Thanksgiving 2012

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday. On Wednesday, we trekked to Tennessee to meet up with Mimi, Paka, Aunt Amanda, Uncle David, Noah, Gavin & Levi. We were so glad to see them at the house on the lake in Smithville.

 

On Thanksgiving morning, we took off hiking to Burgess Falls. We've been there before and it did not disappoint. Here are the hikers who like to take turns as being the one that does not look at the camera.

Off we go on a hike!

Nate, oh Nate. The oldest and wisest cousin. Just ask him or his cousins. But don't ask Lila. She would most likely disagree.

We had to hold on to Lila most of the time to keep her from falling off cliffs. But she had fun and she was our protection from any rogue hunters. Hot pink is the new hunter orange, right?!?

The 3 Amigos...they had so much fun playing this trip. They always do, but it was with less fighting and more independence away from the adults. When we weren't out and about, they played and slept in the basement of this house. I was so proud of all of them - so grown up!

This was part of a larger picture of Mimi, Paka and the grandchildren. But the pictures didn't turn out on my camera - sun was causing a problem that the amateur photog couldn't handle:) Nate and Noah - best best best of buds.

The Odoms - love them!

Burgess Falls. You have to climb down the old metal stairs to get to the falls. And then you can go further down to get to the actual bottom of the falls. Lila wanted to go with the big boys so I decided we would go. I had to not think too much about it or fear would've taken over me. But the view was worth it.

After we got down to the falls, you can take a rock path down to the very bottom. We decided that wasn't for us, so we walked back up the rickety stairs to the top of the water fall (the boys went all the way down). Where I tied my scarf to her for most of the time to make sure she didn't get in the water. We were at the top of the falls you see. And I had nightmares that night about being at this very place. Yes, I did.

The kid table for Thanksgiving dinner. Where shirts are optional.

Hike #2 on Friday - around our little neighborhood.

My word. He looks so grown up.

Uncle Scott trying desperately to find something impressive for the kids.

The cabin had a hot tub, which the kids loved. This was on a cold day so it was extra fun.

I didn't take too many pictures of baby Levi but here's a sweet one. He is absolutely precious and by next year at this time, he'll be chasing after those big boys! And girl!