We saved our sickness until the very last day. Brooke came down with strep throat and missed all but 4 hours of school the following week. Dang. At least I was able to get a lot of our Christmas shopping done while cooped up. I love you Amazon Prime!

This is really just a different version of my girls arriving and then throwing up on Nonnies floor. The Barbie box is full of Barbie paraphernalia  they only get to play with a few times a year, the reunion with Barbies from their past is always the first thing they go for.

And this is always the first thing Jon goes for...after he hugs his Mom of course. Many a relaxing hours have been spent by this man in his " spot". 

Morgan and Abby had fun dressing up in Aunt Hailey's clothes and jewelry. They got their hair done and a little mascara on their youthful lashes, then came down stairs to slightly concerned, yet adoring fathers who's little girls are on the brink of teenage-hood. 

Can I just say how much I love tweenagers!! They are responsible enough to babysit but still kid enough to want to build forts and bring stuffed animals along on road trips. 11 year olds are wonderful people. 

Thanksgiving morning was beautiful. There was a light dusting of snow on the lawn and frisky horses in the field. Nonnie creates an atmosphere in her home that is so welcoming and warm, I just had to walk around and soak it in. 

                                       

  Every corner felt like the holidays...

The grown ups table. You really do feel more grown up when you sit here.

Morgan and Abby decorated the kids table. They did a great job. Yay tweenagers!

We had a delicious Thanksgiving meal and fun times hanging out with family.

Aunt Blair was kind enough ( and brave enough) to have a cousin sleep over at her place. She treated the kids to a breakfast of fried french toast and hot cocoa. Kate really seems to have enjoyed herself. I on the other hand woke up in a perfectly silent house around 9:30. OH happy day!  Later we let the big girls baby sit while the women had a nice lunch out followed by antiquing.  I'm living a good life.

 It is so rewarding watching my kids make so many happy childhood memories. I'm full of gratitude for our family, immediate and extended, for wide open spaces, for Lego building and dressing up, for plenty of food and safe cars to travel in. Thanksgiving is a marvelous time of year.