Thursday, December 25, 2014

Thanksgiving & Ohio Family 2014

I love visiting our Ohio family! Josh grew up there but in high school his parents and siblings moved to MN. Josh has lived in MN longer than Ohio now, but he is still a Buckeye with a soft spot for the Gophers.

Josh and I value family and one way we have chosen to demonstrate that is to see and visit family that we can drive to in a day or so (sorry German loved ones; we'll get there someday!). We go to Ohio every other year since we've been married and we're considering going every year. We were also in Ohio our first Christmas as a married couple and have returned for Grandma Betty and Grandpa Richard's funerals, as well as my cousin Cheryl's wedding. My side of the family also has a presence in Ohio. My mom's sister, Tina, and her family have lived in Ohio for over 10 years. We swing by them near Dayton on nearly every trip or meet halfway between them and Josh's family in Butler, north of Columbus. We always stay with Grandma Norma, and what a treat that is. She is a fabulous cook, great to talk to, and an overall fabulous grandma who loves on her grand babies, and great-grand babies. 

This Thanksgiving was special because it was Mollie and Will's first time to Ohio and first time to meet all of the family that lives there! Great Grandma Norma immediately loved on those babies! She was so helpful with their bottle feedings and making sure Caleb got what food and things he needed. 

On Thanksgiving Day we celebrated at Aunt Penny's house. She and Uncle Larry added on to their farm house and have a beautiful kitchen and eating area for hosting the large Miller family! Josh's cousin Caroline also has twins, Addison and Annabell. They are two years old and so sweet! They were so good to the babies! Caleb was also a rockstar on this trip! He traveled so well! I can't believe how awesome he did for being THREE! 

This trip marked a few milestones for Mollie and Will! 
-Their first road trip beyond the Twin Cities. We drove through the night to get to Ohio for a total of 16 hours on the road. 
-We stopped for breakfast at their first Cracker Barrel.
-Both babies cut at least one tooth! Sleep was difficult and away from home when teething. Those top ones are coming through! 
-Will pulled to standing for the first time on Thanksgiving Day! 
-First time sleeping in a hotel. We stopped on the way back at a hotel for a pool so Caleb could go swimming!

This Thanksgiving we are so grateful for the many blessings God has graced us with this year! He has entrusted us with three amazing and healthy children! We are exhausted but filled with joy that these three are in our lives!! 

























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