Oysterville Walk, Beach Thanksgiving with the Parents
Nov. 22, 2012
After a dramatically soggy drive south Sarah and I made it to La Center to briefly visit with my parents, uncle, aunt and cousin. It was a short visit for Sarah who then had to fly from Portland to Medford to help her mom attend to a dying aunt. I was proud of my girl for going there to help and do what she could because, although not emotionally close to her aunt who'd been under supervised care most if not all of Sarah's life, she wanted to support her mom and pay her respects accordingly. After I returned to my parents' place everyone started to gather. Another cousin, his wife and her close family, along with my brother, his wife, her mom joined in for a great afternoon and night of some games, catching up, food, drink and dessert. I also had the pleasure of talking with my cousin's wife about a young son they recently lost. She was happy to share a touching photo album of his short life and I was honored to be related to the little guy and at least get to know him a bit through pictures and his mother.
It was a great Thanksgiving even with all that considered. I'm thankful for everything we have and for the things we've lost. Today I had time to think about this and celebrate it with some of the people I love.
Kitty Jazzy in her box
Mom and dad doing a bit of flower prep
My cousin, aunt and uncle playing a little Fill or Bust
My lovely mom in their lovely kitchen
My cousin chats with my Scotland-based sister
Dad gets ready to carve the turkey
My cousing and his wife
Sharing some good vibes before our meal
The uncle from whom I learned how to enjoy documenting family get togethers
I don't like turkey and maybe this pic will get more folks on my side -- if you're not with me, you're against me ;)
Serving up for the feast
Everyone enjoying the food and company at the dinner table
Dad prepping his cinnamon sugar grilled pears
The pears on the grill
The tasty finished product
My uncle and his son/my cousin
Rolling for position in a post-dinner game of Fill or Bust
Diligently keeping score
My cousing dancin' to some bopping tunes coming out of my dad's Wurlitzer
A soft portrait of kitty Jazzy
