Thanksgiving weekend went way too fast as always, but we had a great time celebrating with our families. Unfortunately, Dave had to work Wednesday and Friday nights, so it made more sense for him to stay home on Thanksgiving while Abby, Sadie, and I traveled to Rochester to be with my family. Also unfortunately, my dad was stuck in Asheville with kidney stone issues, so we had a nice Thanksgiving meal with my mom, brother, and sister. We had some good sibling bonding time that night as we ventured out to Target at midnight to snag a Black Friday deal on a camera with our Target discount. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience…not something I plan on doing again unless it’s a GREAT deal! Lots of people and waiting in line, but at least the weather was nice. We spent Friday hanging out and helping my mom get the outdoor lights and Christmas tree up.
On Saturday, Abby got to have a “princess” day with all of the favorite ladies in her life–both of her grandmas, aunts, and myself–we went to see Disney Live at the Mayo Civic Center, where they were presenting three princess stories. Abby loved getting dressed up and was so enthralled by the show…she was upset at intermission that the show had to take a break! We also had a great surprise–Dave ended up driving down after getting off of work, so we could spend some time with him.
After the show, we returned to my parents’ house where my grandma, aunt, and cousins had arrived from Iowa for some family/game time. Later that evening, when we went out to dinner for my sister’s birthday, Abby got the best surprise ever when my mom went to pick my dad up from the airport and returned with him…he had finally felt well enough to make it back, and I think it was definitely worth it when he saw the look on Abby’s face and she ran into his arms. Even though he was only able to stay until noon the next day, it was great that he ended up being able to make it.
On Sunday, after dropping my dad off at the airport, Abby and I met up with Dave at his family’s Thanksgiving in Albert Lea. They were nice enough to save some food for us, and we had a delicious meal and treats as we watched the Vikings lose… Abby was most excited to get a chance to play with her aunt Tracy and Dave’s cousin Jenny.
Returning home was definitely nice tonight after a busy four days, but we are definitely missing family–it was so great to spend time with everyone, and we are especially thankful that my brother was able to come home, my mom had the energy to provide such delicious meals all weekend, and that my dad was able to make it home for a little bit. I am also thankful that Christmas break is here in just 3 1/2 weeks–18 school days!! 
