Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania

Tuesday/Wednesday

Two years ago, we didn't make it to the Vican Family Thanksgiving because Reid had recently undergone ankle surgery for his broken and dislocated ankle (hockey). Last year we didn't make it back due to Lindsay being too close to her due date.

FINALLY! We made it back to the Poconos for Thanksgiving! We left Tuesday night and drove about 2/3 of the way to Clearfield, PA and spent the night in a hotel. Lindsay got up with Graham in the morning and went for a swim lesson in the hotel pool. Graham LOVES the water! After feeding Graham a mini-breakfast, we packed up and went to a nearby restaurant...The Dutch Pantry, for his second breakfast of pancakes, fruit, sausage and, of course, some scrapple. He really enjoyed it! Reid and I enjoyed the apple fritters.

We made it to the Grandparents house before 1pm and unloaded before heading to Great Grandma Vican's house for the afternoon. Graham loved playing with the blocks and duplo legos but most especially liked spending time with Great Grandma, Maddy, Aunt Shawna and Uncle Justin. Great Grandma even spent some time with both babies on the piano...they will both be quite musical someday!

Graham was getting tired from his long day of travel and playtime but we made it through dinner without any incidents. Then it was time for birthday cake! Shawna and Lindsay stripped the kiddos down their diapers and secured them in their portable high chairs. Great Grandma made two mini birthday cakes, one for each of the babies! The cameras were poised and ready for action. We all sang Happy Birthday and blew out the candles for them...and then it happened. MELTDOWN! Graham started it as he was NOT happy about being strapped into his high chair again and Maddy, being a social crier, couldn't let him cry alone. And all the adults burst into hysterical laughter. Which, in hindsight, probably didn't help the situation any...but it was really funny.

We calmed them down after a bit and decided that presents were the way to brighten their evening. They got so many wonderful presents! Graham has become quite attached to his duplo legos and his bathtime bubbler!

Thursday

THANKSGIVING DAY! Graham had a good night after all the excitement from the day before. He only got his parents up once. YAY! After some morning play time with Maddy, Grandma and Grandpa, it was time to get ready for cider making. Graham was curious but quickly grew bored of cider making, although he did enjoy spending time outside despite the snow/sleet/freezing rain storm. Auntie LuWho and Auntie Kelly kept passing him back and forth and were constant sources of entertainment for him. Thanks Ladies! Lindsay's arms really enjoyed the break! 23 gallons of cider were made this year, which didn't break the record of 25 set in 2009 but did turn out to be the tastiest in recent memory. A couple gallons went straight into the crockpot for mulling. YUM!

Dinner was amazing. Graham enjoyed turkey, stuffing with sausage, potatoes, peas, corn and a small taste of cranberry sauce. In all the excitement, however, he had only managed a short nap during the day and had to be put to bed early. And because of that, he did not sleep well and was up 3 times. :o(

Friday

So excited!! Lindsay's cousin Sarah and her family are coming up for the day!! Lindsay and Sarah haven't seen each other in at least a decade but likely, it's been much longer than that. After reconnecting on Facebook, we hatched a plan to put an end to the distance and get to know each other again. When they pulled in the driveway, Lindsay started crying, Sarah started crying, Sarah's kids didn't know what to make of that but her husband, Tim, seemed to take it all in stride.

Sarah and Tim have 2 beautiful kids, Mason and Gracie (Iris didn't make her appearance until a couple weeks later but I'm sure she is just as gorgeous as her older siblings). They all arrived in time for lunch and then the kids all played until it was time to head down to Great Grandma's house.

Great Grandma had also not seen Sarah in at least a decade. More tears were shed. Great Grandma got out the toys again and all the kids got down to the business of serious play time. It was also decided that Great Grandma has the BEST toy trucks around! Mason was completely absorbed by them. And Gracie decided that the music boxes and the stuffed animals were fascinating. There were more piano lessons too!

Unfortunately, Mason and Gracie were worn out so Sarah and Tim decided to head home. We made plans to get together again in April when we'll be back in PA for Bobby and Carrie's wedding. Hopefully, Liz and her family could join us too!

Grandma made dinner - ham and sweet potatoes - two of Graham's favorites!! Everyone (except his parents) was completely amazed by how much he can pack away.

Saturday

Lindsay and Graham got up and had brunch with Julie and her boyfriend, Joe. Joe is REALLY good with babies! After breakfast, we went back to Grandma's so Lindsay and Reid could pack up the car and head down to Great Grandma's for more playtime. While Shawna and Reid put the babies down for naps later that afternoon, Lindsay and Justin helped decorate her house for Christmas which was a lot of fun!

Then we headed over to Aunt Derbis' house for chili dinner with the Procopio's and Landman's. Graham wasn't a big fan of the chili so he settled for yogurt and bread. After dinner, we took a family photo for Grandma's and Grandpa's Christmas cards.

Then we hit the road. We made it to the hotel in Clarion which is about half way home, around 11:30pm and went straight to bed.

Sunday

After a hungry man's breakfast at a cute local diner, we left for Michigan. Traffic was heavy but steady and we made it home by 3pm. The dogs were soooooo happy to see us!!