Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend.  It seems so long ago.

Well, I started blogging about it almost a week ago.  But I had 3 busy days at work and then there were some hurricane-like winds and about a day and a half of no power (or other conveniences like hot water and internet), which is another story.


So, we drove up to Eric's Aunt Laurie's farm near Sacramento for the long Thanksgiving weekend.  It was quite an eclectic group: us four, Eric's dad, my mom (my dad was in Africa and my brother was working), Eric's brother, and Eric's brother's girlfriend (and also Brian's dog, Echo).

My goodness, the drive on the 5 is so long and boring. 

When we got to Laurie's we got to meet her new puppy, Merlot.

Thanksgiving day was pretty dreary and rainy.  We got out of the house a few times.

Hey look, it's me (and my handsome husband)!

Ashlynn liked helping Laurie with her horse-related chores.

Yay, leaves!

As is the Vales/ Stover family tradition, we didn't have turkey for Thanksgiving.  This year the main course was French: chicken with a mushroom filling/ stuffing.

The day after Thanksgiving was sunny, so we were able to get outside and all of us (except Eric's dad who was visiting his niece in Stockton) rode Laurie's horse, Blue.


First, Laurie warmed up Blue and we explored the farm.

 Ashlynn was first up on Blue.  She's becoming a pro!

 Carter happily got on Blue this year.

  After Anastassia and Brian had a turn, Eric, my mom and I got to ride.

 Later there were rides on "Dr. Pepper".

 During Carter's nap, Ashlynn and I explored the farm and did some photography.

 A little more exploring

 On Saturday we drove home.  More time on the 5. 

On Sunday, two days after my dad returned from Africa, we got together with the Ash side of the family for our turkey Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house.

Here's Carter with my Uncle Kevin and cousin Connor.

 Ashlynn was a great pie waitress.

Phew!  What a weekend.  Oh and I also worked on report cards that weekend.

Don't worry, there were a few moments during the busyness to think about the many things for which we can be thankful.