Twas the Night Before Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thanksgiving 2014

It's been 7 years since we were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with family. 7 years of missing out and wishing we could join in the festivities. We had the gathering at my brother's house and all brought various dishes to share.

(Please excuse the crappy phone pics but... you get what you get and we'll all survive.)

I made deviled eggs and this green bean casserole (watch for the recipe soon).

The kitchen was the popular gathering point for us adults. Duh, that's where the food and wine were.

The kids kept themselves busy playing with train tracks and various electronic devices.

The dog gave up. This many people were exhausting.

The babies love grandpa.

After everyone had their bellies filled, it was time for football and games.

Between jokes, farts, and many many laughs, we did manage to snap a few nice family pictures. These were the first ones we've taken in probably 15ish years and I really wish we were smart enough to choose a better place with better lighting.

Our lovely cousin joined us for a few pics too. :)

And now the outtakes...

My niece wanted in the pictures too.

And those pics preeetty much sum up my crazy family. We're weird and proud and of it.

Wordless Wednesday - Let it Snow

Sub zero temps + lots of snow = an unhappy, cabin fevered me.

A Hiking We Will Go

Before the foot of snow we've been blanketed with, my sister and I took our kids and niece hiking near a local water reservoir. It may be a new favorite location with easy to walk trails, beautiful scenery, and a beach perfect for skipping rocks.

Some say we look alike, but I just can't see the resemblance. ;)

The two littles would not keep their hands to themselves, as you can see. 

 "Ok. Stand on the log and when we count to three, jump off!"

 "1, 2"

 "3!"

 "Eh, close enough."

Family Weekend Getaway - Photo Heavy

I had thought to make this two posts but why drag it out. One post, many photos. Enjoy. Or don't.

There's a family tradition that has been going on for years but because we lived on the other side of the country, we were never able to participate. There's a handful of our family (and when I say handful, I mean 30-40 of our giant family) that heads out every fall to a secluded cabin in the middle of PA. It's quite a trek up a mountain, over a river, through the woods, to grandmother's house we go you get the point... it's out there.

The drive up was fairly uneventful. Thank God for my good little travelers.

He's clearly thrilled to be stuck in the car for 7 hours. Clearly.

Upon arrival, it was slightly reminiscent of the movies where everyone scatters in a million directions. Somehow all families managed to arrive within the same one hour time so chaos was abundant. The cabin, oh the cabin! Two stories, giant dining table, three living areas, three bathrooms, and fourteen bedrooms! Add in no cell service and NO internet and we had nothing but four days of family fun!

Indoor shuffleboard!

Alena was in heaven having other GIRLS to play with.

 There were many late nights (let's face it, every night was late) spent talking and playing games. And we managed to do two large puzzles.

Even managed a couple naps.

It was much more relaxing than I thought it would be and I enjoyed it immensely. Looking around at our group laughing and playing, I thought, "THIS is what it is about and why we moved home." We were sad to leave and be there without Gabe, but are already looking forward to next year.