So Sawyer came into the front room this morning, having put his white shirt and tie on over his turtleneck shirt, and declared that he was ready to go to work. I couldn't resist a photo, and when he started hamming it up for me, I kept on clicking. I think, it is for times like these, that blogs were created. Enjoy.
It has only taken me a week to journal these pictures, but who's counting, right? :) We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day at my parents home! It was kind of bitter sweet with the passing of my grandfather and having the funeral the day before, but we were together as a family and that is what grandpa loved! My sisters and I told my mom not to worry about cooking this year because we knew she would not be up to the task. We told her to go and spend the morning with her mom and that we would take care of the meal. So, after she helped put the turkey in the roaster my sisters and I went to work! We fed 19 people and the only thing that didn't turn out was the coconut cream pie, dang it! I tried to make it like my mom does, in the microwave, and I failed. I should have just done it on the stove top like I am used to. Oh well! It tasted good, just was more like a pudding than a pie.
Mike also brought back a tradition that my grandfather loved, but had been missing at our Thanksgiving dinner the last few years. That tradition includes everyone taking a turn and saying what they are grateful for. Not everyone loves this tradition, but I think it is a good one. I am graetful that Mike had the foresight to do this. He thought of it all on his own and caught us all off guard!! I know grandpa was with us that afternoon and was very thankful for the legacy he left behind!
We will miss you Grandpa Nelson!!
For as far back as I can remember our extended family(on Laura's mom's side) has gotten together two times a year for our family reunion in the summer and then Thanksgiving with the Christmas party the day after!! These traditions were created and sustained because grandpa LOVED his family and wanted us all to be together. We have had some great times and have made some wonderful memories. I feel very blessed to have had my grandfather in my life for as long as I did. He was such a great example to so many people. He suffered from a lot of pain most of his life, but you would have never known. He did not complain, ever! He always had a smile on his face! Every one of his children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren thought they were his favorite. Our family has been very blessed to have such a great patriarch and he will be greatly missed!! We love you grandpa!!
Since Mike has had to go back to flying he hasn't been home much, so Sunday we decided to take advantage of his time off and spend the day together enjoying the outdoors. We drove up to Mt. Lemmon in Tucson. When we got to Tucson, before we headed up the mountain we stopped for some lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant. The kids weren't too impressed with the hummus, but they did enjoy the lamb!! We then proceeded up the mountain. The kids enjoyed climbing on rocks, taking a short hike and then of course stopping at the Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven for a HUGE cookie!! On the way back home we saw a beautiful sunset that marked the end to a wonderful day!
