Thankful

We had the best Thanksgiving break a gal could ever hope for.  We journeyed to my sissy's house in Coeur d'Alene, which is where all the good things happen.

Like my nieces coming home from college for the holiday.  And talking to my nephew on the phone from his mission.  And my parents making the trek to join in the fun.

It was a houseful of family, noise, and yummy food.

It was divine.

We did all sorts of fun things.

We painted rocks and got boba drinks.

Kitty went to the crystal shop.  Her favorite!

We tried to re-pierce Grandma's ears.

We reunited with a friend and saw a parade and fireworks.  Kitty is so loved that Captain Graybeard lifted her up so she could see better.  She's incredibly lucky.

Perhaps the highlight came when Kitty learned a valuable lesson about listening to her all-knowing mother.  She was balancing on a rock on the water's edge while we waited for the fireworks to start.  I asked her to get down since it was slick and she was going to fall into the water.

Kitty did not listen to her all-knowing mother.

Kitty fell into the icy water.  Lake Coeur d'Alene in November.  BRRR!

Like all good parents, I made her sit in her wet clothes and watch the fireworks.  We were a few miles from the car and I didn't want to miss the show.  You might call it heartless but I call it a teaching moment.

Kitty said later, "Do you know what's worse than falling in freezing cold water?  Falling in freezing cold water in front of a hundred people!"

She's right about that.

We ended our trip with a stop in Hermiston for my niece's baptism.  It was a lovely day and the perfect end to a perfect trip.

I am incredibly grateful for family relationships that make life sweet.  I'm thankful for sisters who are also my friends, and for the feeling of belonging.

Happy Thanksgiving!