Thanksgiving 2012

For Thanksgiving this year we decided to brave driving again, now that the boys are a bit older (and because the cost of the train was OUTRAGEOUS!) and make our way to Milwaukee. We hadn't been there since last Christmas-- this year was fairly crazy, but it was fun to be back in the house Drew grew up in again. Sometimes when we are there it makes me feel like we are teenagers, trapped in the room of his youth. Its like a flash back, and even though I wasn't actually there, I appreciate the nostalgia.

The boys had a fantastic visit while we were there, soaking up as much time as they could with grandma and grandpa. 

 Grandma and Grandpa were very accommodating, having the pool very warm for the boys. Everyday there was 83 degree water waiting for them as they excitedly asked to go in the pool. It was the perfect pre-nap exercise, making for restful afternoon slumbers.

We tried on Thanksgiving to get the boys to take some photos. It was a fairly failed attempt, but true to form they showed off their silliness.

 Then we added Uncle Chris to the mix for fun. The boys adore Uncle Chris. He's like the mysterious super uncle. They think that he is the bees knees.

 Owen took many rides on this stationary elephant, mostly because it had a seat on it and he's a fan of sitting on things that look even sort of like they might be a chair. Tables, furniture, not furniture, he'll try it if we can.

 And then of course, there is the many faces of Collin. Take a look at the ridiculous faces this kid made within about a 1 minute period.

 Finally, ending with a smile.

 While we were in Milwaukee we visited both great grandmas- Great Grandma Montgomery and Gigi Hollman. Great Grandma Montgomery was even willing to play horses with Owen, which he was super excited about.

 The three littlest great grandchildren: Owen, Colin and Hilton (Stephanie and Steve's adorable little girl).

 Here's Collin's favorite person: Chelle. For a week after we got back Collin asked when going to bed: Daddy, will you sing rock a bye baby to me? Now will you sing it as rock a bye chelle? He was infatuated with her!

 As with any Hollman gathering, there was lots of card playing. This year I FINALLY managed to really learn pinochle and Collin tried too (although I think he has a few years before he really catches on).

The morning we left (Sunday) we ended a trip with a great photo of grandma and grandpa and the boys. They had such a fantastic time and are lucky to have such wonderful grandparents.