I am thankful for family time

It has been busy few days.  Tuesday afternoon Bud and I left home and headed to Grand Rapids.  We met Jessica, Doug and Eva for a birthday dinner.  It was actually Eva's birthday day and we went to her favorite Mexican restaurant. 

 Wednesday morning we went about loading up the car.  There was a big debate about if we should have brought our car top carrier but we managed to get everything in the 2 cars. 

 There was a 'little' nest in the back just Eva's size. 

 We met Jessica and Doug and switched a few things around so that the ride would be more comfortable for everyone. 

 Panera Bread was our lunch choice.We took our time because Matt and Diana were going to the Bells for dinner that evening.  We arrived a few minutes before they came home, unloaded and hid our presents and waited.  It was a very easy drive down with good weather and dry roads.  There was quite a bit of traffic but not too bad. 

 Thursday morning was the time for cooking.  First Hailey had to go gather eggs for the cooks

 The stuffing was a work of art.  The cooks did a great job.  I just wandered around checking on everything.  They really get into the seasoning of the stuffing and I am just a 'Stove Top' kind of girl. 

 Brookelynn did my hair while the cooks were in the kitchen.  I think I had more fun. 

 Of course, Gram played games with the girls while the turkey cooked.  I guess I don't have any dinner pictures.  I must have been hungry.  The meal was terrific. 

 After dinner and before Gram's birthday, we went for a walk of about 2.5 miles at a nearby park.  The weather was great and as you can see, we weren't dressed in heavy coats.  I took a little stumble while on this walk.  It was quite a sight so I was told.  I kind of stepped off the edge and rolled my ankle.  As I was going down I realized that I wouldn't be able to break my fall so I just rolled with the fall and kind of ended up on my back.  I bruised my knee and I have a large black and blue mark on my hip now but I am fine.  That lesson on 'Stop, Drop, and Roll' really sunk in for me but I wasn't on fire. 

 After our walk it was time for Gram's birthday.  We had pie instead of cake but it was a great celebration.  When ever Gram has her grandchildren all around her, it is a grand party. 

 Lots of smiles.  Gram got a new camera.  She has quite a history with cameras so this one was a bright pink one.  She is hoping that she doesn't lose this one or leave it on the top of her car. 

 Matt made delicious homemade ice cream to go with the pie I brought from Grand Traverse Pie Company.  It is the best pie I can make.

 The camera was a hit. 

 Sara and Leo joined us via Skype.  It was very cool to have them there with us via technology.  They celebrated their Thanksgiving in Cape Cod with family but it was nice to be able to talk to them and see them so sometimes technology can be great. 

 Friday was a beautiful day and we were to go canoeing.  We had a bit of a setback a few miles down the highway.  The car was giving off a BIG black cloud so Matt pulled over.  This red liquid was flowing out of the engine.  The boys were able to figure out that it was a loose hose to the transmission.  The fluid was all over the ground but we took the other car and went ahead to a gas station to buy some more, filled up the transmission again and were on our way without too much of a delay.  It was nice that it happened with another car right behind them so we could solve the problem without too much of a problem AND still go canoeing. 

 Matt received his Christmas present early, a new canoe paddle from Jessica and Doug.  Jessica did a great job of decorating it too.  He was happy to have his own special paddle for the trip.  We loaded up the canoes and kayak.  Matt and Diana had Grayson (the dog) in their canoe.  Doug had Eva and Hailey in their canoe, Jessica took Brookelynn in her kayak and Bud and I took Annika in our canoe. 

 As you can see, it was a beautiful day.  There weren't very many people on the river, only a few fishermen looking for trout.

 We stopped for a great lunch along the river and then finished off our trip.  The finish line was rather exciting this year.  Bud and my canoe were the first ones in to the shore.  We pushed the nose up on to the shore and then we tipped over right away. I am not sure what happened since I was in the front.  One moment I was pushing the canoe onto the shore and the next minute I was sputtering and trying to stand up after going under water.  Annika managed to get to shore quite quickly and Bud was in the back holding on to the canoe so it wouldn't go downstream but I couldn't get my footing and stand.  I think I went under at least 2 times or more I kept falling backwards every time I tried to stand up.  Finally I managed to be near Bud and he helped me up and I crawled to shore. 
I was MOST disappointed for 2 reasons.  First of all I really don't like to get wet and was so sure that I wouldn't that Bud and I didn't bring along extra clothes.  Now that isn't from MANY people asking us and reminding us that we might get wet but we just didn't take extra clothes.  The second reason I was so upset is that my camera was in my pocket.  I did have the sense to put it in a zip lock bag but I forgot to secure it after stopping for lunch so it was wet and ruined.  I was thankful that the card was still fine since I had ALL of my pictures from 2011 on that card.  I hadn't downloaded the pictures all year. 
SO, two lessons, always take extra clothes even if you don't plan to get wet and put your camera in the dry bag after you use it every time.  Bud and I will both be looking for new cameras on 'cyber Monday'.  I am just glad that the pictures on my card were OK.

 Saturday was our Christmas in TN.  It started with an Uncle Bud breakfast of bacon and french toast.  It was delicious.

 Annika helped Bud make snowflakes for the craft time. 

 Aunt Jessica helped Hailey decorate her tree in her room.  It has a 'beach' theme.

 Uncle Doug helped Brookelynn decorate her tree in her room.  I don't know the theme there but they seemed to have a good time. 

 Then we went looking for the family tree.  This one was perfect for a perfect family. 

 The guys did the trimming of the bottom of the tree.  Any time is a good time to get out a chain saw.

 Diana put the lights on the tree while Gram decorated Christmas cookies with the girls.  Then we went for another walk before presents.  It was another beautiful day with the temps in the 60s.  Not exactly a winter Christmas weather scene but it was perfect weather for a walk.  This time I didn't fall.

We opened presents and enjoyed the giving.  I didn't take many pictures.  My camera wasn't working but Eva let me borrow her old one.  This is the fantastic gift that Jessica and Doug gave Brookelynn.  They made this tent for her.  It was so cute.  They also made one for her doll, Bertha.  I didn't get a picture of that either.  I am counting on Eva and Jessica sharing their pictures with me. 

Sunday morning we were up early and on the road because we were coming all the way home.  It is about 600 miles for us to travel so we kept on moving.  We arrived home about 10:15.  It was a rainy drive with LOTS of traffic in some areas. 

It was a GREAT trip full of fun, food, laughter and terrific family time.  I am thankful for such a wonderful family.  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving too.