Louie and I started our Thanksgiving off with a trip to the pool/beach. It was close to 80 that day so we figured we should soak up the sun while we could. Kinsley enjoyed a little Daddy time. He gives her a tad more space in the baby pool than I do so she was having fun with a little more freedom and was managing to completely dunk herself. She had a blast!
Shorty and G (Louie's parents) arrived Thanksgiving afternoon from Houston. Carol whipped up a quick batch of homemade cranberry sauce and we headed down to the pool to have dinner poolside. I think we all really enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of our dinner and I would NOT mind having Thanksgiving poolside every year. :)
Some of our Rochester friends joined us and made our Potluck Thanksgiving a success!
Beginning in the front left: Kenzie is in the stroller, Nick, Joy, Garvin, Carol, Louie, Kinsley, Me, Kaia and Hans. Our fabulous photographer, Rachel is taking the picture. :)
The next morning we headed south on 95 to Palm City. It was a 4 hour drive and Kinsley did really well. The only challenge was Kinsley won't fall asleep unless it's silent in the car (believe me, I've tried to continue talking - it is my favorite thing to do - but she will not fall asleep), so everyone was a good sport and drove in silence for an hour and a half. Kinsley was much happier after her nap, and we all resumed our visiting, so all is well. :)
Garvin's sister, Maggie, and brother-in-law, Fred, live in Palm City and Louie's grandmother Rogene and her friend Jodie were visiting as well. Even though the weather had cooled off in Jacksonville it was still 80 degrees in Palm City so it was off to the pool on Saturday. We really had a grand time eating, drinking, and visiting with everyone all weekend long. Maggie and Fred are truly amazing hosts and I really enjoyed getting to know some of Louie's extended family better.
Our view from Maggie and Fred's back porch... pure heaven!
The whole Stryker gang!
(From front left: Jodie, Louie, Garvin, Carol, Fred, Maggie, Rogene)
There was a playground at the pool on Saturday and Kinsley had a lot of fun with Shorty who was being a goof playing on all the equipment.
(Don't worry, Kinsley moved out of the way before Carol slid down the slide!)
Kinsley decided she didn't need a shovel for the sand, she could just use her hands.
Miss Kinsley on the merry-go-round.
All the ladies at the pool!
(From left to right: Jodie, Rogene, Maggie, Mary -Fred's mother, and Carol)
I think the ladies enjoyed watching me chase Kinsley around the pool. She LOVES the water!
Garvin and his sister, Maggie, made a huge, beautiful meal for us. Maggie taught Garvin how to make paella, which is a peasant dish that originated in Spain. It had yummy scallops and huge shrimp with rice, red and green peppers and chorizo. It was delicious!!
Although Miss Kinsley doesn't look very happy, this is a pretty special picture. 4 generations of Strykers!!
We headed back to Jacksonville on Sunday and again traveled in silence for an hour and a half, but I do have to say Kinsley had no tears (just a tiny bit of whining right before falling asleep) both there and back. Yay!
Monday we were able to meet Louie for lunch and walk around a shopping center in downtown Jacksonville. They graciously watched Kinsley this morning while I went to my last Bible study meeting this morning and then we swung by the beach before dropping them off at the airport.
Kinsley was not happy about having to take a picture because she wanted to be looking at the water, not taking a stinkin' picture! :)
In this pic she's finally getting to look at the water but is realizing she's not going to be able to get in.
Can you tell her grandmother is a little enamored??
Overall, our long weekend was wonderful with the grandparents and are so thankful they came to visit us in our home away from home!! :)
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's a great time to remember the many blessings in our life. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends that love us and our little girl so much!
Love to all!
C
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