The great Carpenter family reunion was set for Thanksgiving in Arizona, and my parents and Tanner were headed in from Oklahoma, so I made the drive over from LA on Sunday.
I stopped at T's on the way out of town, I think were ending things. Just say no.
These drives are always good times to catch up on my Above & Beyond podcasts. Though I'm really hating the podcast app on my phone lately.
The all too familiar border crossing. I don't miss those drives now.
There was a crazy ice storm in Oklahoma and around, and the family left a day or so late, but they brought Honey and made it in time for turkey! Sadly, dear Honey departed from us in April, and she's now living in doggie heaven. We miss her.
The five Carpenter siblings take turn hosting the reunion every other year, and this year it was Grandma's turn. The Williams clan gathered at her place, then headed to the church to set up and decorate the place for Turkey Day. Her church building was the only place that could hold all of us.
Tanner and I manned the sign in booth and handed out nametags.
And we got to watch over the desserts.
Aunt Jaylene and crew set up some kids crafts.
Grandma and Grandpa Williams got up to tell some stories. We've got a pretty good family history thing going. These are good stories and traditions. At some point there was a talent show. And a go-round-the-room to share everyone's latest life happenings.
I double-plated it.
Great Uncle Kenneth passed away just over a week ago. I'm sure glad I got to see him last year. He could always make us laugh.
We sang some weird songs that the old folks know. Me and my cousins - not so much.
There's the talent show. Glad I'm too old to be in this group anymore.
I'm pretty sure Uncle Rick made this pozole. It's so good.
Dad likes it.
Thanksgiving was a good day. On the drive back up to Mesa, we stopped by the Gilbert Temple. Man, it's pretty.
Grandma Kleck had crazy big grapefruit. I love AZ winters.
Eric was in town, and I was pleasantly surprised to get a call from him. I met him and Shannon for dinner.
And of course, a Mesa trip isn't complete without a trip to see the lights at the Mesa Temple.
And we must get Bahama Bucks. I've had a lot of shaved ice this summer, and BB is still the best.
We thought Honey the dog had eaten grandma's blanket, but it turns out that it just disintegrated during the night while Tanner slept on it. Hilarious. It's one of those foamy ones. You know?
I met Megs and Holly in downtown Phoenix at a crafts fair, where they were selling their tulle skirts. I'd love to be able to pull one off, but I just don't know.
And then I met Lishko near Sundevil Stadium for some tailgating before the ASU/U of A game. Small Wildcat crowd, but I went to support! Turns out I'm terrible at beer pong, even when sober.
I had dinner with Chantal one night at Tottie's. We ordered so much food cause it all sounded so good!
Hung out at Meghan's and watched her prep for her Holidate party. Wish I could've stayed in town to attend! Also, I really should get a Christmas tree.
And then, back to LA through an AZ sunset.
No comments:
Post a Comment