Thanksgiving in Columbus

This year we made a last-minute decision to drive south to Columbus for Thanksgiving, and were grateful everyone there not only made room around the table for us but even put us up for several nights. We stayed one day longer than intended because we were running ahead of a vast winter storm. In fact, we managed, by leaving Tuesday afternoon, to run along its edge, which saved us from any real accumulation, but still meant slippery roads and tense driving the whole way. An hour north of Columbus the precip stopped and the roads dried off, and what a relief that was!

The Westerville Collinses were kind to put us up (and put up with us) for three nights. AND they didn't send us away empty-handed: we not only got a king-sized electric blanket, but a Talking Condiment Holder shaped like a large hot dog.

In fact, we benefited from both of our hosts--eating an abundance of bacon at N&G's (yum!) and taking away with us the Thanksgiving turkey carcass, which Susan wasted no time turning into delicious broth.

Wednesday we took a trip to the nearby Easton's outdoor mall, to show the boys the giant Christmas tree and the outdoor train set:

The train set us just gorgeous. This is only one small part

Sam does a convincing imitation of a Munch painting

As previously mentioned, Sam's been enjoying learning piano, and was happy to give a couple of informal recitals at Nana and Grandad's. 

It was fun to catch up in person. Here's Grandad sporting a cowboy hat from N&G's bin of toys.

Nothing quite so memorable for Sam, I am sure, as horsing around with Unca Stu.

We enjoyed the hospitality at Chataeu Rangoon tremendously. Sam slept in Emily's room, Josh slept in the guest room with us, and our hosts were very flexible with letting us expand out chaos into their living space. Here Cousin Emily is playing with Josh who is enjoying a fun Winnie The Pooh bath toy hanging for the purpose from their front door.

The day after Thanksgiving we moved Aunt Amy out of N&G's and into her new house in Powell, just 15 minutes away. (Amy, Powell?) Here we are setting up her large, one-of-a-kind bed frame. Truly an intelligence test. The boys enjoyed AA's new place as well, spending the entire time sliding down the stairs on their stomachs, Sam head-first.

We spent three nights at Stu and Sue's before switching over for a night to N&G's During the whole trip, N&G were kind enough to take care of Zoe, who I am sure enjoyed the peace and quiet... and also enjoyed exploring Aunt Amy's territory. Here Zoe's clearly indicating a desire to move along with Amy.

Had a delightful and filling Thanksgiving meal. Well, okay, we were at the annex of the dining-room table and spent the meal managing Josh and, to a much lesser extent, Sam. But the food did migrate down to us and what we ate was delicious. Even got to meet Aunt Ellen, Aunt Sue's sister, whom we hadn't seen since Sam was born.

All in all a very pleasant Thanksgiving. :-)