Thwaits' Thanksgiving

from left to right: Kyrsten-7, Emily-6, Stevie-6, Shule-10, Shazer-8 holding Sophie-8weeks, Nicholas-11, Ethan-8, Sally-2, and Maddy-3

Sometimes when people get married holidays can prove to be problematic. Trying to split up time with both sides of the family can be tricky. I totally lucked out in the mother-in-law department. Linda is one of the most kind and gracious people I've ever known. She never judges or imposes, and is always willing to help in any way. Most of Linda's kids were already married by the time Jon and I got married and they all had their spouses' families to go and visit during the holidays, so Linda took the high road and always has been super flexible with when and how we celebrate together. Because of this, a new Thwaits family tradition has emerged: gathering for a yummy brunch on Thanksgiving day or the next day depending on everyone’s schedules. Anne and Wolfgang have been the gracious hosts for many years now and the brunch must consist of Anne’s delicious crepes filled with whatever everyone else decides to bring. There is usually Nutella and an assortment of different fruits. This year Brenda and Lorin brought berries and yummy peaches and mangos. There is usually a game of bocce at the park and at some point during the festivities many instruments will be brought out and an impromptu jam session ensues. This year Kelby's family was going to be in Tucson a few weeks before Thanksgiving (this past weekend) so we all decided to visit at the same time and have our Thanksgiving gathering then, which turned out really well because we could spend even more time together. We arrived Friday night and left Sunday evening. Our kids had a blast with their cousins (Kelby and Daina have Ethan, Emily, and Madelyn and Lorin and Brenda have Nicholas, Kyrsten, and Stevie), while the adults had some enlightening conversations. Sally loved being called “baby” by her older cousins and they all had a great time taking turns in the hammock. I feel so thankful that we all get along so well and can have such a nice time together and that my kids have cousins to grow up with. Here are pictures of the rowdy crew.