Main Event

Our Thanksgiving Day started out like everyone else's did with the preparation of the bird.  Matt worked under the masterful eye of Uncle Sammie.

Our hosts, Dave and Carolyn, prepared the smoker.

The rest of us had important tasks, also.
Aunt Melissa helped every child with their needs.

It was a beautiful day to be in the backyard.

Kyle took delight in his cousin's toys.

He quickly became adept.

Did you have a zombie attack at your Thanksgiving?

I love to listen to grandchildren explain important things.  And when Luke uses the word "actually" in his explanations, I understand better.

It's hard to beat fun on a glider.

Papa brought two XO tablets for the kids to play with.  These were an enormous hit.

But he doesn't need technology to build strong bonds.

In the meantime, the dads tended the smoker.

I loved that the kids didn't hesitate to ask for help from anyone.

I took a little circus of children on a walk around the block.

We spied something amazing.

Toward the end of our walk, Julia took a tumble and needed to be carried.  Jacob said, "Don't worry, I'll get the others home."

He lined them all up and they marched, singing.

I will laugh about this forever.

The big girls played with their dolls.  Out of sight, out of mind.  They are learning how to be teenagers, I warned their parents.

Will, very much a teenager, totally wowed me with his marching band skills.

How anyone could have napped was mind-boggling, but it happened.

Rocket launching was the last planned activity of the day.

Shooting rockets is a great Thanksgiving Day event.

Rockets are fun even when it's getting dark.

In fact, no one wanted to leave.

I have put in another movie for you to enjoy.

After we were settling into our pie, Jeff started to drum.  Decorators advise to plan the room around what happens there, so Carolyn made the decision that the living room should be the band room, considering all the musicians they have in their home.  Guitars appeared.  The floors vibrated.  This was my favorite part of the day!

Round One

We are gathering at Dave's house for Thanksgiving.
Watching fish eat each other in the jetty tank was a good preview for this holiday.

We visited Moody Gardens.

We had a lot of fun interacting with other mammals.

This dragon fish was particular interesting.

So was this baby-fish.

The Flight Museum nearby was also loads of fun.

There was plenty of time for good conversations.

Bonding always happens during reunions, although these two see a lot of each other.

We haven't needed to borrow these signs from the flight mechanics' area.

Back at the ranch, we played.

And played.

We have eaten a lot, but fortunately Julia knows how to set the table.

Melanie showed me her new turtle, Stephanie.  Stephanie is 20 years old and needed a new home, and Melanie was happy to give her one.

Sirius found a quiet place for a nap.

Although he did decide to join us for a walk.

Julie walked much of the way.

We all had a grand time.

Last night, the crew for Round Two showed up!

We are ready!