Thanksgiving 2011

This year we were invited to spend Thanksgiving in Minnesota at Aunt Gayle and Uncle John's house.  After some discussion, we decided to invite my mom (Uncle John's sister) to join us for one last "family" holiday together.  It's very difficult (and stressful!) for my mom to travel as her dementia progresses.  Mom enjoyed seeing Hana and loved meeting my cousin Jennifer's son Jackson. 

The day was..... let's call it interesting.  Starting out with Jennifer falling and injuring her knee (and spending the morning in the hospital), my aunt and uncle's water heater breaking and mom being is a bad mood and constantly complaining about being too cold!  Dinner was excellent though and we are glad that mom got so see everyone (and her old house, family graves, etc) one last time. 

Tuesday night dinner and Nick & Jennifer's new house!

Happy Jack!

Yeah, presents!

"Please don't sit on me!"

"Why does she keep hugging me?"

Cousin Maren came for a visit on her way to Alma, WI.

Grandma arrived too!

Pre-dinner walk to the park!

And ride.....

And slide!

And swing.  (With neighbor Zander too...)

Dinner time!

All done!

Full!

Play before bed!

And sitting with Grandma!