Sarah's Family Joins Abe's Family in Carlsbad for Thanksgiving

I was in full grandma mode when I read bedtime stories to Newland and Wynne.

It was a happy day when Abe returned home from his work trip. He read morning stories from the Friend to Newland and Wynne while they ate their breakfast.

Glen got in full grandpa mode when he played a fishing game with the grandchildren.

We soon switched hats from grandparent hat to mission hat. We had the second trainer follow-up meeting with these missionaries and their trainers.

Dinner that night was a family affair at Coyote Grill in Carlsbad Village.

When Wynne got restless, I took her to walk around the inner courtyard area so she could run around for a few minutes. She darted into one of the stores and we looked around at all the Christmas decorations. I got a kick out of this Christmas tree ornament.

The next day we were back at the church having another meeting. This time it was a first trainer follow-up meeting with this group of missionaries and their trainers.

Sarah's family arrived late that night--the night before Thanksgiving--to spend the holiday weekend with us. Newland was happy to wake up the next morning and find his cousin friends were there to play with him. They were patiently waiting for their French toast breakfast.

Sarah had talked Abe into waking up early to go with her to participate in the Oceanside Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.

Nothing like a morning race by the ocean.

The trotters arrived home and gave us the report of the race. Sarah had beat Abe and was pretty happy with that fact.

Sarah had recently run a half marathon. It appears the training for that had helped her with this race. Good for her!! Good for both of them running this 10K race.

Meanwhile, back home in the kitchen...Jeff was doing his part with helping with the Thanksgiving dinner. He made the cranberry sauce. It was delicious!!

Sarah chipped in and did some chopping and cutting.

Klarissa requested the Pioneer Woman stuffing recipe. 

Rest assured there were two men--Glen and Jeff--who requested Stove Top Stuffing as their choice. Look at us--all dressed up in our casual clothes. We actually had two full days where we spent time solely with the family.

Someone didn't care it was time for Thanksgiving dinner. He slept right through it.

We had some after-dinner entertainment in the form of Thanksgiving Bingo.

Wynne and Lincoln were the best of buddies. 

When the little children were tucked into bed at night, we brought out the games. We learned how to play a new game--Codenames.

And we dished up the pumpkin pie. I had found it a challenge to make the pie crust since I couldn't find a rolling pin in this house. It turned out a little thick, but it got consumed nevertheless.

We were giving much thanks that day for the family near us and the family in other parts of the country. Family is THE BEST!!!!!