GG's First Family Thanksgiving - 2013

GG's Trip to Atlanta

It took three and a half days to drive from Las Vegas to Atlanta with a half day stay in Amarillo to visit Grandmother Barbara. When us three travellers (me (GG) and my Mom and Dad) arrived at her house, I was so excited to see her. I remembered her house from several trips made there before and Grandmother Barbara is so kind to me. While my people went out for a nice meal, I recuperated in my bed from all the driving. I was ready for a break. Then, we stayed overnight in her comfortable guest room.

After more driving, we arrived at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Frank's house on Thursday and were given very comfortable guest quarters. I especially enjoyed the walks on the boardwalk through the woods near her house daily. The next day, Mom and Dad packed up my bed and we all went over the river and through the woods to Grandmother Marie's house where I was, again, very excited to see someone I remember and love. I was especially excited to play with a new tennis ball that Grandfather Gordon gave me. I was so excited that I knocked over a rickety table and broke it. I felt very bad about that but Grandmother Marie made me feel a little better and then we went back to Aunt Debbie's. That night, Mom and Dad left me in my bed and went out to see some colorful holiday lights.


Atlanta Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights 2013 

On Friday, November 22, Debbie, Frank, John and Kay went to see the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights. It was the last pleasant evening before the bad weather came in and the crowds were not bad since the holidays were just getting started.

They walked through the gardens one and a half times and soaked in the beauty of the incredible light displays. There were carolers meandering about singing Christmas songs with beautiful voices.

Since it was dark otherwise, you could not tell that the lights were wrapped around plant topiary art works that were shaped just like the lights. The exception was colorful orbs in one section of the gardens that were constantly changing colors.

They also walked through the greenhouse with tropical plants displayed. It was very dark inside here with the exception of tiny laser lights emitting spots of green everywhere. There was also a model train display that delighted the kids. And, there was a smores set up where you could cook your own decadent snacks. I think I would have like that 'cept that I'm not supposed to eat choclit.

 On Saturday, Aunt Debbie and my Mom went to the grocery store while my Dad went to see my half brother, Connor. Later that night, Uncle Frank, Aunt Debbie and my Mom went to see a movie and ate at a nice little french restaurant in Sandy Springs called "La Petite Maison." (I wonder if they make french dog food ....) It sounded so good!

Sope Creek Hike

 On Sunday, Mom went to Uncle Tim's house while Dad went to see my half sister Andrea ... who, by the way, looks fantastic, I heard .... At Uncle Tim's, Mom went on a hike down at Sope Creek with Uncle Tim, Aunt Pam and my cousins Lauren, Max and Haze. The hike wasn't long but it was a beautiful Georgia November day. Later, Dad and cousin Paige came over and everyone went out for dinner. It sounded like a wonderful day. Kinda wish I had been there.

Family

Marie & Gordon

Debbie

Tim with Max & Haze

Ryan, John, Andrea & Connor

Paige, Lauren & Andrew

 On Monday, Mom and Dad went back up to see Grand- mother Marie and Grand- father Gordon. Dad helped them with their ailing computer while Mom helped to make pecan pies for the upcoming Thanksgiving festivities. Later that day, Dad went to have dinner with my half brother Ryan. Dad really enjoyed getting to see his children so much while we were there in Atlanta. They have grown a lot and look so happy! I was able to see them a couple of days later and they were all so big and tall! Plus, they had a dog named Bridget that was also really tall!

(CW from left) Gordon, Cameron, Andrew, Tim, Paige, Lauren & GG

(CW from Top) Tim, Paige, Lauren & GG

Debbie & Pam

John, Frank & Marie

 Tuesday and Wednesday were busy with good smells from the kitchen, a load of laundry and cold walks in the rain on the boardwalk. On Wednesday, I got to see my first train. Hmmm. I don't care if I ever see another one. They are very loud and squeaky. Mom also gathered colorful leaves and such for a centerpiece that Dad arranged for Thanksgiving. I found two new tennis balls on the walks, too. Very exciting! I brought them home even though my mouth was so frozen that I kept dropping the one I found on Wednesday.

Laura & Her mother, Malvina

Lauren & Cameron

We Love These Kids!!

Thanksgiving

 So, this event called "Thanks- giving" arrived on Thursday. It was a big day for everyone. I have never been among so many people before in my life. Everyone was taller than me but I blended right in. We are an equal opportunity family. I just stood right in the middle of the kitchen and watched Uncle Frank and Dad carve the turkey. (This was when Uncle Frank became my person of the day!) Every once in a while Uncle Frank would "askadently" drop turkey my way.

 The kitchen got busier and busier as more and more people came through the door. I took it all in stride. As a result, my Mom was sooo proud of me. After the meal, which was presented at two tables, everyone sat around talking and watching a game with a funny looking ball on TV. What a day! I really enjoyed every minute of it! I think I like Thanksgiving!

The party's over.

The Trip Home

The drive home lasted only three days. We stopped in Amarillo again but only for dinner. While we were there, I met my first baby. It was my second cousin named Addison. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do but everyone sat around laughing anyway. In the end, I think I like Addie, too.

Barbara & Addie (You can't have too many dolls!)

P.S. It's so good to be home!