Thanksgiving

There is much to be thankful for.  The biggest on my list right now is that I finally have all the laundry from our trip to Kentucky finished.   When the cabin fills with smoke from the fire you keep blazing to fight off the 27 degree temperature, all the sleeping bags, quilts, and pillows need baths.  

Seriously, I am so thankful for time for a few days of focused family time.  Snuggling together in the big bed while daddy braves the cold to serve us breakfast,  sitting close around the fire, and exploring new things all helped Claire learn what it means to be in a family.

Going away from home, and finding out that we still take care of her and bring her back just like we said, helps build trust.   

It was so nice to spend a few days together.  Dan drove down from Cedarville and we met him at Mammoth Caves.  I didn't realize how much I miss him until I finally saw him again.  It was fun to introduce our two youngest kids to each other.  Claire finally got to see that Dan is real, and not just a computer animation.  :-)

Our little cabin was perfect in Claire's eyes.  We were always only a few feet away from her even if we moved! She was a little jealous when Dan got any attention, but she soon figured out that the best way to get people to notice her was to join in with the rest of us.

 

Getting in the Thanksgiving mood by making an Indian hat.  She saw a picture of Colton on Facebook wearing the one he made at New Day.  Of course, she had to have one too.

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Making Kelly's grandmother's  special green jello recipe for Thanksgiving dinner.  Cooking in the cabin was challenging, but we had fun.

Thanksgiving dinner on the porch where it was just a little windy.  Claire seemed to enjoy all of our traditional food offerings, but she was most anxious to get to the apple pie.  We made that before the trip and froze it.  A little while in the oven and it was almost as good as freshly baked!

The park at the campground gave us something to do while our men folk were exploring the cave on one of the long, hard tours.

The real Yogi was sleeping for the winter, so his statue had to be good enough.

If the boys go up the tree, Claire has to follow.  They will make a tomboy out of her yet.

Ben and Dan trying to teach Claire how to skip. 

A daddy snuggle pile!

It is dark.  It is very cold.  AND, you want me to eat this thing?  Are you crazy?

S'mores aren't really worth the effort.  Just give me the "chocoli" and leave the rest.

Going down and down to the bottom of the Frozen Niagara. Pretty rocks.

Poor boys have to bend over, but Claire follows easily.

A quick stop to buy a book to read at bedtime.