We are very Thankful!

This year we spent Thanksgiving down in San Ramon (which is in the Bay Area) with family. My Aunt Claudia and Uncle Barry opened their home to us for the day. We were joined by my cousins, Jon and Natalia, who are due with their first baby in January, my cousin Greg, and my parents. Scott, Caitlyn, Jo and myself hit the road, with all the other travelers and eventually got there about 2 hours and 15 minutes after we left - which is about 45 minutes longer than it usually takes; not terribly back for the busiest travel day of the year.

The guys jumped into drinking their beer and watching some football, while us ladies chatted. We ate plenty during the day and into the night.

It was extra special to be able to spend the day with Claudia and Barry as Barry is courageously battling Pancreatic Cancer. He was diagnosed back in the end of March. You can visit his Care Pages-Barry Siders, to read about his story.

Since Natalia is due with their baby girl, Ella, in January, we threw her surprise shower, as most of us won't be seeing them before their due date. Jon and Nat live in Corona, down in Southern California.

We finally packed up and said our goodbyes. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to Jo, as we knew that it is going to be many years before we see each other again. At least we've got the internet to keep us in touch.

On the way home, Caitlyn slept for over an hour of the drive, which never happens. We usually only get maybe 30 minutes of sleep out of her during car rides. Her head falls to the side, which wakes her up. My mom made Caty some pillows (two knee high socks sewn together with batting) to help keep her head from falling over. They worked wonders! I'll have to get a picture of Caitlyn using them and post it, so you can see what I'm talking about.

I know that this blog is a week late, but hey, I've got plenty on my plate right about now. From reading your blogs, I know that you all had wonderful Thanksgiving yourselves! I want you to know how thankful I am for your friendships!

Much love,
Jaime

ps - sorry for the picture overload!!

Caty and Jo

Caty with Jon and Natalia
Natalia and myself
With Jo
Caty and Naty
Caty with her shot glass - it was the only "small" one that we could find
Cheers with Daddy
Notice who's holding which drink
Family picture
Caty and my dad - Papa
Caty and my mom - Nana
Self Portrait of my cousin Jon and myself
With my cousin Greg
With Greg and Jo
Caty helping open the gifts
Listening to Ella's bear from Grandpa Barry
Jon and Natalia
Auntie Claudia, Uncle Barry, cousins Greg, Jon and Natalia
Caty with Nana and Papa
Caty with Auntie Claudia and Uncle Barry