Last weekend was Thanksgiving and this year we drove down south to Murrietta, CA to spend the holiday with the Brady etc. clan. My Aunt Johnna and Uncle John hosted about 15 people for dinner. Much to my bemusement, I found I only had pictures of my niece and my 4 year old cousin on my camera when I got home! Luckily my mom took pictures too so between the two of us I think I have enough to share. So thanks Mom, for the photos I blatantly stole from your Picasa albums!
We left for Temecula/Murrietta Thursday morning and had a traffic-free drive, a total luxury for Southern California. Much of the day was spent hanging out, or as the grown ups say "visiting". This is generally my least favorite part of vacation as I typically like to always being doing something. Mark has, on more than on occasion, pointed out that visiting is considered in most circles to be doing something... but I digress. Here are some random shots of me visiting with my family.
This is Michelle, Grandma, and me having some girl time while we watch the kiddos play in the yard. You would think I would have taken some pictures with that camera in my lap, but the only shots I got were of the kids. I think my mom and Aunt Johnna are just off camera.
This one is Uncle Rick, Kim (My mom's cousin Walt's girlfriend/partner... common keep up), me, Grandma, Uncle John, and my cousin Parker on the ottoman. Parker is John and Johnna's son. We are all visiting in a most grown up way. Parker is either bored out of his mind or ready for bed, or else trying to think of how to get more turkey AND pie into his belly.
When we were outside we enjoyed playing around in the dirt and watching Uncle John work on his amazing playhouse/fort he is building for Parker. Parker enjoyed being silly for the camera.
Thanksgiving dinner was amazing. My Aunt worked some crazy magic with the turkey. She has a background as a dental hygienist and--I'm being completely serious--she used a syringe to inject the turkey with her magic seasoning rather than just baste it. I have to say it was honestly the best turkey I have ever had.
Here is my Aunt Johnna (my mom's sister) and my Uncle Rick (my mom's brother) getting the final prep for dinner done. Uncle Rick volunteered to carve the turkey and soon we had everyone at the tables ready to eat. Michelle also brought some amazing cheesy potatoes, my mom made my Grandma Nadine's crab dip, and in general we all enjoyed food and company.
Cassidy and Parker had a blast looking at all the books together. Both kids can't seem to get enough book time!
Cassidy loves shoes. She especially loves to put other people's shoes on. She found my laces fascinating.
We did do a little shopping on Friday, and Cassidy had a great time. She fell in love with "Unc Mark" and I'm sorry to say that Aunt Kristen definitely got demoted a bit.
All together now.... "Awwwww" It's so fun to be an auntie and uncle!
We were fortunate to be able to stay with Michelle and Cassidy before heading home on Saturday. While there, we managed to catch my brother Aaron on Skype. Aaron is currently serving in the US Navy and he is stationed in Afghanistan. We miss him and can't wait for him to come home safely!
That pretty much wraps up our Thanksgiving 2010 trip. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your upcoming December holiday season is filled with lots of travel and fun!
