The Last Thanksgiving

Spencer has asthma.  He also has allergies.  One of the worst things that happens to him because of these conditions is called spasmodic croup.  Basically, croup is an inflamation of the upper airway that causes a bark like cough.  Spencer has spasmodic croup (and not regular croup) because he gets it a lot and it can be caused by something as little as the humidity dropping or an allergen in the air.  One of the things the doctors say you can do to stop the spasm that causes the cough is to breath in cold air.  Spencer woke up sounding like a sea lion on Thursday.  We started Thanksgiving Day by bundling him up (it was like 35 degrees outside) and then he and Michael spent a few minutes outside.  It didn't really help.

As upsetting as the cough is to us, Spencer deals with it pretty well.  He was all excited about his new fire truck shirt.

Our Thanksgiving was extra special this year.  My Aunt Jan and Uncle John, who live in Casa Grande, have been hosting for 26 years.  I haven't been there every year, but I've been to a lot of them.  It's just where we go every year.  Well, my uncle has a new job in the Bay area and they are selling the house and moving to California.  This was the Last Thanksgiving.

My dad and my Uncle Gary chilling by the outdoor kitchen/pool.

My brother Nick and my cousin Caitlin playing with baby Zoe.  Zoe is Caitlin's niece.  It was the first time most of us have met her.

Nick and Zoe

My mom, my cousin Blaine and my cousin Lauren (they are brother and sister).

My cousin Austin (Zoe's dad), my cousin Drew and his wife Aubri.

Nick and my Aunt Janis

My father in law Raymond and Michael

My Uncle John wanted everyone to share their memories of Thanksgiving.  More than a few tears were shed.

Kendra had a bit of a love affair with Caitlin's dog.

We have been taking pictures in front of the outdoor fireplace every year since Spencer was born.  I figured we would do it until he met some girl and started going to her house for Thanksgiving.  These are the last one's we'll ever take.  It was nice of Spencer to cooperate.

No

Definitely no

Are you kidding me?

This is the best we got.

Spencer wanted nothing to do with Uncle Nathan.  Nathan was forcing a hug.

Finally.  Time to eat.  I always make this praline topped sweet potato casserole.  I think I'd be asked to leave if I didn't bring it.

Kendra invited her friend Holly and Holly's husband Hector.  I don't think I got a picture of him. Kendra and Holly are not biologically related, although they look like sisters.

And when I join in we look like a trio of sisters.

Meet my cousin Jack and my fat face.

Everybody wanted to get in on the fireplace picture action.

Spencer was having none of it.

Maybe with just his beloved Gramme and Grandpa?

Really?

Definitely with Grandma and Papa.  He's cute, but not exactly cooperative.

My Aunt Janis and cousin Austin, deep in conversation.

Baby Zoe got to eat squash.

Totally not pre-planned.  Everybody wearing purple.  It's basically my family, minus me, Nathan and Spencer.

3 sisters with our mother?

I wanted to get a picture of Spencer with his 3rd cousin.  Zoe was all for it.  (BTW- that's Zoe's mommy Julee in the background.  Did I get a picture of her face? Not so much.)

Spencer ran out with a quickeness.

Then I bribed him with some candy and this is the best we could do.  I think they look a little bit alike.

Do you like the house in the background of the pictures?  It's for sale for a steal of a price. It's got 4 bedrooms plus a den, 4 full bathrooms, pool, outdoor kitchen, outdoor fire place, indoor fireplace, formal dining, and gourmet kitchen.

Can I help put you in this house?  All I ask is that you let me come over on Thankgiving so that I may take a picture in front of your outdoor fireplace.