Thanksgiving recap

We just returned from a quick trip to NC/SC for Thanksgiving. The last time we came out to celebrate the holiday was 9 years ago, when Anya had just turned 1. We were overdue for another holiday visit.

We arrived Monday afternoon and spent a relaxing evening with Don, Koby, and Alivia, catching up. The cousins hadn't seen each other in over 2 years. Initially, they were shy around each other (for maybe 2 or 3 minutes) and then quickly bonded over the cat and were buddies the rest of the week.

Tuesday morning, we drove to mom and Bruce's, visited for a bit at the house, and then enjoyed a yummy lunch. Then we had to get on the road to SC, where I needed to get started on food prep. I wish we had thought to get photos while with mom and Bruce. Next time!

Wednesday morning, we went with dad, Angie, and dogs for a walk in their great neighborhood park. Then I set about making pies while Anya, Chris, and dad went fishing in the little neighborhood pond. I don't believe they were expecting to catch anything, but they had lots of luck. Anya caught at least one catfish.

Later on, Matt/Heidi/Gabby and Don/Koby/Alivia arrived. Everyone spent the night so they could be up early to get started on the turkey. We all had terrific BBQ and caught up, and the girls doted on Gabby.

Thursday, mom & Bruce, as well as Danielle/Ollie/Bennett arrived. It was a full house and a wonderful Thanksgiving feast. The kids all ran around and they seemed to have a great time. I think there was also more fishing. Afterwards, Mom & Bruce, Danielle, and the boys, and Don and Koby went back home. We kept Alivia one more night and Matt and family also stayed.

cousins

The next morning, we headed to Greenville. They have a sweet little zoo and we killed about an hour there. It was pretty impressive how nice the zoo was for being in a small city. Afterwards, we went out for tacos and then to downtown Greenville. They have an amazing park in the center of the city. Dad, Angie, and I looked at art, while the others played down near the river, and then we all walked for a bit. I had heard Greenville was pretty, but was still blown away by how lovely the downtown was. It's someplace we want to explore more of the next time we're in the area.

 at Falls Park on the Reedy

 Thumb-wrestling with Uncle Matt at lunch

getting some Gabby time at the zoo

Then we all headed back to Dad and Angie's where we said our goodbyes and drove back to Charlotte. Another relaxing evening with Don, Koby, and Alivia, before we flew back home the next morning.

It was good to see family and we miss everyone already.