I'm Thankful

Thanksgiving was a little different for us this year.  The last couple of years we have spent at home just the two of us.  This year we made plans in September to spend Thanksgiving camping at Frank Jackson State Park in Opp, AL. Earlier in the month Amy called and asked if we would be interested in keeping Amelia the week of Thanksgiving.  Of course we were excited to be able to spend a whole week with her and introduce her to our new camping lifestyle.  They came on Sunday on their way to Baton Rouge to visit with friends and left Amelia with an excited Nana and Paw-Paw.  On Monday, Bubba and I both needed to work so Amelia got to spend the whole day with her Aunt Ashley and cousin, Avery.  It was nice that she got to spend some time with Darryl's family.


On Tuesday, I worked half a day and Paw-Paw was on his own for the first time with his precious granddaughter.  This is what I found when I came home from work at lunch.

On Wednesday we got an early start with Amelia and Archie in the back seat as traveling companions.  Amelia loves Archie and he seems to tolerate her well, but it never hurts to be cautious when you are mixing an old dog with a little girl.

I bought Amelia a flashlight and the "Hi, Ho Cherry-O" game to enjoy while camping.  The first thing she wanted to do after we settled in at our camp site was to play the game.  Paw-Paw and I played for a long time with her.  Then he left to go visit his brother Joe for a little while and Amelia and I continued to play -- two whole hours!

The next day started with Nana and Amelia enjoying hot chocolate and coffee in bed.  I hate to post this picture of me, but the moment was so special I just can't omit it.  I'm thankful for a husband who still loves me even though I look like this when I wake up.

After breakfast we walked around the park, looked at the scarecrows which were still on display, and Amelia fished and fished.  She was determined, but they just weren't biting this cold windy day.

A Clown Scarecrow

Amelia was a little scared of this one.

It's a beautiful day.

It looks fishy here.

Still not biting the next day

Thanksgiving dinner consisted of Crock Pot Turkey, Dressing,Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Baby Lima Beans, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fruit Salad, and Pumpkin Pie.  We didn't eat until 2:00 and I was sure that I could tempt a hungry Amelia with the traditional Thanksgiving fare, but I failed.  When I brought out the Mac and Cheese, she ate every bite.  That night we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores over a campfire.

The next day was spent with Bubba's brother Joe and his wife, Judy.  We were supposed to be helping them put up Christmas decorations.  I think we probably slowed them down, but we really enjoyed being with them.  Amelia enjoyed seeing the animals, riding her bike on their driveway, riding their Kubota, and picking up pecans.  

Joe and Bubba admire their work.

After a busy day, we decided to travel to Andalusia to eat at David's Catfish House.  We were a little concerned that Amelia might be a little grouchy after such a busy day, but we went back to the camper and she got a bath and changed clothes.  It was just what she needed to turn on her personality to the fullest.  She sang and talked all the way to Andalusia.  She started planning a "Decoration Party" right after we returned to Joe and Judy's and admired their Christmas lights and wreaths.  She talked all evening about what she was going to have to eat at her party and who would be coming.  We stopped by WalMart to pick up some odds and ends and she selected a Christmas tin of cookies to have at her party.  Joe and Judy introduced us to something we had not had before -- Burger King Soft Serve Ice Cream.  Folks, this stuff is really good.  If you haven't tried it, you are really missing out AND it is just 59 cents.  Amelia said several times that it was delicious and we all agreed.  Amelia said several times that day, "I do like Joe and Judy."  We certainly had a good time visiting them.

Saturday morning we packed up and headed for home.  We had a wonderful time and Amelia was so much fun to be with.  It was not one of our read a book and relax trips, but it was a lot of fun.

Amelia wanted to help Paw-Paw crank up the stabilizers.

Sticking her head out the opening on the screen door was especially fun.

Amelia wanted to help Nana shell out the pecans.   (They were already cracked and sifted.)

She was really a lot of help.

I titled this blog, "I'm Thankful" because it illustrates some of the things for which I am most grateful -- this precious grandchild and the opportunity to have her for a whole week, Amy and Darryl who are willing to share her with us, Bubba, the husband and the Paw-Paw, the beautiful places that we can park our camper, this new lifestyle that we have embarked on, Joe and Judy and their hospitality, our good health.  The list of things I'm grateful for goes on and on.  I think the verses from a favorite hymn sum it up well:

For the beauty of each hour

Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flower,

Sun and moon and stars of light,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth, and friends above,

Pleasures pure and undefiled,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

Happy Thanksgiving!