THANKFUL FAMILY 11/22/2012

After packing our bags, walking to Hwy 101 and waiting at Kissing Rock wayside, Ann and Wayne hitched a ride to Brookings, where we rented a car.  Ours was trapped, due to the road being washed out, in the RV Park where our trailer was parked.
We drove to Medford, OR and joined Ann's brother's family for Thanksgiving Festivities.  Later, Wednesday evening, we joined Wayne's brother's family at an Italian restaurant for dinner with all of them and two of our sons (Jared and Jed) and their families for an evening together.  Unfortunately, the camera was left back at Ann's brother's house, so there was no documentation of the gathering.  You, the reader, will have to take my word for it that there was lots of visiting, conversation and food accompanied by little kids running all over the place.  Luckily we were in a banquet room to ourselves!
The next day, Thanksgiving, the preparations began for the soon to follow feast, with many busy hands contributing in the preparation.

 Ann has always been the real cut up of the family!

 A niece and grand-niece add their part.

 Some of the men monitor the children and the TV.

 Ever wonder who the favorite uncle is?????

 Ummmmmm?

 The turkey cooker prepares to make gravy.

 And all chip in.

 More family continues to arrive.

 Cousins spend time comparing notes on child rearing.

 Keeping the little ones happy while the food is prepared is a full time job!

 Auntie Ann is always one of the favorites!

 So many kids!  Good thing Ann's brother and wife have a really big house!!

 The matriarch and patriarch of this gathering, Ann's brother and his wonderful wife.

 Ahhhh, we are getting closer to eating time!  Time to uncork the Martinelli's Sparkling Cider!!

 We begin to gather at the food bar!

 And the feast begins!  All 30 or so of us scattered all around the place!

 After dinner comes the attempt at gathering the troops for a group photo.

 Ahhh, aren't families grand!!!!

 Everyone look at the camera!

 Wait a minute, my phone is ringing!  Hey Where's John, Green Hornet and Wayne?  Mom, Jeremy's pinching me!

 Hey, my phone's ringing too!  Just a minute, I've gotta text Sam back.

 Later, Grandma and Green Hornet spend some time together while pie is eaten.  Eight pies and a cheese cake, all home made by various members of the family!

 Hey Grandma, your pocket is making funny noises and it is vibrating my bottom!!

 Now for the rest of the evening Mom talks to her other sons who call to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving as she sits next to our only son that was with us at the Huff Clan Gathering.

 And where's Green Hornet while Grandma talks on the phone?  Why, with Cousin Anna, of course, happily entertaining the rest of the troops with smiles and funny noises.

 So, after a night with some Cowleys and day with some Huffs, the next day we drove our rental car back to Brookings, OR, hitched a ride back to our trailer in Gold Beach and collapsed.  Contentedly and happily exhausted.  Where was Wayne the whole time?  Nursing a cold and behind the camera, of course!
Hope you all had a Happy, Family Filled Thanksgiving too!!