Thanksgiving Recap

Sorry for the delay on posting about Thanksgiving--we have had a whirlwind of events since we returned. Chris, Noah and I headed up to Eureka Springs, Arkansas on Wednesday afternoon with Stephanie in tow. I managed to convince her to spend her first T-day away from her (immediate) family, so hopefully she had fun! We arrived after 10:00 that night and dropped Steph off at the hotel to stay with my sister Diana, and Mom and Dad. Chris, Noah and I stayed in the cozy little guest cabin adjacent to my aunt Lynn and uncle Butch's house. It's so warm with its radiant-heat floors, and the decor is quaint. Thursday, of course, was the big day--a day we did Bennett-style with reservations at a hotel buffet. The food was pretty good and the company was even better! Seven of the nine siblings (my dad's side) were there for this gathering, plus some more friends and extended family and my dad's mom (Grandma) and stepfather (Grandgeorge). After lunch we took some family pictures and then went back to Lynn and Butch's for the Cowboys game and some relaxing time together.

Aunt Jan-Jan, Uncle Paul, Aunt Ninny, Diana

The newest addition: two-month-old baby Jackson!

Noah and one of his many poses

Some of the group took a walk through the town, and my sister went and got a few shots with my camera.

The cousins and spouses present

Noah (3) hugging second cousin Bryden (2)

Friday, after breakfast with Mom and Dad at their hotel, my uncle Dan (Tuna) took Stephanie, Chris and me sailing on his boat! It was our first time, and there were definitely some surprises. We enjoyed beautiful weather and the lake to ourselves!

Chris in control... ack! Lovin' that angle

Steph--a little nervous, but Tuna is calm...

Whoa! She dips the rail!

After sailing, we drove down to Grandma and Grandgeorge's place, which we call the farm because it used to be a Christmas tree farm until they retired several years ago. I didn't want to waste daylight by sitting in front of the TV, so I dragged Steph, Mom, Dad, Diana and Chris out hiking around. We hiked along the bottom of the bluff and then found the cave, which is always a bit difficult to spot as it is out in the woods with no discernible landmarks around it. When we got back, Noah woke up from his nap and wanted to drive the golf cart, so Grandgeorge joined us in the drive/walk down to the pasture (which he has converted into a golf course) and we let Noah "drive." We stayed and visited until well past dark, then headed back to Eureka Springs.

Saturday turned out to be rainy and cold, with bad weather expected that evening, so we made the decision to leave that afternoon rather than wait until Sunday morning. Aunt Lynn and Uncle Butch took us up to Thorncrown Chapel, a famous glass chapel that blends with the natural surroundings and is quite stunning.

Aunt Lynn and Uncle Butch

We hit the road after that, making it home around 7:30 Saturday evening, just in time to celebrate Noah's birthday the next day.