Thanksgiving 2010

Alrighty, I think things have finally slowed down around here {for a little bit at least} for me to post Thanksgiving pics! We traveled 7 1/2 hours all the way to Corpus Christi for the big day and then drove to my dad's near San Antonio the day after Thanksgiving. It was a lot of car time but seeing my precious family made it all worth it. And Ava was an awesome traveler considering she was strapped in for so many hours and mommy and daddy did not want to stop!

More details of our Thanksgiving soon but first I have to post a few pictures from when our good friends The Price's stayed with us the night before we left. They flew in from Virginia for Thanksgiving and I was so glad that we were able to catch them before we left town. It had been almost an entire year since I had seen them AND I had never met Austin, their soon to be 1 year old! That has been really hard considering these friends are so special to us. I am so glad we were able to spend some quality time catching up and watching the kids play together.

Ava and Evey (3) chatting on their cells

Sweet sweet Austin who is almost walking! Isn't he the cutest?! And talk about a mellow happy go lucky baby!

Bathtime

Of course I wish we could have spent even more time with The Price's but we hope to take a little family vacation to see them sometime in the Spring. :)

On to Thanksgiving. We arrived at my Mimi and Big Bob's house Thursday evening and got to see Kay Kay and Bri, my aunt Lisa and cousins Ryan, Reagan, and Rachel. Ava was being your usual shy self most of the time which was a lot different when we were there close to this time last year. I wish she would have allowed the family to love on her more since they dont get to see her that often but everyone was so good about giving her her space and letting her slowly warm up to them.

I have said it before but being in Corpus at Mimi and Big Bob's is like being home for me. The yummy smells coming from Mimi's kitchen, Big Bob watching his tv in the garage :), the traffic of people all through the house, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade, sitting around the table with my family eating and laughing.....those are memories that I will always cherish and why I love Thanksgiving so much!

It wasnt long before Ava had a pen and paper in hand. This was her designated pooping spot away from all the people where she could close the door if she wanted to. (Sorry Ava, I know you will hate me one day for sharing such things)

KayKay was surprisingly very good at making various animals out of playdo for Ava. Who knew?!

Taking a break

Mimi has been working countless hours cross stitching Ava's stocking and Ava got to open her very special gift. It is now hanging on the mantle next to mine that Mimi made me years ago.

Bri performed Thanksgiving night at Callalen's pep rally since their team is in the playoffs. I was so glad that I got to see her finally perform with her team! She's a natural!

Ava loved Mimi's cooking too. Especially the sweet potatoes and her special cranberry salad, just like her mommy!

Big Bob and Ava :)

Ava with Mimi and Big Bob

{I just love the way he smiles at her}

and Kay Kay joined in the photo as well

On Friday we drove about 2 hours to my dad's just south of San Antonio for a post Thanksgiving visit. Alli and Granny Jean were already there so I am glad that I got to see them too. My dad's wife Shirley cooked some amazing meals while we were all there. It was nice to sit by the warm fire, visit with family, while Ava was happily entertained by Shirley's granddaughte, Panda. Yes, her name is original but she is as cute as they come!

Panda and Ava got into the hair accessories

Panda was like Ava's big sister and shared all her toys so nicely

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving counting all your many blessings!