Thanksgiving

 

As promised, here are some highlight shots of Thanksgiving weekend spent with my dad, step-mom, brothers, stepsister and her family.

 

This was the first Thanksgiving I've spent with my dad.  Maybe there were a couple before my parents split up but I was too busy spitting up on someone's fancy blouse to remember.

My step sister, Dawna, hosted the dinner this year.

(I took this pic through the window from the outside, hence the eery steamy creepy aura going on here.  Sometimes artsy works.  Sometimes it's Freddy Kreuger.  You decide.)

 

 (These pictures do not due justice to her arresting blue eyes.  She is one of those people you don't really listen to because you're too busy staring at how pretty she is while she's talking.)

And as is tradition my husband fried a bird.

I spent a little time outside jumping up and down with all the kids.

My brother, Alex, did too.

Cousin Tristan showed us all how it is properly done. 

(look at all that air)

My other brother, Donnie, is a sight for sore eyes.  He gives me the safest biggest hugs that make me feel like a Disney character for a few seconds:  small, joyful, and forever young.

 (Isn't he a cutie?)

My step-mom, Chris wasn't pictured much but she and I took a walk (almost) every morning which I enjoyed for more than just the exercise.  She's easy to be around and I always hope her strength of character is contagious through the pavement.

(Chris is the pretty one next to Andy and in front of my dad.  The configuration of this family photo is so funny for so many reasons that I love it for its oddity.  From left to right:  (Back row:  Donnie, my head, Pop-Pop standing on a stool, Dale, Alex.  Front row:  Grayson, Abigail, Andy, Chris, Dawna, Tristan and in front of all is Grace.) 

 

 (Proof more than just my face was present and accounted for at Thanksgiving Dinner. That's me in the club outfit.  I guess someone was ready to party the night away with her sparkling apple cider.)

The next day the big kids went Paintballing.  It was a first for Andy and me.  The other "kids" are veterans and this fact alone made me very nervous.  

 

 (SUPER tough in my purple gloves)

I tried to chicken out several times to no avail. 

(These people were serious war mongers.)

(I learned later the opposing team yelled out "JEANS!" to identify me.  At least it wasn't "Barney!")

Evidently, I had reason to be concerned about personal well being:

I might never do it again but I won't pretend I'm not a better sniper because of it.  P.S. If anyone ever tells you paintball shots don't hurt, swell, and threaten your vital organs with a blood clot is not your friend.  They are probably your family who is eager to hunt you down like a hapless chipmunk and shoot your knees off.  Other than that?  Totally fun.

Grayson and Abby had such a good time with Mimi, Pop-Pop, Uncle Donnie, Uncle Alex, Aunt Dawna, Uncle Dale, Cousin Tristan and Cousin Gracie that they both asked to stay longer.

  

They pleaded with me before bed, in fact, and while it was bittersweet to say goodbye to everyone the next morning we knew we'd be back again soon.

I'm afraid Abby will not take no for an answer.