We had a very happy Thanksgiving adventure in a cabin with 14 grownups and 20 kids!

We are thankful for the blessing of new friends who welcomed us so quickly into their circle when we moved here. We compared notes on the likelihood of family coming to visit the Pacific NW in Nov and quickly realized we are not alone – it seems many of us don’t get visitors over Thanksgiving! Ha ha – no wondering why as the cold rain thunked the cabin roof while we set up tables and got the fire going. It quickly warmed up inside as food arrived, kids munched down on appetizers and played games (including flying about 20 airplanes all over thanks to me bringing crafting supplies!). Later the clouds cleared and stars twinkled above as the kids threw pinecones at each other after dinner (in lieu of snowballs). We enjoyed homemade pumpkin pies – made from scratch! – and a fabulous array of meats. These families are so warm and fun – we are thankful to have spent the time with them, yet we miss being with our family very much, too. As I type, I can see through our skylights that the sun is sparkling on the tips of the tall Douglas Firs, so we are mounting up an expedition to another Island trail, then more relaxing time with family. The boys are building a Lincoln Log cabin like the one we were in last night, and Ben is playing “box drums” which means he is marching around the house with a box on his head and playing the inside like a drum, laughing and marching. It’s the Macy’s Day parade here 🙂

All our best to each of you for a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! You are named on our little hand turkey decorations hanging from our kitchen lamp 🙂