Thanksgiving

My sister Julie and her family moved back to Florida this past summer, but unfortunately our husbands have been so busy in school that we haven't had a chance to see them. So Doug and I took the kids on the 5 hour drive north for Thanksgiving. It has been a long time since Doug and I went on a road trip and I think that we both anticipated it to be a lot easier than it was. It is 14 hours to Nebraska, so we thought a little over 5 to Jacksonville would be a cinch. Unfortunately we didn't factor in the kids!!!

After stopping three times for diaper changes, gas, and leg stretches we finally arrived in Jacksonville 6 long hours after leaving the house. At our first rest stop Doug was looking at a map posted next to the restrooms. When I came out of the bathroom Doug told me that Jacksonville wasn't even on the map but he thought we must be getting close. I then pointed to Jacksonville...about 200 miles north of where he was looking. He gasped and we dragged our bodies and the kids back to the car. Doug admitted when we got to the car that he thought Jacksonville was either close to or before even Orlando, not 2 1/2 to 3 hours beyond it! I'm glad he didn't look at a map before we left the house or I'm afraid he would have wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving at home.

Our first outing in Jacksonville was to the zoo...but this was not just any trip to the zoo. Julie and Russ live right on the water and were able to purchase a small boat right after moving to Jacksonville. While purchasing the boat they were told that the zoo offers free boat parking and admission. So not only did we get into the zoo for free, but we also got to take a little ride across the water on their boat. It was a lot of fun and now Doug seems to think that we need a boat. He must be dreaming!!

For me, the highlight of the trip was going into downtown Jacksonville. The city has waterways running all through it and the lights that reflect off the water at night are incredible. We walked through the city and then ended up at the center of town for the lighting of a huge Christmas tree and for fireworks on the water. The kids had a great time and loved the lights! It has been hard to get into the holiday season with 80 degree weather, but this was a great start to making us feel more at home.

It was so much fun to see Julie, Russ and the kids. Julie and I were able to spend time working on crafts and gabbing, the big boys got to watch two entire days of football, and the kids had a blast playing with each other. It was a great trip for everyone!

Dallin was so excited to see the cousins and ever since we have been home he has insisted on calling "Colon", "Parkin", and "Meeson" (Colton, Parker, and Mason) everyday to make sure they are "Happy". They also enjoy asking each other what they are eating for lunch, and singing the ABC's over the phone. We miss them and can't wait to get back to North Florida!