Thanksgiving 2010 Judy, Matt, Kevin, Caryn, Maisie & Juliette

Over the river and through the woods we went...first  to Grandmother's (Grammy) house in Ohio where we feasted on a traditional holiday meal prepared by my mom.   The table was set with my grandmother's china.   Maisie made all of the place mats which I brought home with me to have laminated for future use.  This is the first Thanksgiving that Juliette really "got".... the girls were so excited when my brother handed them their own sparkling grape "champagne"... after our toast, we went around the table and gave thanks.  Maisie said she was thankful for her family and the world.  Juliette buckled under the pressure and just smiled sheepishly... but we all knew she was (and is) VERY happy !!  After dinner came the barbaric breaking of the wishbone... Juliette won... however, we'll never know what she wished for because shyness took over once again.

Maisie depicted herself as a Native American complete with her pet Orca.

Juliette is dancing by a fire.

Mom sailed over on the Mayflower

"Champagne" Toast

Make a Wish

After a visit with mom... it was off to an Ohio State Football game... where the girls learned all about fanaticism.  We were lucky to catch Brutus trucking through the parking lot on the way to the game.

Go Bucks !!

We left OSU country for the backwoods and farmland of Amish country... and the very small railroad town where my dad now lives with his longtime love and dog. There are no stop lights... only stop signs, but the girls were able to meet their extended family.  These are cousins, aunts and uncles that I haven't seen in more than 15 years.  I think they were overwhelmed by all the attention (and questions) but I know it gave them (at least Maisie) a sense of what it means to have more than just mom and dad that truly love and care for them.

Yeh Yeh, Ni Ni, Maisie, Me & Juliette

Look at the size of this thing !