Thanksgiving Week

 Knowing our kids are certified road warriors (a trip to Utah and Yellowstone in one summer will do that), it was a no-brainer that we should do another mega road trip this Thanksgiving. It helped knowing that we'd get to see my parents and my brother, who has been in Afghanistan for the past six months. We headed east this time, and saw nine cousins (including two new ones), four aunts and uncles, and two grandparents.

I always love watching our kids reunite with their cousins as if no time has passed at all. First we saw Paul's brother Brigham and his family. Their kids are almost the same ages as ours, and mostly boys. It was a rowdy, loud, nerf-gun-shooting, bracelet-looming good time.

We went to the Bureau of Engraving to see where money is made...

 ...and to the Air and Space Museum.

Nora and Lydia were delighted to have baby Claire around. She is about as sweet as they come!

 We also saw a play based on a children's book series with our cousins: "Lyle the Crocodile," which was great! I was surprised at how much Nora enjoyed it. She was up dancing, mimicking jazz hands, and desperate for a "flower hat" of her own as soon as it was finished.

On our way from Washington DC to Southern Maryland we decided to make a quick stop through Mount Vernon. It was cold and wet, but we had a great time learning more about George Washington and where he lived.

It was wonderful to see my brother Bryan again! We missed him during our reunion this Summer. I got some practice with my new camera and took a few family pictures for them. They also have kids the same ages as ours, although in almost exact reverse; two girls, then a boy and a girl. Nora was in heaven here, with two big girl cousins to look up to!

 The kids loved playing with Grandma and Grandpa!

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun.

 As wonderful as the food was, it was even better to be sharing it with so much family! The kids had a great time with their cousins- also as if no time had passed since last they saw each other.

 The next day we went to the local Marine Museum to get a little Southern Maryland flavor. There was a cute lighthouse there that we got to go up inside.

We saw aquariums full of sea life, fossils, and boats.

 Last on our trip was a stop through Richmond to see Paul's brother Mike and his family. They have a new baby, Elliot, who also has red hair!

 Benjamin has declared him to be the new cutest baby (sorry, Lydia), and claims that he looks like his twin.

 Baby date with Lydia and Elliot. Of the seven cousins born within the same year as Lydia, he's the closest in age.

It was a wonderful trip, and we were grateful we could do it. And now, we're grateful to be home!