Tennessee Thanksgiving

Talk about Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for Aunt Nancy, Em, Gary, Angie, Scott and Lisa, Aunt Jo, Aunt Suzanne and Aunt Patsy for their warm Southern hospitality that we enjoyed in Franklin, Tennessee! After a 10 hour drive from Michigan, we arrived at the log house, decked out with pumpkins and flowers. Lots of hugs inside and wonderful aromas from many dishes being prepared for the weekend.

The grand children's excitement of seeing their cousins after several months added to the fun. My favorite moment was all the hugs and kisses as they lined up to say goodnight before Dan read them a story.

Aunt Nancy opened her house for all of us. Beds for seven children and six adults in the main house and Tom and I had our own little "potting shed." This little cottage is nothing like my garden shed! Very comfortable and super cute with bedroom, kitchen, bath and living area.

We spent Thanksgiving Day at Scott & Lisa's home with a backyard like a park. Lots of action and things to do for the children and 70F. Got to love the south!

Here are the ladies that made this meal happen (Angie, Lisa, Patsy, Suzanne and Jo) and what a meal it was! I can't remember a dinner with more choices.

Did you think three of those ladies looked related? well here they are with their brother, Gary, Angie's dad.

Lions fans all enjoyed most of the game but they have come to expect to be disappointed on this day. I've got to hand it to them, they are not "fair weather fans."

On the other hand, Kim, Natalie and Joy are enjoying the the fair weather of Tennessee.

The next morning we enjoyed a big breakfast of country ham, tomato gravy, biscuits, quiche, cheezy potatoes and fruit before heading off to tour Opry Land Hotel. I sure wasn't prepared for the beauty and magnitude of the gardens.

Now, that is a beautiful tree but I think those little ones in front of it are the most precious. Oh, just in case you are counting and wondering, Natalie is not in the picture and the two children on the left are Zane and Hazel, cousins to Dan's children. It was pretty busy in there and watching nine children among the crowds was a bit of a challenge, but Cooper helped us out with Natalie.

After another meal of left over turkey and dressing (YUM) we gather the children, bathe and tuck them into bed. How can a much anticipated visit go by so fast! Saturday is a day of travel to Georgia, Illinois and Michigan. We are thankful for these family times and the freedom we have to drive throughout our country, the abundance of food and beautiful places and those who have shared their gift of hospitality with us.

These three, Emily, Angie and Nancy our hostesses. Angie sure resembles her mother and her Aunt Nancy in physical appearance and spirit. Thank you.