This was the Thanksgiving that...

...that started out at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City. It's a large chain hotel with an indoor waterpark and other family activities








... that the girls were best buds with cousin Brody, especially at the T-Rex Cafe!


... that Scarlett first met Santa Claus. It didn't go over too well

... that we skipped a day at the waterpark for a day at the big mall. Lydia and Claire enjoyed the double-decker carousel, but Scarlett had her keys in ignition and was ready to shop in her little car

... that Lydia spent a lot of time in the kitchen with Mimi. She helped make rolls, desserts, and breakfast parfaits!


... that Scarlett perfected her "war-cry." She would enter a room and scream (well, squeal really) at the top of her lungs to get everyone's attention. I think it meant she was excited to be around so many cousins. She hasn't done it since she's been home.



This was also the Thanksgiving ...
...that Uncle Jake got engaged to Carolyn!!!!
...that we lost power on Thanksgiving day, and while we played a game of charades, Josh paced around the house trying to figure out how he'd watch the Cowboys game
...that we learned what gelatin really is.. but we still consumed plenty of it
...that everyone brought their dogs home. At one point I'm sure there were no fewer than 6 dogs at the house
...that we met baby Samuel
...that we met Taasha's bff, Bon Qui Qui
...that we had, not one, but THREE days of feasting with different family members. Mimi did not ever stop working in the kitchen.
...that Jake bought his 5th wheel, and parked it on the lawn, prompting nearly everyone passing to quote "That there is an R V, Clark"