Thanksgiving 2009

So since moving to Southern California a year ago, I've decided that holidays with out family SUCKS! We had our first holiday ever without family last March at Easter, it was sad and depressing. So this summer when my sisters and I were together for my parents 50th wedding anniversary my sister Chrissta and I decided that she and her family would come to us for Thanksgiving. I started counting down the days as soon as we said good-bye in Oregon in June. November could not come soon enough for me. Well months went on and before I knew it, Thanksgiving was here. It was a 20 hour drive from their house in Austin, TX to us in San Clemente. They arrived late Sunday night Nov. 22nd and so the week of fun began!

We spent days at the beautiful beach where Amara, Madi and Benson got their "boogie board" on! They were awesome! Benson enjoyed burying the boys in the sand and the boys loved the attention. I believe Finn believes Benson can walk on water. We've decided, as Anne of Green Gables described it, they are kindred spirits. Finn had to be with, be climbing on or riding with Benson all the time. It was so cute! Amara loved being with the girls, she got her first taste of what it's like to have a sister. Sully and Xander had a great time drawing for hours and hours.

Chrissta, my friend Rachelle and I all made a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixins and a little more. We had a fantastic day that included a walk on the Pier, to much yummy food and Texas football (in HD)!

The week was too short and come early Saturday morning, they packed up their Ford Flex and left. Amara and I were both teary for most of the day, we miss them soooo much. We feel thankful to have had this experience and share this time. We can't wait to see them again, hopefully sooner than later!