Has it really been almost a month since I posted? Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. Thanksgiving this year was different for us as we traveled to Des Moines to spend time with my sister and her family, rather than them traveling to Springfield. The traveling gods were on our side as we had good driving weather, no issues and time to come home and relax before the week began.
Steve and I left Wednesday around noon and arrived in Des Moines in time for dinner. As usual, we were greeted in the driveway by two excited little girls who were happy to see Uncle Steve and Aunt Tammy. Everyone should be greeted with such enthusiasm! Shortly after dinner, the girls went to bed and the grown-ups settled down for some music and wine. The weekend was off to a great start.
Thanksgiving Day we enjoyed coffee and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before heading to Blair’s parents for dinner. Mary Kay and Everett live in a spacious condo on the West side of Des Moines so hosting dinner was not a problem. Blair’s aunts, Linda and Kaye, were also invited so it was a nice gathering of family. With temperatures nearing 70 degrees, the girls re-introduced us to the game Foursquare and we spent most of the time outside in a heated game. Julia is the athlete of the two and takes her playing seriously. She’s quick to tell you the rules and point out when you break them. Naturally, she’ll argue her case if you call her out on them! Lydia just wants to keep up with her older sister.
After lunch and several games, we took a long walk around the neighborhood. Mary Kaye and Everett’s subdivision has a nice park and miles of walking trails so we managed to work off a little bit of our delicious dinner. I was in the lead with MK and Kaye (the competitive one of the group) so I got to hear some family gossip.
As the day progressed, the weather started to turn cooler and the wind picked up. Once it was dark, we decided it was time to leave and begin the Christmas celebrations by taking the girls through Jolly Holiday Lights. This is a drive-thru light display that helps raise money for the Make-A -Wish Foundation. It’s really cheesy, but the girls love it. We think it’s more about the fact they get to climb around in the car rather than actually seeing the lights.
Friday we had decided not to contribute to the morning madness of Black Friday, but went to the DM Art Center instead. While I conducted some business in the gift shop, Steve took the girls around the museum, which is really impressive. After lunch, the boys went one way and the girls went to the mall (really) so Ralph could get the little ones new shoes. Yes, it was nuts, but we scored a great parking place and managed to get new shoes for the kiddos without any issues.
Friday night was for the adults. We went to a great downtown restaurant called Centro and had pizza and wine. Then our “dessert” was fancy cocktails at another place before we headed home early. Tearing up the town was not on our agenda. *Sigh* I think we’re getting old!
Saturday, the Smith family had a lot of things on their social agenda so Steve and I took off around 11 a.m. We made two stops at local resale shops where I snagged a new Kate Spade handbag for only $58. Then it was time to say goodbye to DM and head for home.
As always, I spent Thanksgiving being thankful for my wonderful family and friends, thinking of those who were no longer with us and counting the many blessings in my life.
Pretty Pretty Bang Bang 