Thanksgiving in Big D

Sooo . . . it's December 28 and I'm writing my post about Thanksgiving. That reveals quite a bit about what the last month has held in our house.

We had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving this year. And no, not because I didn't do any of the cooking. Though that was nice!

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, we loaded up the dog, both girls, a stroller, and way too much luggage, toys, videos, books all in our little CR-V and hit the road. We left our house at 5:15 and managed to pull into my brother's driveway by 7:15 that night. LONG day. The girls did better in the car this time, but Caroline was still less than enthusiastic about being strapped in her carseat all day. Catherine actually loved the trip. She got to spend the whole day in her pjs, watched Doc McStuffins on repeat for hours, and have snacks all day long. Apparently, this is pretty awesome when you are 3. We arrived at my brother's house with an abundance of pent up energy. By some miracle, both girls were finally asleep around 10:30.

The next four days were full of fun! We snuck in a trip to the Dallas World Aquarium on our first day there. This place is just incredible - so much more than an aquarium. The girls were pretty tired and it was a little crowded that day, so they didn't get quite the kick out of it I had thought they would. But they still really enjoyed themselves.

Catherine feeding a toucan a blueberry, while explaining to all that would listen that blueberries are out of season and must have come from far away

As awesome as the aquarium was, I was actually even more excited to find that it was down the street from a Capriotti's Sandwich Shop. Growing up in Delaware, this was pretty much my favorite place to eat and they have franchised now, and they have a few locations in the DFW metroplex. People, I got to eat a Bobbie. Since most of y'all probably are unfamiliar with this slice of heaven on earth, I'll tell you about it. Fresh crusty bread, pulled roasted turkey (lunchmeat? blech!), moist dressing, mayo, and sweet cranberry relish. I should have felt bad about eating this the day before Thanksgiving. You better believe I didn't. It was wonderful. Amazing.

The days that followed, we spent with Russell's family. Our Thanksgiving celebration included lots of incredibly yummy food, attention (and accessories) lavished on our little girls, and even extra attention for the Flash. I have great in-laws, the whole lot of them! We assembled a semi-coordinated family picture as well. For where I am, there seem to be pictures. I just want to bottle up these days and remember them. Life and family is so precious.

Everyone looking at the camera - yay! (How did I not notice we were taking all of these with a t. u. flag in the background??? Arg!)

Catherine with Uncle David and Aunt Liz

Catherine in accessory-induced euphoria

The only shot I got of the lovely Thanksgiving table

From 3 to 80

Russell's sweet grandparents

Goofy Caro!

Caroline and her great-grandmother

The great and wonderful Aunt Ow-son

A big part of the reason we decided to take the plunge and drive to Texas for a pretty short break was a surprise birthday party held for his grandfather the day after Thanksgiving. He turned 80 a few weeks ago and almost all of his kids and their spouses, grandkids and their spouses, and great grandkids were in Dallas for the celebration. How could we miss the chance to see all these precious family members whose paths we don't cross often? Man, I hope I'm as cool as he is when I'm 80!

Catherine took it upon herself to help Gramps open his gifts at his birthday party. Presents and cake are sorta her thing. Sigh.

An extra perk of being in Dallas for the break was that we got to be with my brother for his 30th birthday, which we celebrated with a barbecue lunch on Saturday. Welcome to old age, little brother. Catherine and I baked some birthday cupcakes for him and Bethany made sure that he got the bathroom trashcans he wanted for his birthday. Flash didn't eat the cupcakes, so I figure the whole experience was a success.

Reading Uncle Josh's birthday card

Josh and his girlfriend Bethany, who loved on our girls a bunch! She is a sweetie!

Big shoes to fill

Josh and the Joffs

By Sunday, it was time for us to drag ourselves back home to Bama. We were sure sad to leave (and sad to have an umpteen hour drive ahead, ha). But we would do it again in a heartbeat! What a great Thanksgiving, full of special memories. We sure miss you, Texas! We miss you more, Texan family!
 

A few notes about this post - Caro was on my hip through a lot of this trip so you'll notice that she isn't in quite as many photos as her sister. No favorites were played, I assure you. I also realize that my account of the trip includes a very large section about a sandwich. I did enjoy the family more than the sandwich, but I guess I have a lot to say about the Bobbie. There is probably something wrong with me. I welcome suggestions for character improvement.

Maybe I'll publish a post about Christmas in another month or so! <3 br="">