Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday morning we packed up and headed over to Iowa to celebrate Thanksgiving with Matt's family again.  We have had an off and on tradition for the last decade or so to gather with his family at a hotel somewhere to be together for the holiday.  It works fairly well at this point, although no one sleeps quite like they would if they were at home :)

This year the weather was warm enough that we were able to let the kids roam around outside at a nearby park before we headed indoors to Grandpa's senior living complex for the late afternoon and evening.

This brief time outdoors did wonders for Kate and Ethan, who had already spent several hours in the car and then another few hours in the hotel.

Kate, especially, needed some open space and nature to help her reset her body for the rest of the day.

The remainder of Thanksgiving included food, family, and fun times.

The kids entertained each other with various games as well as the exercise room of the complex.

Actually, I think the exercise room was the best thing for them while the food was being prepared :)

Saturday morning our kids were up early (as always), so after a quick breakfast we took them into the hotel pool for an hour or so, before heading back over to Grandpa's for some more family time, more games and more food.

We hauled our crew back home on Friday after lunch.  Although the trip was short, it is always a blessing to be able to reconnect with Matt's family and allow the next generation to continue to build relationships with one another.  We have much to be thankful for.