Thanksgiving

The only consistent Thanksgiving tradition that our little family has known since J-rod and I have been married, is that we rarely celebrate Thanksgiving in the same way or place twice and even more rarely do we celebrate it in our own home, and this year was no exception! Although we had planned on celebrating Thanksgiving at our house--since we didn't last year, and since we didn't really want to take a road trip with a newborn--a few good reasons sent us packing and off we went to CA.

The original plan included my parents and Aunt A coming to our house for Thanksgiving, but my dad's battle with cancer quickly changed that. The tumor discovered on his liver this summer, originally thought to be benign, has been proven to be malignant and because of it's location, it has been deemed inoperable. After struggling with the decision for a couple months, my dad recently decided to take the advice of his oncologist, surgeons, and primary care physician, to try and shrink the tumor by undergoing chemotherapy. His first treatment was scheduled for the Monday after Thanksgiving, so my dad decided he'd better stay close to home for the holiday in preparation. So far he has held up pretty well this week, the only side effects he's noticed so far are feeling cold (one he was told to expect) and he has had a ferocious appetite (he was told to expect the opposite.) He will return every Monday for the next six weeks for further treatments, and then they'll go from there.

Gpa C, looking good prior to chemo, with Baby A

Shortly after my parents told us of their decision to stay in CA, we got word from J-rod's parents that one of his uncles was planning on getting married in CA the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That plan was contingent on G'ma M recovering well from her surgery to remove the tumor on her liver (her situation was eerily similar to my dad's with the main difference being the location of the tumor, which allowed hers to be removed.) Since G'ma M did very well after her surgery and the wedding plans were moving forward, we decided we'd take the opportunity to see my family as well as J-rod's and make the trip out to CA for Thanksgiving after all! Though our time in CA was short, we had a good time and are so glad that we went and were able to see as much family as we did!

Wonderful Gma M looking fabulous post-op

Thursday we spent it at my parents house; my mom spent the entire day keeping me at bay...she was a stinker and didn't let me help her with anything in regards to the great meal she made! It's no wonder I have no confidence in preparing a Thanksgiving meal myself! It's okay, I managed to keep myself busy secretly working on a Christmas project for my dear sister A. : ) The boys enjoyed playing outside with each other, Aunt A, and J-rod. A, my dad, and my mom (who would sneak away from the meal preparations every now and then) thoroughly enjoyed visiting with, snuggling with, and generally spoiling our kids. My dad's younger sister and brother joined us for the yummy dinner, it was good to see them too!

Gpa C with Tio A and Tia M

Friday we visited with my siblings in the high desert and met my brother's newest little guy. The boys had a great time playing with all the cousins while J-rod and I enjoyed catching up with my siblings and their spouses.

Baby A looking cute in her "Baby's 1st Thanksgiving" outfit
Our cute new nephew, Baby C

Saturday we went to Uncle P (and now) Aunt L's wedding at G'ma M's house and saw a lot of J-rod's family. Except for when it was time to nurse, I hardly saw or held Baby A that day because from the moment we set foot in the house until we left that night, she was snatched up and loved on by all the relatives that hadn't yet met her or missed being around her and she enjoyed every minute of it! : ) The wedding and reception were beautiful. We are so happy for Uncle P and Aunt L!

Aunt C and Cousin L meet Baby A for the first time

Cousin E, Cousin K, and Li'l J

Li'l J insists on signing his own name in the guest book

Li'l J's signature: backwards, just as he wrote it--so cute!

Recognize this handsome wedding guest?

The beautiful bride makes her entrance
"I do."

After the wedding festivities, Baby A hangs out with Gpa S

Sunday we came back to home and have since been putting things order to decorate for Christmas. We are having family pictures taken this Saturday afternoon, after which we will buy our tree and then I will finally feel like the Christmas season has officially arrived at our house! : )