Surviving The Chaos: Thanksgiving

One thing about having the size and layout of our new house is that it easily provides the opportunity to host large groups. Since we hosted the Phillips side of the family last year, we thought it would be nice to host the Manchan/Lindsay side this year. With Dad's health also failing, we figured it would be a good opportunity to get everyone together. With the last minute change in plans for Micah's family to come, we had everyone here except Asa, Theresa and Ellie.

We did have to call an ambulance for Grandpa on Friday to take him to the hospital. The boys were excited to see the fireman and the ambulance arrive at our house. Grandpa had dialysis on Thanksgiving day and didn't look good since coming home from that appointment. We thought he had a stroke. He ended up being in the hospital all weekend through Monday night. They drove home late Monday night (with a quick sleep stop in Thousand Palms area) before finishing the drive in the morning.

The night before Thanksgiving we had Cafe Rio catered at the house for everyone. We had a very simple straightforward traditional Thanksgiving menu that everyone helped to cook. It was great to visit and catch up with everyone. It was the first time that all the cousins (minus Ellie) could be together and they had a blast. We took a few quick family pictures and then played games and hung out. Friday a few of us spent the afternoon shopping at we met up for dinner Saturday night at a local restaurant. Overall, with the exception of Dad landing in the hospital for the entire time, it was a fun filled week with not too much drama, so I would say it was a success.

Forrest, Genesis, Micah, Calee, Jared, Michaela

Forrest, Genesis, Micah, Mom, Calee, Jared, Michaela

Aurora, Tevye, and Danica

My brothers were very helpful with some electrical projects while they were here. As Forrest called it, they were doing man projects together. I think it was fun for them to work together and I benefitted from the results. Three new fans hung, help with my Christmas lights and some electrical plugs switched. Thanks!

Tevye played football with the kids.

Thanksgiving Meal: Jared, Forrest, Genesis, Dad, Mom, Ricky

Michaela holding Odette

Kolissa, Micah, Tevye, Dana, Talicee, Caden. Front (L-R) Aurora, Danica, Calee, Vance, Lincoln

Dad

Me and Bam Bam (tradition is that she spend a few hours with us on Thanksgiving. She was a super good sport to help take pictures for us)

Mom and her kids.

Miranova, Logan, Aurora, Danica, Caden and Lincoln

Logan was reading Miranova and Rory a train book.

Best cousin buds. Lincoln and Caden

Grammy with Odette

Logan wanted his picture with the firetruck. I figured it was a good way to capture the memory of our Friday afternoon excitement.

Smores by the new fireplace in the backyard.

Tony was able to join us on Friday afternoon. Tevye and Calee.

Saturday morning hike at Estrella Mountains

The weather dropped pretty significantly during the week and our pool heater was trying to catch up. The kids got a couple of days of swimming in but it was a chili 85-87 degrees.