Not So Sweet Home Part II
Back to Chicago after a long (actually seemed way too short) weekend in Alabama for the holiday. Had a fantastic time with my family - always do. It is a twelve hour drive, and Dave and I got there at about 7:30 Wednesday evening. Dad, Hilda and Grandma Fakes were sipping "capuccinos" on the back patio and greeted us as we pulled into the driveway. Moments later my brother, Nate arrived. The six of us sat around the dining room table watching Nate eat a bowl of pasta, laughing and taking pictures. Then we were off to early bed after a long day's worth of driving.
Thanksgiving Day was church at St. Mark's, my dad's parish, 10:00 a.m. It was a very small service, but I loved being in church with my family and watching my dad preach. He's such a good speaker and his message was very thoughtful and interesting. The sanctuary of the church is brand new and it was quite beautiful. I had seen it before, but hadn't had a chance to attend a service there. After church we headed home for an amazing dinner prepared by Hilda, my stepmom. We had the usual - turkey, corn, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry salad, and a choice of grandma's pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. I didn't have any turkey, but had no problem filliing up on the rest! After lunch Dad, Nate and I hiked up a small mountain not far from where Dad lives. It was beautiful. We hiked for about 2 hours, and didn't make it all the way up, but were able to get some great exercise and enjoy the beauty.
Friday we did the requisite post-Thanksgiving Christmas shopping venture to the local mall in Huntsville. It wasn't too crowded, believe it or not, and we were actually able to get some good shopping in. We had leftovers for lunch after returning home. Dad and I then decided to take a walk through a nature preserve near his home. Friday night was videos and a game called Phase 10. Nate and Dave opted out of playing this one, but I had fun with Grandma Dad and Hilda.
Saturday involved more time with the fam., mostly at home, then a late dinner out. Dave and I left Huntsville at about 8:00 this morning, and got back at 8:00 this evening.
Having so many members of my family in one place is pure bliss for me. I'm not kidding. And now that I'm home I feel a gaping hole in my heart from being so far away from everyone once again.
Thanksgiving Day was church at St. Mark's, my dad's parish, 10:00 a.m. It was a very small service, but I loved being in church with my family and watching my dad preach. He's such a good speaker and his message was very thoughtful and interesting. The sanctuary of the church is brand new and it was quite beautiful. I had seen it before, but hadn't had a chance to attend a service there. After church we headed home for an amazing dinner prepared by Hilda, my stepmom. We had the usual - turkey, corn, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry salad, and a choice of grandma's pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. I didn't have any turkey, but had no problem filliing up on the rest! After lunch Dad, Nate and I hiked up a small mountain not far from where Dad lives. It was beautiful. We hiked for about 2 hours, and didn't make it all the way up, but were able to get some great exercise and enjoy the beauty.
Friday we did the requisite post-Thanksgiving Christmas shopping venture to the local mall in Huntsville. It wasn't too crowded, believe it or not, and we were actually able to get some good shopping in. We had leftovers for lunch after returning home. Dad and I then decided to take a walk through a nature preserve near his home. Friday night was videos and a game called Phase 10. Nate and Dave opted out of playing this one, but I had fun with Grandma Dad and Hilda.
Saturday involved more time with the fam., mostly at home, then a late dinner out. Dave and I left Huntsville at about 8:00 this morning, and got back at 8:00 this evening.
Having so many members of my family in one place is pure bliss for me. I'm not kidding. And now that I'm home I feel a gaping hole in my heart from being so far away from everyone once again.
posted by Cara @ 8:46 PM
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