Thanksgiving

Hey there, well - how do I even begin? We are just back from a ten day road trip, holiday hopping through the Midwest. Honestly, honestly...I'm going to try and be brief.

Dave was on call the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, so we didn't get to leave until Thursday morning. I tried to get us all packed up and ready to leave at 7 a.m. when he was officially "off" but of course, you can't get everything packed because you need it to get ready in the morning (or kids need to sleep at night). Dave had to run to the hospital in the morning and despite all the loose ends, we were on the road at 8:30 a.m! And yes, we were impressed with ourselves:)

The kids did great and after dropping Abby off at a kennel near Decorah, we showed up to Mom and Dad's on a bright and beautiful Thanksgiving morning. Mom had it all under control and we were the first to arrive, so we just relaxed and tried not to scare them with how much we were hauling from the van into the house. 

Trying to get a family picture - thank you Mom:)
ps - I'm ready to throw my glasses in the lake, stupid glare - argh!

There were 25 people at the meal and it was wonderful to see everyone, I am pretty distracted with the kiddos and don't get to really sit and visit as much as I'd like, but that is just part of the deal right now! The food was traditional, good and I had two big plates - the most I've eaten at Thanksgiving in years;) 

Dave totally took this picture, he is famous for cutting heads off!

On Friday, we had a busy day planned. We got up early to go and get a tree, whoops - three trees (two for Mom and Dad and one for Andrew)!  - from Johnson's near Decorah. It was sunny and cold, Mom made sure we all had roughly seven layers on and we headed out, prepared to spend hours searching for the perfect trees. 

Heading out...

At least we know who is in charge

It was pretty gorgeous down there...

Kate was in-it to win-it from the start. She was running ahead and telling us to check out certain trees...so cute:) She had endless energy, which was good. We bundled Collin up and took turns carrying him which worked just fine. It didn't take too long and we found some lovely trees - what a joy (for the guys) to carry the smaller trees this year! 

Conference

Hey! A family pic!

Kate wouldn't leave Gpa's side at the end, she has also requested some camouflage
 so she and Gpa can hide and we won't see them:)

Okay, it was a little cold - what a trooper

Kate insisted on carrying some boughs that Gma wanted, so cute!

Collin helping the guys ascertain the trunk of the tree...

Time to go!

Dave and I and the kids peeled off to Decorah on the way home, we grabbed some things at the Oneota Coop and picked up some Mabe's pizza for lunch - a pretty perfect morning if you ask me! We ate pizza, watched the Hawkeyes win and decorated for Christmas at Mom and Dads - a pretty perfect afternoon:) Then we had to clean ourselves up a bit:) and head over to Kylie's house for a big get-together with the Huinker/Kruse clan! We made a fashionably late (I hope:) appearance and of course, Kate starting running and playing hard the second we arrived. Mom and I bided our time to hold new, little baby Grady. We ate, we talked, it was awesome. Kate was a sweaty mess when people started to leave. We had just a few tears as Mom and Dad took the kids to go home and go to bed, I hadn't really explained the plan to her, but with a little distraction she was fine. Dave and I were SO looking forward to a night out with adults and especially with this bunch (Amanda, Brian, Beth, Chris, Andrew & Kylie)  but I was very nervous about the kids not behaving or getting down for bed. Our children are notorious for not taking a bottle and not sleeping - great combo, huh? 

Decorating the loft tree

Mom decorating the porch tree:)

We met up at Brian and Amanda's house and played some games and chatted, it was wonderful with the exception of missing Tony and Tara. I know they are happy that we got together, but obviously it would be complete if they were there. Definitely going to be some epic fun in the future...:) 

When we arrived back at Mom and Dads - at a total reasonable hour, I might add, 11:30 p.m.? (we are old) the word on the street was the kids did great! Yeah!! I was thrilled. Collin was a peach, Kate got some cuddle time and watched part of Elf, sounds like a great night with the Gma and Gpa. 

Saturday brought some rest and relaxation, finished decorating, some time outside, started (and finished!) a 1,000 piece puzzle, and then at the end of the night, Mom and Dave flexed their music muscles and we had some piano/trumpet songs with singing. Ummm..Christmas tunes. Mostly. Kate contributed by playing a little piano with Gma and singing. Her own songs..usually something to do with Cinderella or Santa, her own tune, own lyrics and definitely her own volume. It is a tribute to Mom that she could play with that 4 year old distraction! It was awesome and I look forward to more family music in the future! 

Sunday, we packed up and tried to head out at a decent time. There wasn't much that we left at Mom and Dads, so the van was once again...quite full. We timed it perfectly, Collin was sleepy but not TOO sleepy and the day was bright and sunny. What a truly great Thanksgiving!! And now....Lake Ozark, Missouri or bust!