Thanksgiving '09

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We were fortunate to celebrate with both of our families.
Part 1: We spent the day with the Wagners, Cottiers and Morans in Farmersville, Texas. I have to say it was one of my favorite visits. Everyone was so gracious, helpful and laid back. The kids had a blast and boy did we enjoy an amazing feast! My fam can cook it up. Here are pics from our day in Farmersville:

Alex was IN LOVE with this sweet kitten

Alex & Thomas were best friends. I love this picture. So precious.
Alex & Thomas checking out the lizard tank.

My sweet daddy loving on his girl.

There is always one "turkey casualty"-- my dad has become the sleeping Grandpa. Ha!

Mel and Cindy

Genie was great and helped Alex & Thomas with all of the animals

This picture makes me melt. My sweet grandmother and my precious daughter share a moment.

Dang, my boys are hot!

Jake & Noelle (Stuart's kiddos)

Moran girls

Mel with Noelle, the bride-to-be

We steal a moment with Carson. He was all over the place!

Natalee Grace is getting so big. What a doll.

Nikki & Carson - she has a gift with the little ones.

Stuart and his "little girl"- awww.

These two are nothing but trouble!

Part 2: Since the kids were out of school all week, the Darby crew decided to get together early and enjoy a week at the cabin. We met DeDe & Pops and Andrea with her 3 sons at the "little cabin in the woods" on the White River reserve in Arkansas. Nathan stayed behind to work and I have to say it was one of the LONGEST drives of my life. I was glazed over when we finally arrived but it was so so worth it! We had the best week. It was so great to get away from it all. No technology, no stress...just nature and playtime. The kids were in heaven. Deb & Darby just built a new addition to the cabin... a room that sleeps 12! This became the playroom for the kids which we loved, and so did they. Caden, Dru & Eston are the best cousins a girl could ask for. They are always so kind to her and take her in. Alex can definitely hold her own with them too which makes it nice. They tought Alex to build a mean fort. All of the kids loved playing with Carson too. He was all over the place. He spent the day "mall walking" around the entire house. We made smores around the campfire, did several fun art projects and the mommies made custom coasters while the kids slept. Nathan and AJ joined us later in the week which was so much fun. It made the holiday perfect. The meal was to die for and the week away was just what our family needed. I was SOOO happy to have Nathan with us for the drive home!! Happy Thanksgiving to all. We have so very much to be thankful for.

The kids worked on art projects throughout the week. Dru and Alex had a blast together.

Carson shows off his mad walking skills

Aunt Onnie gave Carson the coolest shirt. It says "my aunt rocks." She does rock!

Alex and DeDe patiently watch the shrinky dinks together

Cute girls

I love his big brown eyes!!!

All of the kids huddle around the oven to watch the shrinky dinks

Alex shows off her butterfly creation. Love her Princess Leia hair.

Daddy gets some cuddle time in with his princess

Alex was all over the pumpkin pie...and the whipped cream!

As usual, "the tank" put away more food than anyone can comprehend. Where does it go??

Carson enjoying the outdoors

I adore this picture of DeDe and Carson. I was sitting on the porch and just watching them together. It was a sweet moment.

Daddy & Alex practice "sic 'em bears"

Daddy carries a reluctant princess to bed. She was NOT happy. HA!

What a wonderful holiday. We are so blessed to have our amazing families. Thank you all for an incredible Thanksgiving!