There was pie and fudge making (Cael helped make one of the pumpkin pies), and whipped cream whipping...
There was turkey, stuffing and all that good stuff and lots of family and friends giving thanks amongst each other at our tables and sharing what we were thankful for. At our table there were thanks to God for a life that had turned around, thanks for a mentor who had helped someone out, someone who appreciated having a big family, someone grateful to God for time with kids, and lots more. There was a scrabble game, a group photo under the tree in the Kiedis front yard, a backyard football game, napping and movie plans...
There was an eventual movie - The Return of Zorro - There were personalities and fun, a few injuries and plenty of videotaping...
And on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, there was a traditional tree search at the Home Depot. It wasn't as traditional as we'd hoped, as they wouldn't actually let us in the tree tent because they hadn't had their fire inspection, so they brought trees out and and we picked quickly and from a limited selection. There was to be no traditional game of christmas tree hide and seek, and that left our now aging children a bit grumpy and attitudinal. Tommy, Daniel and Cael didn't make it for the big event, but Shannan and I managed to pick winner trees without them. When they'd been cut, paid for and bagged in netting, Paul loaded my tree along with theirs in their van and everyone came along to deliver it. In order to expidite tree picking, the kids all volunteered to help me pay part because I accidentally looked at an expensive tree on my first try and of course it was perfect. Once we discovered the true price, a new search began among the cheap trees and it was apparent to the kids that it might take a lot of looking again to find a suitable fir. They were against that. In the end, it was Cally who actually paid the extra $10, and off we went with our perfect Christmas tree. $47.98 with tax. I know. Outrageous. But it really smells great in the house.
The tree hunters.
And so the Christmas tree now stands in the living room all lighted but awaiting decorations and the start of a memorable christmas season. Cael was here long enough to do his part and put a couple of ornaments on the tree so he was at least able to be a part of it. Other than that we are waiting for a chance to get the decorating underway. It was supposed to happen today, but we haven't managed to find the time yet. Maybe tomorrow.
Oh yeah, the kids and some friends had a bonfire at the Kiedis home on Friday night after Thanksgiving too.
Cally and Bethany took about 25 photos of themselves doing goofy stuff that night. They resemble the photo booth photos we used to take as kids. Here's one:
Of course, there's more, but who has time for all the details. I will say I am thankful for a wonderful family and friends and a great thanksgiving to celebrate all God has done for us.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3
With a few more photos and some of that whipped cream, I would think I had been there.
ReplyDeleteMissed seeing all of you.
Judy
p.s. did you get the photos I sent you ? You never said.