Wednesday night the kids and I headed West. (Brian was hunting.) No big deal I thought, driving to Palmyra... about an hour drive. See, I have been spoiled most of my life by not having to travel far distances to be with family on holidays. I know many people have to travel 1/2 day distances and cross many state lines to be with loved ones.
This year my Aunt Donna and Uncle Paul are living in Palmyra, NY. (They are spending the first part of their retirement doing senior missionary work.) They decided to host Thanksgiving. Wanting to split my time evenly , I decided to spend the night in Palmyra and then leave to see my dad (and Brian) on Thursday around noontime.
So piling the kids in the car Wednesday evening and heading onto the NYS thruway seemed just one small part to the big puzzle. Wrong.
I was introduced to the "holiday travel" scene and bad weather. As soon as I got onto the thruway all I could see for miles ahead of me was a never ending line of red tail lights.
The quick drive down the thruway turned into a high concentration, white knuckle kind of experience. With windshield wipers on full speed and traffic coming to a complete stop... twice, and driving at the top speed hovering between 35 and 60mph we finally got there safe and sound. It was definitely worth the trip when we arrived to a hot and yummy dinner all ready for us. Donna definitely deserves the ultimate hostess award.
The next day the hustle and bustle began with a "birthday breakfast" and company arriving.
The kids had fun together playing games and teasing each other.
Knowing my time constraints, sadly we had to leave. For our next destination.
Teamwork. Donna and Paul.
Thanksgiving prayer.
The 2008 kid's table.
Amanda, Angela, Beth, Sam, and Liv
Grammy with Beth watching the Macy's parade on TV.
Brian carving the turkey at our dinner with my dad. We had a wonderful and relaxing dinner. too stuffed to move the rest of the night. I thumbed through the "black Friday" store ads but nothing looked worth getting up for. Thank goodness because we were all exhausted and sleeping-in would be on the itinerary for the next day.
Beth has Grandpa Dave wrapped around her finger. She knows all she has to do is walk up with a handful of books and he'll read them all to her... twice! :)
Beth helping me with my 35th. I had a wonderful birthday. Thanks for all the texts, voicemails, phone calls, facebook posts, cards, and in-person hugs.
Love you too!
~Tara
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